Calchek 5 mg Tablet (10 Tab)

Calchek 5 Tablet Overview:

Calchek 5 Tablet is an antihypertensive medicine, prescribed alone or in combination with other antianginal or antihypertensive medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina).

If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can seriously damage vital organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. This damage may result in conditions such as heart disease, heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, vision problems, and other complications. Calchek 5 helps manage high blood pressure by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, and by enhancing blood flow to the heart muscle and increasing its oxygen supply, Calchek 5 helps prevent episodes of chest pain (angina).

It is important to note that Calchek 5 is not intended to provide immediate relief during a sudden angina attack. However, if taken regularly and in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes, Calchek 5 may help prevent chest pain over time.

Composition of Calchek 5 Tablet:

Each uncoated Calchek 5 Tablet contains: Amlodipine Besilate equivalent to Amlodipine 5 mg.

Uses and Benefits of Calchek 5 Tablet:

Calchek 5 Tablet is prescribed for managing cardiovascular conditions. Its primary uses include:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure):

Calchek 5 can be taken alone or along with other blood pressure medications to help control high blood pressure and lower the risk of complications such as heart attack and stroke.

• Angina and Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):

Calchek 5 is also effective in managing certain types of chest pain and heart-related conditions:

• Chronic Stable Angina:

Used to relieve regular chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, especially during physical activity or stress.

• Vasospastic Angina (Prinzmetal's or Variant Angina):

Helps treat chest pain resulting from the sudden tightening (spasm) of the coronary arteries.

• CAD Confirmed by Angiography:

Calchek 5 is beneficial for patients with recently diagnosed coronary artery disease through angiography, and who don’t have heart failure, to reduce the chances of hospitalization and improve heart function.

How Calchek 5 Tablet works:

Calchek 5 Tablet contains Amlodipine, a class of medication called Calcium Channel Blockers. Calchek 5 Tablet helps lower blood pressure by widening and relaxing blood vessels. It prevents calcium from entering the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. Muscles need calcium to contract, so without it, they remain relaxed. This helps blood flow more smoothly and makes it easier for the heart to pump, reducing stress on the blood vessels.

Angina is chest pain that occurs when the heart does not get enough oxygenated blood due to blocked or narrowed arteries. By improving the blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle, Calchek 5 Tablet also helps to manage chest pain or angina.

Dosage of Calchek 5 Tablet:

• Usage Direction

Take Calchek 5 Tablet strictly according to your doctor’s instructions, following the prescribed dose and timing. Swallow the tablet Calchek 5 whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking it, preferably at the same time each day. Do not stop or alter the dose of Calchek 5 Tablet without consulting your doctor, as this may prevent you from achieving the desired outcome. If you are unsure about the administration procedures of Calchek 5, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

• Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose of Calchek 5 Tablet, take it as soon as it is remembered. If it is time for your next dose of Calchek 5, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Avoid taking a double dose of Calchek 5 to make up for a missed one.

• Overdose

If you accidentally take Calchek 5 Tablet more than your prescribed dose, seek immediate medical advice, as this may lead to serious side effects. Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, fainting and rapid heartbeat.

Contraindications of Calchek 5 Tablet:

Do not take Calchek 5 Tablet if you are allergic or hypersensitive to amlodipine, other calcium channel blockers, or any of the components in this medication. You should also not use Calchek 5 Tablet if you have severely low blood pressure (hypotension), cardiogenic shock, heart failure resulting from a heart attack, or a condition involving narrowing of the aortic heart valve (aortic stenosis).

Precautions & Warnings of Calchek 5 Tablet:

Before starting Calchek 5 Tablet, let your doctor know if you currently have or have ever had heart failure, a severe rise in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis), or any liver problems. Also, consult your doctor if you are an older adult and your dosage may need adjustment.

Side Effects of Calchek 5 Tablet:

Calchek 5 Tablet may lead to certain side effects, which are generally mild and usually disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if these effects persist, you should consult your doctor. Common side effects include abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness, drowsiness, flushing, swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles, and muscle stiffness. In some cases, more serious side effects may occur and require immediate medical attention, such as severe or more frequent chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, or fainting.

Safety Related Concerns of Calchek 5 Tablet:

• Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult with your doctor whether Calchek 5 Tablet is safe for you, as it may have an impact on your developing baby.

• Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid Calchek 5 Tablet as it can pass through breast milk and may affect your breastfed baby. If you notice any unusual symptoms while taking Calchek 5 Tablet or have any other concerns about your baby, it is important to talk to your doctor immediately.

