Concor (+Amlodipine)

Uses

Patients with mild to moderate hypertension (alone or in combination with other antihypertensives).

The treatment of chronic stable and vasospastic angina.

Raynaud\'s disease.

Bisoprolol is used for the treatment of hypertension, angina and heart failure. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

Concor (+Amlodipine) is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Anginal Pain, Cardiovascular Events, Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Hypertension,Essential, Mixed Dyslipidemias, Primary Hypercholesterolemia, Vasospastic AnginaAtrial Fibrillation, Cardiovascular Events, Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris, Heart Failure, High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Mild Hypertension, Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC), Supraventricular Arrhythmias, Moderate Hypertension, Perioperative arrhythmia

How Concor (+Amlodipine) works

Mechanism of action on blood pressure

Amlodipine is considered a peripheral arterial vasodilator that exerts its action directly on vascular smooth muscle to lead to a reduction in peripheral vascular resistance, causing a decrease in blood pressure. Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist (calcium ion antagonist or slow-channel blocker) that inhibits the influx of calcium ions into both vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle. Experimental studies imply that amlodipine binds to both dihydropyridine and nondihydropyridine binding sites, located on cell membranes. The contraction of cardiac muscle and vascular smooth muscle are dependent on the movement of extracellular calcium ions into these cells by specific ion channels. Amlodipine blocks calcium ion influx across cell membranes with selectivity. A stronger effect of amlodipine is exerted on vascular smooth muscle cells than on cardiac muscle cells . Direct actions of amlodipine on vascular smooth muscle result in reduced blood pressure .

Mechanism of action in angina

The exact mechanism by which amlodipine relieves the symptoms of angina have not been fully elucidated to this date, however, the mechanism of action is likely twofold:

Amlodipine has a dilating effect on peripheral arterioles, reducing the total peripheral resistance (afterload) against which the cardiac muscle functions. Since the heart rate remains stable during amlodipine administration, the reduced work of the heart reduces both myocardial energy use and oxygen requirements .

Dilatation of the main coronary arteries and coronary arterioles, both in healthy and ischemic areas, is another possible mechanism of amlodipine reduction of blood pressure. The dilatation causes an increase in myocardial oxygen delivery in patients experiencing coronary artery spasm (Prinzmetal's or variant angina) and reduces coronary vasoconstriction caused by smoking .

Though the mechanism of action of bisoprolol has not been fully elucidated in hypertension, it is thought that therapeutic effects are achieved through the antagonism of β-1adrenoceptors to result in lower cardiac output. Bisoprolol is a competitive, cardioselective β1-adrenergic antagonist. When β1-receptors (located mainly in the heart) are activated by adrenergic neurotransmitters such as epinephrine, both the blood pressure and heart rate increase, leading to greater cardiovascular work, increasing the demand for oxygen. Bisoprolol reduces cardiac workload by decreasing contractility and the need for oxygen through competitive inhibition of β1-adrenergic receptors.

Bisoprolol is also thought to reduce the output of renin in the kidneys, which normally increases blood pressure. Additionally, some central nervous system effects of bisoprolol may include diminishing sympathetic nervous system output from the brain, decreasing blood pressure and heart rate.

Dosage

Concor (+Amlodipine) dosage

For treatment of both hypertension and angina pectoris, the usual initial dose is 5 mg once daily. If the desired therapeutic effect cannot be achieved within 2-4 weeks, the dose may be increased to a maximum dose of 10 mg once daily. Amlodipine 10 mg once daily provides symptomatic improvement in patients with Raynaud's disease.

Use in children: Use of Amlodipine in children (under 12 years of age) is not recommended.

The usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily. In some patients, 2.5 mg may be an appropriate starting dose. If the antihypertensive effect of 5 mg is inadequate, the dose may be increased to 10 mg and then, if necessary, to 20 mg once daily.

For heart failure: Initially 1.25 mg once daily (in the morning) for 1 week then, if well tolerated, increased to 2.5 mg once daily for 1 week, then 3.75 mg once daily for 1 week, then 5 mg once daily for 4 weeks, then 7.5 mg once daily for 4 weeks, then 10 mg once daily; max. 10 mg daily.

