What Should You Avoid When Taking Hovasc 5mg?

Hovasc 5mg

Hovasc 5mg is a drug often used to treat hypertensive disorders. It contains 5mg of amlodipine besylate which is equivalent to 5mg of amlodipine. It is also available in 10mg tablets. Other than hypertensive disorders, Hovasc 5mg can also be used in the treatment of Prinzmetal’s angina and coronary artery diseases. The dosage of this drug depends on the condition that is being treated and the response to treatment. You should always follow the instructions given by your doctor when taking this drug. Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, which means it blocks the entry of calcium ions into the smooth muscles of the heart and vessels. This relaxes the vessels which decrease the peripheral vascular resistance causing a drop in blood pressure. This drug can be given to adults and children above the age of 6 years.

What Should You Avoid When Taking Hovasc 5mg?

Hovasc 5mg is a relatively safe drug and is well tolerated by most people. However, there are times when you should avoid taking this drug. Those include:

1: Planning to get pregnant

• • Although there is limited data on the effect of this drug on fertility, its use in pregnancy is restricted due to a lack of clinical evidence on its safety. If you’re planning to get pregnant, discuss with your doctor regarding alternative treatments for your condition.

2: Exposure to sunlight

1. • The usage of this drug may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, limit your outdoor activities and if you have to go out use sunscreen or a hat to keep you protected from sunburn.

3: Operating heavy machinery

1. • If your job involves driving and operating heavy machinery, it is best to ask your doctor to switch to a different medication as this drug can cause dizziness and tiredness.

4: Alcohol

1. • While taking alcohol with Hovasc 5mg is safe, it can cause sleepiness when taken together.

5: Overdosage

1. • Never take more than the recommended dosage as it may cause rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and fainting. If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember if it’s not less than 12 hours to your next dose. Otherwise, wait till your next dose and take as you normally would.

6: Medications

1. • Some drugs are known to interact and interfere with the efficacy of Hovasc 5mg. If you are on any of these drugs, inform your doctor so that your treatment plan can be changed accordingly.
     1. Simvastatin
     2. Sildenafil
     3. Cyclosporine
     4. Tacrolimus
     5. CYP3A4 inhibitors such as protease inhibitors, azole antifungals, and macrolides
     6. Rifampicin
     7. Dantrolene infusion

7: Grapefruit

1. • This fruit should be avoided while on Hovasc 5mg because it may increase the concentration of amlodipine which will then enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect leading to hypotension.

Who Should Not Take Hovasc 5mg?

This drug cannot be given under certain circumstances such as:

• Shock
• History of hypersensitivity reaction to amlodipine
• Cases of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction such as aortic stenosis
• Hemodynamically unstable patients especially after myocardial infarction
• Unstable angina
• Severe hypotension
• Children below the age of 6 years

This drug should also be used in caution when given to the following groups of people:

• History of liver impairment – as this drug is metabolized in the liver, it might exacerbate the existing condition.
• Heart failure – Studies have shown that this drug may increase the risk of future cardiovascular events.
• Pregnancy – there isn’t sufficient evidence to prove the safety of this drug in pregnancy, therefore it should only be given when there are no other safer alternatives.
• Breastfeeding – This drug is excreted in breast milk, however, its effect on infants is not well-known so its use should be restricted to when it’s necessary.

Helen

Helen Bradley is a health blogger and the founder of her own blog about fitness. She has been blogging for three years now and loves to share what she learns with others. Helen enjoys reading, cooking, and staying active outdoors.