• Alcohol

It is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Calchek 5 Tablet, as alcohol can enhance the medicine’s blood pressure-lowering effect and may lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. To minimize these risks, it is advisable to avoid alcohol while undergoing treatment with Calchek 5 Tablet. If you notice any unusual symptoms after consuming alcohol while on this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

• Food or Interactions with Other Medicines

While taking Calchek 5 Tablet, it is advised to avoid consuming large quantities of grapefruit and grapefruit juice. This is because grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the amount of active ingredient amlodipine in your bloodstream, which can cause an unpredictable increase in the blood pressure lowering effect of Amlodipine.

Consult your doctor if you are taking any herbal products, supplements or other medicines while taking Calchek 5 Tablet. As always, please consult your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs while on Calchek 5 Tablet.

• Driving

If you experience side effects such as dizziness or tiredness that affect alertness, you should avoid driving or operating machinery while taking Calchek 5 Tablet.

Storage of Calchek 5 Tablet:

Store protected from moisture.

Keep Calchek 5 Tablet out of reach of children.

Note: Regular exercise, monitoring blood pressure regularly, avoiding smoking and alcohol, eating a balanced diet low in salt and fat, and effectively managing stress can help improve your condition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Calchek 5 Tablet:

1. What is Calchek 5 Tablet prescribed for?

Calchek 5 Tablet is an antihypertensive medicine, prescribed alone or in combination with other antianginal or antihypertensive medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina).

It is important to be aware that Calchek 5 is not intended for immediate relief during a sudden angina attack. However, if taken regularly and in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes, Calchek 5 may help prevent chest pain over time.

2. How much time does it take for Calchek 5 Tablet to work?

Calchek 5 Tablet starts working on the day of the first dose to lower blood pressure or relieve chest pain. Since the process of lowering blood pressure is slow and steady, the heart rate usually remains the same. However, it may take several days to achieve its full therapeutic effect.

3. Is it ok to stop Calchek 5 Tablet once my blood pressure is normal?

No, you should not stop taking Calchek 5 Tablet suddenly without a doctor’s consultation, even if your blood pressure is normal. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, and stopping the medication suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise again, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to Calchek 5.

4. What should not be taken while taking Calchek 5 Tablet?

While taking Calchek 5 Tablet, you should avoid grapefruit or its juice, alcohol, high-salt and high-fat foods, and activities like driving or using heavy machinery, especially if you feel dizzy. These can interfere with the medication’s effect or increase the risk of side effects. Always adhere to your doctor’s guidance to ensure the medication is safe and effective.

5. What side effects are commonly experienced with Calchek 5 Tablet?

Dizziness, drowsiness (especially at the beginning of treatment), headache, palpitations, flushing, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, vision disturbances, muscle cramps, pain in the hands, feet or ankles are common side effects of Calchek 5 Tablet. These side effects are usually mild and disappear as the body adjusts to the medicine. However, if these symptoms persist and worsen, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

6. Can I take Calchek 5 Tablet together with other blood pressure-lowering medicines?

Yes, you may take Calchek 5 Tablet along with other blood pressure medications, but only if prescribed by your doctor. Combining Calchek 5 with other antihypertensive medicines may enhance the blood pressure-lowering effects and could increase the risk of side effects like dizziness or fainting. Your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment.

7. Is long-term use of Calchek 5 Tablet considered safe?

Calchek 5 Tablet is often prescribed for the long-term management of high blood pressure and chest pain. While it is generally considered safe for long-term use when monitored by a healthcare professional, its safety can depend on personal health conditions and how the body reacts to the medication. It is important to have regular check-ups to track any possible side effects. Always follow your doctor’s instructions on how long to use the medication, and make sure to report any unusual symptoms. Never discontinue use without first consulting your doctor.

Remarks:

1. Amlodipine. Last Revised: 18 February 2022. Accessed on: 20 May 2025. Click Here

2. AMLODIPINE AN amlodipine (as besilate) Consumer Medicine Information. Last Revised: June 2015. Accessed on: 20 May 2025. Click Here

3. Package leaflet: Information for the patient Amlodipine 5 mg Tablets Amlodipine 10 mg Tablets. Last Revised: July 2022. Accessed on: 20 May 2025. Click Here

4. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. NORVASC® (amlodipine besylate) Tablets for oral administration. Last Revised: May 2022. Accessed on: 20 May 2025. Click Here