Side Effects

Amlodipine is generally well tolerated. The most commonly observed side effects are headache, peripheral oedema, palpitations, flushing, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain.

Diarrhoea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, nausea, sleeplessness, unusual tiredness, weakness, Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), chest pain, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness or dizziness when rising from a lying or sitting position, very slow heartbeat.

Toxicity

Acute oral toxicity (LD50): 37 mg/kg (mouse) .

Overdose

An overdose of amlodipine could result in a high degree of peripheral vasodilatation with a possibility of reflex tachycardia. Significant and prolonged hypotension leading to shock and fatal outcomes have been reported .

Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility

Rats and mice treated with amlodipine maleate in the diet on a long-term basis for up to 2 years demonstrated no evidence of a carcinogenic effect of the drug. For the mouse, the highest dose was comparable to the maximum recommended human dose of 10 mg amlodipine per day. For the rat, the highest dose was measured to be about twice the maximum recommended human dose .

Mutagenicity studies using amlodipine maleate showed no drug-related gene or chromosomal effects .

There was no impact on the fertility of rats given oral amlodipine maleate (males for 64 days and females for 14 days before mating) at doses up to 10 mg amlodipine/kg/day (8 times the maximum recommended human dose) .

Use in pregnancy

The safety of amlodipine in human pregnancy or lactation has not been proven. Amlodipine is therefore considered a pregnancy category C drug . Use amlodipine only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk .

Use in nursing

Discontinue when administering amlodipine .

LD50 information Oral LD50 of bisoprolol in the mouse was 730 mg/kg.

Overdose information

Signs of a β-blocker overdose include cardiovascular symptoms such as hypotension, congestive heart failure, and bradycardia. Other symptoms such as bronchospasm, and hypoglycemia may occur. If an overdose occurs with bisoprolol, supportive treatment should be initiated. Glucagon has been shown to be beneficial in bradycardia and hypotension associated with beta-blocker overdosage. Hypoglycemia may be managed by administering IV glucose. Monitor the patient and administer atropine in cases of bradycardia, pressors and fluids in the case of hypotension, and conventional heart failure therapy if heart failure occurs. If heart block occurs, the patient must be closely monitored and isoproterenol infusion or transvenous cardiac pacemaker insertion should take place. For the management of overdose-related bronchospasm, administer bronchodilators with or without IV aminophylline. Limited research suggests that bisoprolol fumarate is not removed adequately by hemodialysis sessions.

Precaution

Hypotension: Since the vasodilUse in renal failure

Although Amlodipine is excreted primarily via kidney, mild renal impairment does not appear to have an effect on the plasma concentrations. Severe renal impairment may however require a dosage reduction. Amlodipine is not dialyzable.

Use in patients with impaired hepatic function

Amlodipine half-life is prolonged in patient with impaired hepatic function. Amlodipine should therefore be administered at lower (5mg) initial dose in these patients.

Use in heart failure

An increased number of pulmonary oedema has been reported.atation induced by Amlodipine is gradual in onset, acute hypotension has rarely been reported after oral administration of Amlodipine. Nonetheless, caution should be exercised when administering the drug with any other peripheral vasodilator particularly in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Cardiac failure: Patients with heart failure should be treated with caution. Calcium channel blockers, including Amlodipine, should be usedwith caution in patients with congestive heart failure, as they may increase the risk of future cardiovascular events and mortality.

Beta blocker withdrawal: Amlodipine gives no protection against the danger of abrupt beta blocker withdrawal; any such withdrawal should be gradualreduction of the dose of beta blocker.

