Caduet (Amlodipine/Atorvastatin)

What is Caduet?

Caduet is a combination of two medications, namely, amlodipine and atorvastatin. While Amlodipine belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers, Atorvastatin is classified under the group of statins (HMG CoA reductase inhibitors).

What is Caduet used for?

Caduet is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension, or angina pain. It also reduces the risk of kidney problems, heart attacks, strokes, and other heart complications in diabetics and patients with coronary heart disease.

The medicine helps improve your stamina to exercise. It also reduces bad cholesterol in the body and increases the level of good cholesterol.

How does Caduet work?

One of the ingredients of Caduet, Amlodipine works by relaxing the blood vessels so as to let the blood flow through the body easily. While the other ingredient Atorvastatin, works by decreasing the amount of bad cholesterol made by the liver.

How to use Caduet

Follow your doctor’s instructions wisely before consuming Caduet. This medicine is usually taken once daily, with or without food. Dosage may vary depending on your medical condition, response system and certain interacting medicines.

If you are also taking some other cholesterol-lowering medications, then take Caduet at least 2 hours after or 1 hour before taking these medicines.

Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day. You have to be regular with the medicine for quick and effective results. The sudden stop of the consumption may worsen the condition; therefore, it is advisable to ask your doctors first.

Do not break or crush the Caduet tablet. Consult your doctor in case you have problem swallowing it. Visit your doctor for regular blood and liver function tests to check the effectiveness of the drug.

Caduet warnings and precautions

Do not use Caduet if you are allergic to atorvastatin, amlodipine or have liver disease.

You will need a dose adjustment if you have a history of kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, thyroid disorder, diabetes and also if you consume more than two alcoholic beverages in a day. Therefore, inform your doctor if you have any such problem prior to taking Caduet.

Caduet is usually given to adults and children aged 10 years and above. Older adults need to be careful, as the medication can sometimes lead to skeletal muscle tissue breakdown.

Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice without your doctor’s instructions.

If you are going for a surgery, tell your surgeon in advance about the use of this medication, he may advise you to stop using it temporarily.

Pregnant women should not take this medication unless prescribed by a doctor as it can harm a fetus. Lactating women too should consult their doctors before taking the medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Caduet dose?

If you have missed a Caduet dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. You can skip the missed dose if your next dose is 12 hours away.

What do I do if I have taken a Caduet overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Caduet, you should seek medical help right away.

Caduet interactions

Prior to taking Caduet, inform your doctors about all the medicines that you are on and especially if you have been taking a drug called telithromycin. Some other drugs which can cause serious threat when used along with Caduet include rifampin, blood thinners like warfarin, digoxin, cimetidine, diltiazem, efavirenz, nitroglycerin, spironolactone, birth control pills or any other statin dose like rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin and pravastatin.

Do not start any new medication without doctor’s advice.

Caduet side effects

Caduet side effects include fever, swelling, weakness, unusual tiredness, muscle pain, weight gain, severe drowsiness, pounding heartbeats, feeling that you might lose consciousness, dark urine, decreased urination, chest pain, nausea, sweating, stomach ache, itching, appetite loss, clay-colored stools, and jaundice. If you experience any such side effects, call your doctor.

Less serious side effects from Caduet may include mild nausea, mild muscle pain, headache, flushing, joint pain, dizziness, indigestion and diarrhea.