What is Exforge
AmlodipineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAmlodipine is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and chest pain (angina). It belongs to a class of drugs called dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers which are known to have fewer side effects than other types of blood pressure medications. Amlodipine works by widening your blood vessels, reducing the pressure in your blood vessels, and increasing the production of a compound called nitric oxide which helps to lower blood pressure. This medication was first approved by the FDA in 1987 and can be taken once daily.
Norvascis the brand name
Exforge Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Norvasc
Amlodipine
1992
1199
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Amlodipine, also known as Norvasc, is approved by the FDA for 4 uses like Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) .Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris
Used to treat Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris in combination with Atorvastatin
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Used to treat Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in combination with Atorvastatin
Vasospastic Angina
Used to treat Vasospastic Angina in combination with Atorvastatin
angiographically documented disease
Used to treat angiographically documented disease in combination with Atorvastatin
Effectiveness
How Exforge Affects PatientsAmlodipine is a drug that attaches to certain cell membranes and slows down the flow of calcium into the cells, resulting in lower blood pressure. Taking amlodipine once a day can maintain the effect for up to 24 hours. It does not usually change heart rate or how electrical signals move through the heart. Amlodipine can help relieve chest pain associated with angina by increasing exercise time, decreasing angina attack frequency, and reducing the need for nitroglycerin tablets.
How Exforge works in the bodyAmlodipine is a drug that helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and allowing blood to flow more easily. It does this by blocking calcium from entering the cells in both the heart and the blood vessels. This blockage leads to a decrease in tension and pressure, allowing for easier circulation and a reduction in blood pressure. In addition, Amlodipine helps to reduce angina symptoms by reducing the amount of energy and oxygen needed by the heart, as well as by widening the main coronary arteries and coronary arterioles. This increases oxygen delivery to the heart, reducing pain and discomfort.
When to interrupt dosage
The preferred dosage of Exforge is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as inadequate response to diet, High Cardiovascular Risk and Lifestyle Modification. The measure of dosage can be found in the table below, relative to the method of delivery (e.g. Tablet, film coated or Tablet).Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hypertensive disease
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Vasospastic Angina
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Anginal Pain
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Cardiovascular Events
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
angiographically documented disease
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
inadequate response to diet
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Pharmacotherapy
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Heart failure
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
High Cardiovascular Risk
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Hypertensive disease
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Mixed Dyslipidaemia
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Lifestyle Modification
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
inadequate control on monotherapy
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Dyslipidemias
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
, 5.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 1.0 mg/mL
Tablet, film coated, Tablet, , Tablet - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Capsule - Oral, Kit, Suspension - Oral, Solution, Tablet, coated - Oral, Suspension, Tablet, multilayer, Solution - Oral
Warnings
Exforge has one contraindication and should not be incorporated with the conditions presented in the following table.Exforge ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Amlodipine may interact with Toxoplasma Infections
Common Exforge Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Acenocoumarol
Major
The metabolism of Acenocoumarol can be decreased when combined with Amlodipine.
Amifostine
Major
Amlodipine may increase the hypotensive activities of Amifostine.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Amlodipine.
Cabozantinib
Major
The metabolism of Cabozantinib can be decreased when combined with Amlodipine.
Capecitabine
Major
The metabolism of Capecitabine can be decreased when combined with Amlodipine.
Exforge Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of amlodipine in mice is 37mg/kg. An overdose can cause an extreme widening of the blood vessels and a rapid heartbeat. Studies on rats and mice have not found any links to cancer, gene or chromosome damage, or infertility. It is not known if amlodipine is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, so use of the drug should be carefully considered. Nursing mothers should stop taking amlodipine before nursing.
Exforge Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Exforge?
46 active clinical trials are currently evaluating the efficacy of Exforge in decreasing High Cardiovascular Risk, alleviating Vasospastic Angina and ameliorating Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Vasospastic Angina
0 Actively Recruiting
High Cardiovascular Risk
0 Actively Recruiting
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Primary Hypercholesterolemia
15 Actively Recruiting
Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2
Hypertensive disease
22 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 4
inadequate control on monotherapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
4 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Phase 2
Dyslipidemias
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2
inadequate response to diet
0 Actively Recruiting
Mixed Dyslipidaemia
0 Actively Recruiting
Hypertensive disease
3 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Not Applicable
Cardiovascular Events
5 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Chronic Stable Angina Pectoris
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Pharmacotherapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Heart failure
0 Actively Recruiting
Lifestyle Modification
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
angiographically documented disease
0 Actively Recruiting
Anginal Pain
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4
Exforge Reviews: What are patients saying about Exforge?