Hepatic failure: The half-life of amlodipine is prolonged and AUC values are higher in patients with impaired liver function. Amlodipine should therefore be initiated at the lower end of the dosing range and caution should be used, both on initial treatment and when increasing the dose. Slow dose titration and careful monitoring may be required in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Bisoprolol Fumarate must be used with caution in:

• Bronchospasm (bronchial asthma, obstructive airways diseases)
• Diabetes Mellitus with large fluctuations in blood glucose values; symptoms of hypoglycemia can be masked
• Strict fasting
• Ongoing desensitization therapy
• First degree AV block
• Prinzmetal's angina
• Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (intensification of complaints might happen especially during the start of therapy)
• General anesthesia

Interaction

Use of Amlodipine together with thiazide diuretics or angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors in the treatment of hypertension is additive. There are no hazardous interaction of Amlodipine with Digoxin, Cimetidine, Warfarin and food.

Bisoprolol should not be combined with other beta-blocking agents. Patients receiving catecholamine-depleting drugs, should be closely monitored, because the added beta-adrenergic blocking action of Bisoprolol may produce excessive reduction of sympathetic activity.In patients receiving concurrent therapy with clonidine, if therapy is to be discontinued, it is suggested that Bisoprolol be discontinued for several days before the withdrawal of clonidine. Bisoprolol should be used with care when myocardial depressants or inhibitors of AV conduction, such as certain calcium antagonists or antiarrhythmic agents are used concurrently.Other Alfred Angelo wedding dress collection comes in mermaid dress cut. There are two samples of beach wedding dresses shown in the pictures. Both dresses are different indeed with stylish and creative details on certain areas such as skirt, waist and chest. To match the latest dress model, these mermaid cut wedding dresses a la princess of fairytale apply sweetheart strapless neckline cut. Thick ruffle details are applied on the first mermaid dress. The ruffle application is combined with pleated details on the dress. Thus, in conclusion, the dress is extremely very marvelous for your modern fairytale bridal.Concomitant use with digitalis glycosides can increase the risk of bradycardia.Concurrent use of rifampin increases the metabolic clearance of Bisoprolol, resulting in a shortened elimination half-life of Bisoprolol. However, initial dose modification is generally not necessary.

Volume of Distribution

21 L/kg , .

The volume of distribution of bisoprolol is 3.5 L/kg. The mean volume of distribution was found to be 230 L/kg in heart failure patients, which was similar to the volume of distribution in healthy patients. Bisoprolol is known to cross the placenta.

Elimination Route

Amlodipine absorbed slowly and almost completely from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved 6-12 hours after oral administration. The estimated bioavailability of amlodipine is 64-90%. Steady-state plasma amlodipine levels are achieved after 7-8 days of consecutive daily dosing. Absorption is not affected by food .

Bisoprolol is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The AUC is 642.87 g.hr/mL and bioavailability of bisoprolol is about 90% due to the minimal first pass effects. Absorption is unaffected by food intake. Peak plasma concentrations of bisoprolol are attained within 2-4 hours and steady-state concentrations are achieved within 5 days of administration. In a pharmacokinetic study, the mean peak concentration of bisoprolol was 52 micrograms/L. Cmax at steady state concentrations of bisoprolol is 64±21 ng/ml administered at 10 mg daily.

Half Life

The terminal elimination half-life of about 30–50 hours .

Plasma elimination half-life is 56 hours in patients with impaired hepatic function, titrate slowly when administering this drug to patients with severe hepatic impairment .

A pharmacokinetic study in 12 healthy individuals determined the mean plasma half-life of bisoprolol to be 10-12 hours. Another study comprised of healthy patients determined the elimination half-life to be approximately 10 hours. Renal impairment increased the half-life to 18.5 hours.

Clearance

Total body clearance (CL) has been calculated as 7 ± 1.3 ml/min/kg (0.42 ± 0.078 L/ h/kg) in healthy volunteers , .

Elderly patients show a reduced clearance of amlodipine with an AUC (area under the curve) increase of about 40–60%, and a lower initial dose may be required .

Total body clearance in healthy patients was determined to be 14.2 L/h. In patients with renal impairment, clearance was reduced to 7.8 L/h. Hepatic dysfunction also reduced the clearance of bisoprolol.

Elimination Route

Elimination from the plasma occurs in a biphasic with a terminal elimination half-life of about 30–50 hours. Steady-state plasma levels of amlodipine are reached after 7-8 days of consecutive daily dosing . Amlodipine is 10% excreted as unchanged drug in the urine. Amlodipine can be initiated at normal doses in patients diagnosed with renal failure , .

