Extel AM Tablet (10 Tab)

Extel AM Tablet Overview:

Extel AM Tablet is a combination anti-hypertensive medicine, prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It contains two active ingredients, Telmisartan and Amlodipine, which work through different mechanisms to effectively lower blood pressure. This combination is typically prescribed when either Telmisartan or Amlodipine alone does not provide adequate control of blood pressure.

If left untreated, high blood pressure damage key organs like the brain, heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. This damage can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, kidney failure, vision loss, and other complications. By effectively reducing blood pressure, Extel AM helps prevent these potentially life-threatening events, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage, and vision problems.

Composition of Extel AM Tablet:

Each uncoated bi-layer Extel AM Tablet contains: Telmisartan 40 mg, Amlodipine Besylate Equivalent to Amlodipine 5 mg and Excipients q.s.

Uses and Benefits of Extel AM Tablet:

The main uses of Extel AM Tablet include:

• Managing high blood pressure (hypertension).

• Reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events (such as strokes, heart attacks and heart failure), kidney damage, and vision problems.

How Extel AM Tablet works:

Extel AM Tablet contains two active ingredients: Telmisartan and Amlodipine, which work together to lower blood pressure.

Telmisartan belongs to a class of medicines known as ‘angiotensin II receptor antagonist’, which blocks a hormone (angiotensin II) that tightens blood vessels. This helps the vessels relax and widen, making it easier for blood to flow and reducing pressure on the heart.

On the other hand, Amlodipine belongs to a class of medication called ‘Calcium Channel Blockers’, which stops calcium from entering the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. Without calcium, these muscles stay relaxed, allowing blood to flow more easily and lowering blood pressure.

Dosage of Extel AM Tablet:

• Usage Direction

Take Extel AM Tablet strictly according to the prescribed dose and time, as directed by your doctor. It is important to swallow Extel AM Tablet whole without chewing, crushing or breaking it, especially at the same time every day. Do not stop or change the dosage of Extel AM without consulting your doctor, as this may prevent you from achieving the desired results. If you are unsure about the method of administration of Extel AM, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

• Missed Dose

In case you missed a dose of Extel AM Tablet, take it as soon as it is remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose of Extel AM, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing plan. Avoid taking a double dose of Extel AM to make up for a missed one.

• Overdose

If you accidentally take more than the prescribed dose of Extel AM Tablet, it can cause serious side effects, including hypotension (low blood pressure). In such cases, seek medical help right away. To quickly manage low blood pressure: lie down, elevate legs, stay calm, take electrolytes or salty food, and avoid sudden movements.

Contraindications of Extel AM Tablet:

Do not take Extel AM Tablet if you are allergic or hypersensitive to telmisartan, amlodipine, or any of the ingredients in this medication. Extel AM Tablet should also be avoided if you have biliary obstruction (blocked bile duct), cardiogenic shock or severe aortic stenosis, severe liver disease, diabetes or kidney problems and are taking aliskiren (another blood pressure medicine).

Precautions & Warnings of Extel AM Tablet:

Before you start taking Extel AM Tablets, inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, heart disease, recently experienced severe diarrhoea or vomiting, diagnosed with primary aldosteronism (also called hyperaldosteronism), diabetes, high potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia) or you are intolerant to fructose or sorbitol.

Side Effects of Extel AM Tablet:

Extel AM 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 of Extel AM Tablet may include lightheadedness, dizziness, indigestion, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. In some cases, more serious side effects such as welling of hands, ankles or feet, tiredness, tingling, numbness or pain in the hands or feet, pins and needles, loss of taste, tremors, slow heart beat, palpitations, low blood pressure, flushed or pale skin, etc. may occur which require immediate medical attention.

Safety Related Concerns of Extel AM Tablet:

• Pregnancy

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

Label Warning: When pregnancy is detected Telmisartan should be discontinued as soon as possible as it can cause injury and even death to the developing foetus when used in pregnancy during second and third trimester of pregnancy.

• Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mothers are advised to avoid Extel AM Tablet as it can pass through breast milk and may affect your breastfed baby. If you notice any unusual symptoms while taking Extel AM 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 Extel AM 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 Extel AM 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 Extel AM 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 Extel AM Tablet. As always, please consult your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific dietary needs while on Extel AM Tablet.

• Driving

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

Storage of Extel AM Tablet:

Store protected from light & moisture, at a temperature not exceeding 30°C.

Keep Extel AM Tablet out of reach of children.

Note: Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy low-salt diet, and consistently monitoring your blood pressure may help improve your condition.

Important: Extel AM Tablet is moisture sensitive. Do not remove from strip until immediately before administration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Extel AM Tablet:

1. How does Extel AM Tablet help with high blood pressure?

Extel AM Tablet contains Telmisartan, which belongs to a class of medicines known as ‘angiotensin II receptor antagonist’, and Amlodipine belongs to a class of medication called ‘Calcium Channel Blockers’.

Telmisartan blocks a hormone (angiotensin II) that tightens blood vessels. This helps the vessels relax and widen, making it easier for blood to flow and reducing pressure on the heart.

On the other hand, Amlodipine stops calcium from entering the muscles of the heart and blood vessels. Without calcium, these muscles stay relaxed, allowing blood to flow more easily and lowering blood pressure.

This ultimately reduces blood pressure and lowers the risk of complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage.

2. Is Extel AM Tablet safe to take with other blood pressure medications?

You should not take any other antihypertensive medications with Extel AM Tablet without consulting your doctor. Combining Extel AM with other blood pressure-lowering drugs may intensify the effect, potentially causing an unsafe drop in blood pressure (hypotension). Your doctor will monitor your condition and adjust your treatment to regulate your blood pressure. Always seek your doctor's advice before adding any other medications.

3. Is Extel AM Tablet effective for heart failure treatment?

Extel AM Tablet is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, which, if left untreated, can damage important organs like the brain, heart, blood vessels, and kidneys, leading to problems like stroke and heart failure. Although it is not the main treatment for heart failure, it is often used alongside other treatments to manage the condition, improve heart function, and reduce symptoms.

4. What happens if I miss a dose of Extel AM Tablet?

Extel AM Tablet should be taken at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Or, if it is almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Avoid taking two doses at the same time to make up for the missed one. If you're unsure or have any concerns, it is best to consult your doctor for guidance on what to do.

5. Can Extel AM Tablet be used for long-term blood pressure control?

Yes, Extel AM Tablet is effective for long-term blood pressure control and helps reduce the risk of complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. However, it is crucial to follow your doctor's advice, regularly monitor your blood pressure, and maintain a healthy lifestyle (including proper diet and exercise) for optimal results.

6. Extel AM Tablet vs. other blood pressure medications – Which is better?

Extel AM Tablet and other blood pressure-lowering medications are both used to manage high blood pressure. The most suitable medication will depend on an individual's specific needs, health conditions, and how they respond to treatment. Your doctor will recommend the best option based on these factors.

Reference:

1. APO-TELMISARTAN/ AMLODIPINE Tablets Telmisartan/Amlodipine Consumer Medicine Information. Last Revised: February 2019. Accessed on: 9th June 2025. Click Here

2. Patient Information Telmisartan and Amlodipine (TEL me SAR tan and am LOE de peen) Tablets. Last Revised: April 2019. Accessed on: 9th June 2025. Click Here

3. PRODUCT MONOGRAPH PrAPO-TELMISARTAN-AMLODIPINE Telmisartan / Amlodipine (as Amlodipine Besylate) Tablets 40/5 mg, 40/10 mg, 80/5 mg, 80/10 mg. Last Revised: June 12, 2018. Accessed on: 9th June 2025. Click Here

4. Package leaflet: Information for the user Twynsta 40 mg/5 mg tablets Telmisartan/Amlodipine. Accessed on: 9th June 2025. Click Here

5. HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION These highlights do not include all the information needed to use TWYNSTA safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for TWYNSTA. TWYNSTA® (telmisartan/amlodipine) Tablets. Last Revised: 2011. Accessed on: 9th June 2025. Click Here