5Patient Review
8/14/2014 Exforge is an excellent medication, but it can be quite expensive.
5Patient Review
12/20/2018 I've been taking Exforge for ten years now, and it's never given me any problems. My blood pressure has always stayed at a healthy level since I started taking the medication.
5Patient Review
11/26/20134.3Patient Review
5/13/2014 I've been taking this medication for four years to help with my blood pressure. While it is effective for that, I have found that it also causes me to feel dizzy and experience muscle cramps on a daily basis.
4.3Patient Review
2/18/2014 I took this drug for two years to help control my blood pressure, but stopped because the pills were too large and started causing me to lose hair.
4Patient Review
2/6/2022 Helped me lower my blood pressure. I have a problem with swelling in my legs and ankles if I sit for too long, but this has alleviated that issue.
3.7Patient Review
5/6/2014 Exforge caused some dangerous side effects for me, including but not limited to irregular heartbeats, fast heartbeat, and swollen extremities. I had to stop using it after a month, and even now (over a month later) I'm still dealing with the permanent swelling. This drug needs to be more heavily regulated.
3.7Patient Review
6/30/2015 I'm feeling better, though there are some side effects like dizziness and swelling. The wheatgrass powder has been helping a lot too.
3.7Patient Review
5/20/2014 While this medication was wonderful in bringing down my blood pressure, the side effects were not worth it. I struggled to breathe normally, and my feet and ankles became so swollen that there was a rash-like redness on both of my legs.
3Patient Review
4/8/2014 While this medication has helped to lower my blood pressure, I have noticed some negative side effects, such as increased hair loss and swelling in my ankles.
2.7Patient Review
9/15/2014 I generally feel weak and sick to my stomach after taking this medication. Additionally, I often have sudden episodes of energy draining from my body at night when I am just lying in bed. When the daily dose wears off, my blood pressure is even higher than before!
2.7Patient Review
3/28/2014 I started having muscular soreness in my upper arms, as well as nausea and vomiting.
2.3Patient Review
1/8/2014 Afternoon headaches; expensive medication.
2.3Patient Review
3/3/2014 Blurred vision and swollen extremities were some of the side effects I experienced. My blood pressure did improve somewhat, but it was still pretty unstable.
2Patient Review
2/17/2014 Though this drug is expensive, I found it didn't help with my cramps at all. In fact, the first night I took it I had such extreme cramps that I couldn't move in bed. Additionally, I experienced daily headaches, dizziness, confusion, and disorientation.
1.7Patient Review
11/20/20131.7Patient Review
10/14/2014 I had to stop taking this medication after only two weeks due to the severe dizziness and swollen feet it caused me. Unfortunately, my feet still have not returned to normal.
1.3Patient Review
11/20/20131Patient Review
4/3/2014 I found that I was actually healthier when I stopped taking FORGE. I experienced side effects like a racing heartbeat, itchiness all over my body, and dizziness/collapse/passing out feelings. My blood pressure is normal without medication now. If my systolic moves up, I will take Metoprolol 12.5mg daily; which is also effective for my lifelong infrequent daily skipping heartbeats.
1Patient Review
1/28/2019 I was prescribed this medication yesterday, but after reading all of the reviews online, I'm terrified to take it. The side effects people have experienced sound absolutely awful. Has anyone had any success with this medication? Or do the side effects continue even after taking it for a while?
Patient Q&A Section about exforge
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is Exforge good for kidney?
"Exforge is designed to be gentle on the kidneys, but in some cases it may have the opposite effect. Therefore, regular checkups are important to monitor kidney function before and during treatment."
Answered by AI
What are the side effects of Exforge?
"You may experience dizziness, headaches, or fatigue along with nausea and an upset stomach. A stuffy nose, sinus pain, or sore throat are also common. You may also experience back pain or muscle spasms. Finally, you may notice swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet."
Answered by AI
Is Exforge safe to take?
"Exforge may rarely cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. If you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine, call your doctor right away."
Answered by AI
What is the medication Exforge used for?
"This product is used to lower high blood pressure, which can prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It contains two medications, amlodipine and valsartan, which both work by relaxing blood vessels to allow blood to flow more easily."
Answered by AI