Medicine Name: Exforge Hct Tablets 10/160/25mg
📋 Exforge HCT Tablets – Specification Sheet
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🔒 Requires Prescription
Yes
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💊 Generics
Valsartan + Amlodipine + Hydrochlorothiazide
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🩺 Used For
Management of essential hypertension in adult patients where combination therapy is appropriate.
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⚙️ How It Works
• Valsartan: Blocks angiotensin II receptors → prevents vasoconstriction and aldosterone-mediated sodium retention → lowers blood pressure.
• Amlodipine: Calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine) → inhibits calcium influx in vascular smooth muscle and myocardium → causes vasodilation.
• Hydrochlorothiazide: Thiazide diuretic → inhibits Na⁺/Cl⁻ symporter in distal renal tubules → increases sodium and water excretion → reduces blood volume and blood pressure.
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📈 Indication
• Indicated for: Treatment of essential hypertension in adults, especially when monotherapy is inadequate.
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🚫 When Not to Use
• Hypersensitivity to valsartan, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, sulphonamides, or dihydropyridines
• Pregnancy (2nd and 3rd trimester)
• Severe hepatic impairment, biliary cirrhosis, or cholestasis
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💡 Precautions
• Use with caution in patients with:
o Renal artery stenosis (unilateral or bilateral)
o Solitary kidney
• Regularly monitor serum creatinine, urea, and electrolytes
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⚠️ Warnings
1. Fetal Risk: Drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system may impair fetal renal function → oligohydramnios, skeletal deformities, and neonatal death
2. Symptomatic Hypotension: May occur in volume-depleted or salt-depleted patients; correct before initiating therapy
3. Renal Impairment: Risk of acute renal failure, especially in susceptible patients
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❗ Side Effects
• Hematologic: Agranulocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic/aplastic anemia
• Metabolic: Hypercalcemia, hyperuricemia, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypomagnesemia
• Neurological: Headache, hypertonia, visual disturbances
• Cardiovascular: Arrhythmias (bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation)
• Electrolyte imbalance: Hypochloremic alkalosis
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🔗 Drug Interactions
Amlodipine:
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, erythromycin, verapamil)
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin)
• Simvastatin, Sildenafil, Immunosuppressants, Grapefruit juice
Valsartan:
• Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements
• NSAIDs, Lithium, Rifampicin, Cyclosporine, Ritonavir
Hydrochlorothiazide:
• Metformin, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics
• Cholestyramine, Cyclosporine, Lithium
• Alcohol, Beta-blockers, Digitalis glycosides
• Iodine contrast agents, Amantadine, Cytotoxic agents
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💉 Dosage
• Fixed-dose combination
• Taken once daily, with or without food
• Dose strength and regimen depend on individual response and clinical condition
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👶 Pregnancy Category
• Contraindicated in 2nd and 3rd trimester
• Always consult a physician before use
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🧴 Storage
Yes
• Store at room temperature
• Keep away from direct sunlight, moisture, and excessive heat
