About EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL
EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL is used to treat High blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension is a condition where the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. If left untreated, this condition can cause chest pain (angina), heart attack, brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure.
EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL is a combination medicine containing Efonidipine (calcium channel blocker) and Metoprolol (beta-blocker). Efonidipine works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood passes through them more easily. Metoprolol works by blocking beta receptors in the heart, making the heart beat slowly and with less force. It decreases the pressure at which blood is pumped out of the heart and throughout the body.
Take EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor. In some cases, you may experience headaches, nausea, stomach discomfort, abdominal pain, hot flashes, palpitations, and facial flushing that usually resolve after some time.
Before taking EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL, inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using to rule out any possible side effects or interactions. EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL is not recommended for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding. EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL may cause dizziness; therefore, avoid driving vehicles or operating machinery until you return to normal.
Uses of EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL
Medicinal Benefits
EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL is a combination medication that contains efonidipine (calcium channel blocker) and metoprolol (beta blocker). This medicine relaxes the blood vessels, allowing the heart to pump blood more efficiently. It reduces the force and contractions of the heart. Thus, it lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL
Hot flushes
Palpitations
Facial flushing
Headache
Dizziness
Elevation in serum total cholesterol, ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT) and BUN may occur.
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not use EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL if you are allergic to EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL or its components. Please inform your doctor if you are using any prescription and non-prescription medications, including vitamins, before starting EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL. Let your doctor know if you have any history of severe heart, kidney, or liver diseases. EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL should not be administered to pregnant women and women suspected of being pregnant. Mothers on EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL treatment should avoid breastfeeding. EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL is not recommended in children and adolescents under 18 years due to a lack of information for this age group. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of efonidipine, which can cause an unpredictable increase in its blood pressure-lowering effect. So, it is recommended not to drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while taking this medicine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL may interact with other antihypertensive agents (e.g. clonidine), antiretroviral medications (e.g. atazanavir, saquinavir) stomach acid reducers (e.g. cimetidine) and immunomodulating medications (e.g. tacrolimus, fingolimod).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking this medicine. Alcohol consumption should be avoided.
Drug-Disease Interactions: EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL may interact with disease conditions, including liver disease, recent heart attack, heart failure, or severe increase in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis), bradyarrhythmia/AV block, cardiogenic shock/hypotension, CHF (Congestive heart failure), diabetes, hemodialysis, hypersensitivity, ischemic heart disease, and PVD (peripheral arterial disease).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is not to consume alcohol since it may worsen the side effects like dizziness and also increase blood pressure.
Pregnancy
cautionEFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL should not used by pregnant women and women suspected of being pregnant unless the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the foetus.
Breast Feeding
cautionEFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL should not used if you are breastfeeding unless the benefits surpass the risks to your baby.
Driving
cautionDo not drive or operate machinery as EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL can influence the ability to drive and use machines. Dizziness or drowsiness may occasionally occur when taking EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL.
Liver
cautionEFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL should be used cautiously in patients with liver disease. Inform your doctor if you have a liver impairment before taking EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL. Your doctor may adjust the dose accordingly.
Kidney
cautionLimited data is available on using EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL in patients with kidney disease. If you have kidney problems, inform your doctor before taking EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL.
Children
cautionEFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL is not recommended in children and adolescents under 18 years due to a lack of information for this age group.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Keep your weight under control with a BMI of 18.5-24.9.
Do regular physical activity or exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week. Doing this can help lower your raised blood pressure by about 5 mm Hg.
Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
Limit sodium chloride (table salt) intake in your daily diet.
If you are taking alcohol, only one serving for women and two serving for men is advisable.
Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
Avoid chronic stress, as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spend time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
Monitor your blood pressure daily, and immediately contact your doctor if there is too much fluctuation.
Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food and drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive, soybean, canola, and coconut oil, as they may help lower your blood pressure.
Special Advise
Monitor your blood pressure regularly and seek medical advice if you notice any drastic fluctuations.
EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL may affect patients with hepatic impairment; hence, it is used cautiously, and Liver function monitoring and Liver Function Tests are advised to monitor the liver enzyme changes.
Your doctor may advise you to get a regular kidney function test and blood examinations for potassium levels and other electrolytes while using EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL to rule out any renal impairment.
Grapefruit juice and grapefruit should not be consumed by people taking EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL. This is because grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of the active ingredient amlodipine in EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL, which can cause an unpredictable increase in the blood pressure-lowering effect of EFONIDIPINE+METOPROLOL.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Blood pressure: Blood pressure measures the force our heart uses to pump blood to all body parts. Hypertension is a chronic condition when blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked). High blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor. Systolic pressure is the pressure with which the heart pumps blood. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is the pressure when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg, and diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. Ideal blood pressure should be between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg.