Bisoprolol is eliminated equally by both renal and hepatic pathways. About 50% of an oral dose is excreted unchanged in the urine with the remainder of the dose excreted as inactive bisoprolol metabolites. Under 2% of the ingested dose is found to be excreted in the feces.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy: Safety in pregnancy has not been established.

Lactation: It is not known whether Amlodipine is excreted in breast milk. It is advised to stop breastfeeding during treatment with Amlodipine.

Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Bisoprolol should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.Nursing Mothers:Small amounts of bisoprolol fumarate (< 2% of the dose) have been detected in the milk of lactating rats. It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk caution should be exercised when bisoprolol fumarate is administered to nursing women.

Contraindication

Amlodipine is contraindicated in patients with-

• Hypersensitivity to amlodipine, dihydropyridine derivatives or any of the excipients
• Shock (including cardiogenic shock)
• Obstruction of the outflow-tract of the left ventricle (e.g. high grade aortic stenosis)
• Unstable angina
• Hemodynamically unstable heart failure after acute myocardial infarction (during the first 28 days)
• Severe hypotension

Bisoprolol is contraindicated in patients with cardiogenic shock, overt cardiac failure, second or third degree AV block, and marked sinus bradycardia.

Special Warning

Children with hypertension from 6 years to 17 years of age: 2.5 mg once daily as a starting dose, up-titrated to 5 mg once daily if blood pressure goal is not achieved after 4 weeks. Doses in excess of 5 mg daily have not been studied in pediatric patients.

Children under 6 years old: The effect of amlodipine on blood pressure in patients less than 6 years of age is not known.

Elderly: Amlodipine used at similar doses in elderly or younger patients is equally well tolerated. Normal dosage regimens are recommended in the elderly, but increase of the dosage should take place with care.

Renal impairment: Changes in amlodipine plasma concentrations are not correlated with degree of renal impairment, therefore the normal dosage is recommended. Amlodipine is not dialysable.

Hepatic impairment: Dosage recommendations have not been established in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment; therefore dose selection should be cautions and should start at the lower end of the dosing range. The pharmacokinetics of Amlodipine have not been studied in severe hepatic impairment. Amlodipine should be initiated at the lowest dose (2.5 mg once daily) and titrated slowly in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Pediatric Patients: There is no pediatric experience with Bisoprolol.

Geriatric Patients: It is not necessary to adjust the dose in the elderly, unless there is also significant renal or hepatic dysfunction.

Renal impairment: Reduce dose if eGFR less than 20 ml/ minute/ 1.73 m2 (max. 10 mg daily).

Hepatic impairment: Maximum 10 mg daily in severe impairment (hepatitis or cirrhosis).

Acute Overdose

There is no well documented experience with Amlodipine overdosage. In case of clinically significant hypotension due to Amlodipine over dosage, calls for active cardiovascular support including monitoring of cardiac and respiratory function, elevation of extremities and attention to circulating fluid volume and urine output. Since Amlodipine is highly protein-bound, dialysis is unlikely to be of benefit.

The most common signs expected with overdosage of a beta-blocker are bradycardia, hypotension, congestive heart failure, bronchospasm, and hypoglycemia. To date, a few cases of overdose (maximum: 2000 mg) with bisoprolol have been reported. Bradycardia and/or hypotension were noted. Sympathomimetic agents were given in some cases, and all patients recovered. In general, if overdose occurs, bisoprolol therapy should be stopped and supportive and symptomatic treatment should be provided. Limited data suggest that bisoprolol fumarate is not dialyzable. Based on the expected pharmacologic actions and recommendations for other beta-blockers, the following general measures should be considered when clinically warranted.

Storage Condition

Keep out of the reach of children. Store below 30° C. Keep in the original package in a cool & dry place in order to protect from light and moisture.

Keep out of the reach of children. Protect from light and moisture, keep in a cool and dry place.

Innovators Monograph

You find simplified version here Concor (+Amlodipine)