Product Introduction:
Apresol Plus Tablet is a combination medication containing Isosorbide Dinitrate (20mg) and Hydralazine (37.5mg). Isosorbide dinitrate belongs to the class of drugs called nitrates, which work by dilating blood vessels, primarily veins, to reduce the workload on the heart. Hydralazine is a vasodilator that relaxes and widens blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. This combination is used in the treatment of heart failure and hypertension.
Apresol Plus Tablet should be taken with food regularly at a fixed time each day. You should take it regularly at evenly spaced intervals as per the schedule prescribed by your doctor. Taking it at the same time every day will help you remember to take it. The dose and duration of treatment will depend on what you are being treated for. Do not stop taking it until you have finished the complete course, even when you feel better. Lifestyle changes like a low-fat diet, exercise, and not smoking may help this medicine to work better.
It is generally safe and suitable for most people but has some potential side effects. The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and loss of appetite. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. There may be ways of reducing or preventing them. It makes you feel dizzy as of orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing). Hence, rise slowly while from a sitting position or avoid driving. You may be asked for regular monitoring of blood pressure while on the treatment.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. You must tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. You should also let your healthcare team know all other medicines you are taking as they may affect, or be affected by this medicine.
Benefits:
- Blood Pressure Control: Apresol Plus Tablet helps in lowering blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood.
- Heart Failure Management: By reducing the workload on the heart and improving blood flow, this combination medication can help manage symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
- Angina Relief: Isosorbide dinitrate component can also alleviate symptoms of angina (chest pain) by dilating coronary arteries, thus increasing blood flow to the heart muscle.
Side Effects:
Common side effects of Apresol Plus Tablet may include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Nausea
- Fatigue
Less common but more serious side effects may include:
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Reflex tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
- Lupus-like syndrome (joint pain, fever, and skin rash)
- Drug-induced systemic lupus erythematosus (DILE)
- Drug-induced hepatitis
Usage Guidelines:
- Dosage: The usual dosage of Apresol Plus Tablet is determined by the healthcare provider based on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
- Administration: The tablets are usually taken orally with or without food, as directed by the physician.
- Duration: Follow the prescribed duration of treatment. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly without consulting your doctor.
- Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule.
- Overdose: In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center right away.
Drug Interactions:
- Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors: Concurrent use with PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil) may potentiate the hypotensive effects of Apresol Plus Tablet, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure.
- Other Antihypertensive Agents: Combining Apresol Plus Tablet with other antihypertensive medications (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers) may result in additive blood pressure-lowering effects.
- Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Apresol Plus Tablet, as it may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and hypotension.
Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for comprehensive information about potential drug interactions and side effects specific to your medical history and current medications. Follow their instructions carefully for safe and effective use of Apresol Plus Tablet.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
Pregnancy
Breast feeding
Driving
As Apresol Plus Tablet may cause headaches or lead to difficulty in concentration and this may affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
Regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended for better dose adjustment.
Liver