Lofral tablets contain the active ingredient amlodipine, a medicine that belongs to a group of drugs known as calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart.
Lofral is used under medical supervision to help treat high blood pressure and certain types of angina. It may also be prescribed by the doctor for some conditions related to blood circulation and arteries, depending on the patient’s condition.
What is Lofral 10mg used for?
Lofral is used to help treat or control the following conditions:
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Mild to moderate high blood pressure.
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High blood pressure in general.
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Chronic stable angina.
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Vasospastic angina, also known as Prinzmetal’s angina.
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Coronary artery disease.
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Raynaud’s disease is a condition in which blood flow to the extremities is reduced.
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Helping reduce certain risks of high blood pressure complications, such as stroke, according to the doctor’s assessment.
How to use Lofral tablets
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Lofral is taken orally according to the dose prescribed by the doctor.
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The usual starting dose for adults with high blood pressure or angina is 5 mg once daily. The doctor may increase the dose to 10 mg once daily if needed.
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In elderly patients or patients with hepatic impairment, the doctor may start with a lower dose, such as 2.5 mg once daily.
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For children over 6 years old with high blood pressure, the doctor may prescribe a dose ranging from 2.5 mg to 5 mg daily. The safety and effectiveness of use in children under 6 years old have not been established.
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Lofral may be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.
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Do not change the dose or stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, even if symptoms improve.
Side effects
Amlodipine may cause some side effects in certain patients, including:
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Swelling of the feet, ankles, or extremities.
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Headache.
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Fatigue or tiredness.
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Dizziness.
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Palpitations.
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Nausea.
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Facial flushing or a feeling of warmth.
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Abdominal pain.
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Drowsiness or lethargy.
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Itching or skin rash.
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Muscle cramps or weakness.
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Sexual problems in some men.
Seek medical care immediately if severe symptoms occur, such as shortness of breath, severe swelling, severe dizziness, fainting, or worsening chest pain.
Precautions and warnings
Tell your doctor before using Lofral if you have any of the following:
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A previous allergy to amlodipine or any calcium channel blocker.
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Liver or kidney impairment.
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Congestive heart failure.
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Heart rhythm problems or sick sinus syndrome.
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Severe ventricular dysfunction.
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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
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Severe aortic valve stenosis.
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Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant.
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Breastfeeding.
This medicine should be used with caution in elderly patients and children. Some patients may need lower doses or closer medical monitoring.
Drug interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and supplements the patient is taking before starting treatment, especially:
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Azole antifungal medicines.
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Ritonavir or some medicines are used to treat viral infections.
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Simvastatin, when used with amlodipine, may increase the risk of muscle problems.
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Cyclosporine.
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Conivaptan.
Some medicines may increase the level of amlodipine in the blood, which may raise the risk of side effects such as dizziness or low blood pressure. Therefore, medicines should not be combined or changed without consulting the doctor.
Storage
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Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
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Keep out of reach of children.
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Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the package.
Ingredients
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Contains the active ingredient: Amlodipine.
