Exforge as a new formulation for hypertension
Exforge is a new antihypertensive medication produced by Novartis pharma. It combines between two main antihypertensive classes (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers as Valsartan and Calcium channel Blockers as Amlodipine). It’s been prescribed by doctors in case of chronic high blood pressure when one drug is not enough.
Chemical composition:
Amlodipine as Amlodipine besylate which is pale yellow crystalline powder slightly soluble in water and sparingle soluble in alchol.
Valsartan which is white fine powder that is soluble in alcohol and slightly soluble in water.
Exforge has 4 types of formulations 5/160 mg, 10/160 mg, 5/320 mg, and 10/320 mg (as Amlodipine/Valsartan)
Mode of Action:
Exforge do its action in two parellel ways as it’s a combination of two different antihypertensive classes. Valsartan exerts it’s action by blockage of Angiotensin II Receptors so increasing arteries diameters and blood flow thus decreasing the blood pressure. Amlodipin works in a different way by blocking of calcium ion channels leading to decreasing in contractility and peripheral resistance thus resulting in vasodilation. Amlodipine is not like the other calcium channel blockers as it has minimal effect on myocardium with low inotropic properties.
Precautions:
Exforge is contraindicated in pregnant women as it has high propability of fetal malformation
Exforge is only prescribed after failure or decreasing effect of the other hypertension medication.
