Caduet 10/10

Caduet 10/10 is a complex medicinal product, due to its main components it is widely used in cardiology practice.

The drug contains two components that can affect the heart and blood vessels. Thus, one active component, amlodipine, is a calcium channel blocker. As a result of its activity, dilation of blood vessels is observed, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure.

The second active component of Caduet is atorvastatin, the direction of which is the inhibition of enzymes that participate in the formation of cholesterol. As a result of taking atorvastatin, a decrease in the amount of cholesterol, the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and, accordingly, an increase in the lumen of the blood vessel are noted.

The ATC coding indicates that the drug belongs to drugs that can affect the lipid profile and blood pressure levels.

Caduet 10/10 is widely used in cardiology and other areas of medicine. It is very convenient to use, since one tablet contains two main drugs. Thus, blood pressure is lowered and cholesterol in the blood is reduced, which is one of the factors in the development of hypertension.

Indications Caduet 10/10

The drug Caduet is used in cardiology practice for the treatment of arterial hypertension if it is characterized by three or more risk factors for the development of complications such as angina pectoris, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Indications for the use of Caduet 10/10 include the need for the combined use of several drugs from the group of hypocholesterolemic and antihypertensive drugs.

It is worth considering the possibility of using additional medications if the desired result in cholesterol and blood pressure levels cannot be achieved with the help of Caduet.

Indications for use of Caduet 10/10 take into account the presence of a combined pathological condition, which is caused by an excessive increase in cholesterol levels. As a result, the risk of formation of atherosclerotic plaques increases, which gradually narrow the internal lumen of the blood vessel.

Thus, as more plaques form, intravascular resistance increases. The heart must push blood through the narrowed lumen, which requires more force.

As a result, blood pressure increases, which requires medication support. The combined drug Caduet acts simultaneously in two directions: it reduces cholesterol levels and normalizes blood pressure.

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Release form

Caduet is available in tablet form, which makes it easy to dose the medicine, as each tablet contains a certain amount of amlodipine and atorvastatin. By following the dosage, you can avoid side effects and the consequences of an overdose.

The main active ingredients of the drug are amlodipine and atorvastatin. The Caduet 10/10 tablet contains 10 mg of amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker that, by relaxing the muscular layer of blood vessels, dilates them and lowers blood pressure.

The second active ingredient is atorvastatin, the dose of which in one tablet is 10 mg. Due to its ability to inhibit enzyme activity, a decrease in the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream is observed.

The release form of Caduet allows for individual selection of dosages, taking into account the severity of arterial hypertension, cholesterol levels and the presence of concomitant pathology.

In addition to the main components, it is necessary to note the presence of additional ones, such as silicon dioxide (anhydrous colloidal), starch, calcium carbonate, hydroxypropyl cellulose and others.

The release form is a film-coated tablet. The main physical and chemical characteristics of the tableted drug are the white tint of the shell, the oval shape, the presence of the inscription on the surface "Pfizer" on one side and "CDT" and "051" (the drug code) on the other.

The drug is available in cardboard packages containing 3 blisters of 10 tablets.

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Pharmacodynamics

The combination drug is characterized by a dual direction in the mechanism of action, which ensures the pharmacodynamics of Caduet 10/10.

Due to the fact that the drug has two main active substances in its composition, it is therefore necessary to separately consider their effect on the human body.

The first component is amlodipine. Its mechanism of action is based on the ability to block the channels through which calcium passes, as a result of which muscle fibers cannot contract. Thus, the wall of the blood vessel relaxes, and the internal diameter increases.

The action of amlodipine is due to its belonging to a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers.

The second component is atorvastatin. It is capable of inhibiting the activity of HMG-CoA reductase. Being a strong selective inhibitor of the enzyme, the main feature of which is the ability to participate in the conversion of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A into melovate. The latter is considered a precursor of sterols, one of which is cholesterol.

Pharmacodynamics of Caduet 10/10 determines the same mechanism of action of amlodipine and atorvastatin both in Caduet and as monotherapy. Thus, taking one tablet of the drug, there is a double effect aimed at reducing the amount of cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.

Pharmacokinetics

The drug has a complex composition, as a result of which the mechanism of action of each component must be considered separately. The pharmacokinetics of Caduet 10/10 is based on the activity of amlodipine and atorvastatin.

After oral administration of the drug in a therapeutic dose, the maximum concentration of amlodipine in the bloodstream is observed after 6-12 hours. Bioavailability is in the range of 64-80%. The distribution volume is approximately 21 l/kg. In addition, it should be taken into account that food intake cannot have an inhibitory or stimulating effect on the bioavailability of amlodipine.

After conducting in vitro studies, it was concluded that in the bloodstream of a person with arterial hypertension, 97.5% of the drug is transported through the blood in a bound state with plasma proteins.

About 90% of the dose of amlodipine is metabolized in the liver, after which metabolites appear in an inactive state. The drug is eliminated in two stages: the kidneys eliminate up to 10% of amlodipine and about 60% of its metabolites. After a week of regular use of the drug, its concentration in the plasma is stable.

Pharmacokinetics of Caduet 10/10 from atorvastatin causes the appearance of peak concentration in the blood 1-2 hours after a single dose of the drug. The absorption process directly depends on the dose of atorvastatin taken. Bioavailability (its absolute level) is at the level of 12%, and systemic - 30%.

Systemic bioavailability depends on the functioning of the digestive system (stomach, intestines, liver), as a result of which it can be at a low level. The absorption of the drug is hindered by food intake, slowing it down.

Regardless of this, the process of lowering cholesterol occurs in full, regardless of food intake. Approximately 95% of the drug circulates in the bloodstream in a bound state with plasma proteins.

The process of elimination of atorvastatin and its metabolites is performed by the liver, mainly with bile. Only about 2% of the drug is excreted by the kidneys.

Dosing and administration

The drug has a tablet form of release, used for oral use. After a thorough examination, the doctor should prescribe a certain dosage of the drug. It is advisable to start with a dose of Caduet 5/10, which corresponds to 5 mg of amlodipine and 10 mg of atorvastatin.

However, in case of high blood pressure, the method of administration and dosage may be changed. Thus, it is possible to increase the dosage to 1 tablet of Caduet 10/10 once a day. The medication can be taken regardless of food and time of day.

This dosage involves 10 mg of amlodipine and 10 mg of atorvastatin. When selecting the dosage, it is necessary to monitor blood pressure and stop at the minimum active dose of the drug.

During the therapeutic course, it is recommended to periodically examine the blood cholesterol level to adjust the dosage. If the blood pressure indicators do not reach the desired indicators, then the use of additional drugs is allowed, with the exception of drugs from the group of calcium channel blockers.

The same applies to blood cholesterol levels. If they remain high while taking Caduet, it is allowed to combine the drug with statin medications to lower cholesterol.

Caduet should not be used with fibrates or in people with severe liver or kidney failure.

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Use Caduet 10/10 during pregnancy

The process of growth and development of the fetus requires a certain expenditure of energy and nutrients from the pregnant woman's body. Vitamins, biologically active substances, microelements and much more are necessary for the full formation of the fetus's organs and systems.

One of the main components is cholesterol and its derivatives. However, given the mechanism of action of atorvastatin, which consists of inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase and reducing cholesterol levels, it is necessary to remember that this may pose a threat to the fetus.

Women who have been prescribed Caduet for vital indications must use contraception to avoid pregnancy. As soon as conception occurs, the drug should be discontinued.

The use of Caduet 10/10 during pregnancy is not permitted, due to the fact that the harm to the fetus greatly exceeds the benefit to the woman.

As for the lactation period, taking Caduet is also not advisable, since the ability of atorvastatin to penetrate into breast milk has been proven, which can become a toxic factor for the baby. There is no information about amlodipine and its penetration into milk, so it is impossible to assess the ratio of benefits to the woman and harm to the child.

Contraindications

Most medicines have their own contraindications, which you need to familiarize yourself with before using them. Contraindications for the use of Caduet 10/10 must be known in order to avoid the occurrence of side effects that threaten human health.

Thus, it is necessary to stop taking Caduet if you have hypersensitivity to drugs of the dehydropyridine group, atorvastatin and amlodipine, as well as additional components in their composition.

In addition, contraindications include severe liver disease and elevated transaminase levels exceeding the upper limit of normal by 3 times.

Regarding the combined use of drugs, Caduet cannot be used simultaneously with ketoconazole, telithromycin and itraconazole.

Also, contraindications for the use of Caduet 10/10 include third degree arterial hypertension, shock states of various origins, unstable hemodynamics, obstruction of the aortic lumen and the presence of an unstable form of angina pectoris due to myocardial infarction.

During the course of treatment, it is necessary to regularly examine the level of liver enzymes, comparing the dynamics with the initial indicators recorded before taking Caduet.

The drug should be used with caution by people who abuse alcohol, as well as those with a history of severe liver disease.

Atorvastatin affects skeletal muscles, causing pain syndrome, myositis and myopathy. During the course of treatment with the drug, there is no need to constantly examine the level of CPK, but in people with a predisposition to acute necrosis of muscle tissue and in the presence of muscle symptoms, the quantitative composition of CPK should still be monitored.

Side effects Caduet 10/10

The effects of Caduet were studied in people suffering from hypertension and hypercholesterolemia over several months. One group of people took Caduet, and the other took a placebo.

As a result, the most common side effects of Caduet 10/10 were identified. Thus, from the nervous system, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness and pain syndrome in the parietal and occipital regions were noted.

The digestive tract in some people reacted to the drug with dyspeptic disorders, nausea and abdominal pain. In addition, an increase in the volume of the joint due to swelling of its tissues, as well as an increase in liver enzymes and CPK are possible.

Allergic reactions occur slightly less frequently, blood glucose levels decrease, weight increases, insomnia, depression, tinnitus and changes in skin sensitivity are common.

Among the rare side effects, it is worth highlighting changes in the cellular composition of the blood with the appearance of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and cardiovascular disorders in the form of increased heart rate, fainting, myocardial infarction, and changes in the rhythm and conductivity of the nerve impulse in the myocardium.

Very rare side effects of Caduet 10/10 are breathing disorders, clinical symptoms of rhinitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis. Also sometimes there is a reaction to the drug in the form of bowel dysfunction (constipation, diarrhea) and various disorders of the digestive and excretory systems.

Overdose

Due to the tablet form of the drug, Caduet is very easy to dose, as a result of which overdose is extremely rare. The drug is well tolerated if a certain dosage and frequency of administration are observed.

If a large dose of the drug is taken, excessive dilation of blood vessels is possible, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure. This effect is due to the ability of amlodipine to block the flow of calcium and prevent the contraction (spasm) of blood vessels.

Depending on how much the blood pressure has dropped, it is necessary to monitor the person's condition by examining the heart's work. Vasoconstrictors are used to increase the pressure - drugs that narrow the blood vessels. However, it is necessary to strictly monitor their dosage to avoid excessive pressure increase.

In order to speed up the process of removing amlodipine from the bloodstream and reduce its concentration, dialysis can be used, which will reduce the therapeutic effect of the drug.

As for atorvastatin overdose, symptomatic treatment is required, since there is no specific antidote, and dialysis is not effective in this case. Of particular importance is monitoring liver function, examining its enzymes and CPK.

Interactions with other drugs

Caduet in combination with other drugs can provoke the development of undesirable side effects. Therefore, before using it, it is recommended to find out the interaction of Caduet 10/10 with other drugs to avoid deterioration of health.

The use of Caduet with fibrates, in particular with gemfibrozil and intravenous dantrolene, is prohibited.

Due to the fact that the drug contains atorvastatin, there is a possibility of developing acute muscle fiber necrosis and myopathy. This condition is due to its belonging to the group of hypocholesterolemic agents.

This is especially true when using Caduet simultaneously with other drugs that can increase the concentration of atorvastatin in the blood and enhance its therapeutic effect.

These drugs include immunosuppressants, in particular cyclosporine, antibacterial agents - macrolides (clarithromycin, azithromycin), azole antifungal drugs (nefazodone, itraconazole and ketoconazole), high doses of niacin, gemfibrozil and other fibric acid derivatives and HIV protease inhibitors.

The interaction of Caduet 10/10 with other drugs, such as fusidic acid, is prohibited due to their pharmacokinetic incompatibility. In cases where its use cannot be avoided, the use of atorvastatin should be discontinued.

Amlodipine should be used with caution in combination with baclofen. Concomitant use with anticonvulsants, alpha-1 blockers, imipramine antidepressants, beta blockers, amifostine, sildenafil and hormonal agents.

Cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors, protease inhibitors, fusidic acid, niacin, warfarin, hormonal contraceptives, phenazone, diltiazem, colestipol and grapefruit juice should be used with caution with atorvastatin.

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Storage conditions

In order to preserve the therapeutic properties of the drug, certain recommendations should be followed, in particular the storage conditions of Caduet 10/10.

By maintaining the recommended temperature, humidity and lighting conditions, the drug retains its therapeutic effectiveness throughout its shelf life. This period is set by the manufacturer after conducting research.

Storage conditions for Kaduet 10/10 include maintaining a temperature of no higher than 30 degrees in the room where the medicine will be stored. In addition, special attention should be paid to sunlight, direct rays of which should not fall on the packaging with Kaduet.

If the recommended conditions are not met, the risk of the drug losing its structure increases, resulting in changes in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the drug.

Don't forget about little ones, who can get the medicine and try it at any time. In this case, an overdose and symptoms of poisoning may develop. To avoid this, it is recommended to keep the medicine away from children.

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Shelf life

In order for a person to be aware of the shelf life of the drug, the manufacturer must indicate the expiration date on the outer packaging of the drug. This will help to quickly find the date.

In addition, each blister should also indicate the date of production and last use, since the outer packaging may be lost, and the expiration date is mandatory and very important information.

Thus, if the recommendations for storage conditions of the drug are followed over a certain period of time, the medicine retains its medicinal properties and does not cause harm.

The shelf life of Kadet is 3 years, after which the drug is prohibited for use in order to avoid the development of undesirable consequences that threaten human life.