Caduet
Generic Name: Amlodipine
What is Caduet?
Caduet, along with diet and exercise, is used to treat both high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Caduet combines two medications: amlodipine besylate for lowering your blood pressure and atorvastatin for lowering your "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.What is the most important information I should know about Caduet?
Caduet may exacerbate angina (chest pain) and increase the frequency of heart attack in people with obstructive coronary artery disease after starting or increasing the amlodipine dose. Treatment with Caduet should be discontinued if there are signs of rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle). Tell your doctor if you experience any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, particularly if it is accompanied by feeling sick or if you have a fever.Stop Caduet immediately if you develop a severe infection, experience low blood pressure, are undergoing a major surgery, suffer from electrolyte disorders, or experience uncontrolled seizures. All these events may predispose you to kidney failure, which may result in severe muscle pain. Make sure to consult your doctor prior to stopping the medication.
Who should not take Caduet?
Do not take Caduet if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Also, do not take Caduet if you have liver problems, pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant, stop taking Caduet and call your doctor right away.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Caduet?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Caduet. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have or had liver disease. Tell your doctor of any muscle aches or weakness, diabetes, thyroid problems, kidney problems, or if you drink more than two glasses of alcohol daily. Tell your doctor if you take medications for your immune system, infections, cholesterol, birth control, heart failure, or HIV (AIDS).What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose for you based on the current medications you are taking for high blood pressure and cholestrol.
How should I take Caduet?
Take Caduet once a day at any time, but about the same time each day. Do not split or crush the tablets before taking them.What should I avoid while taking Caduet?
Avoid becoming pregnant while taking Caduet. Do not breastfeed. Caduet can pass into your breast milk and may harm your baby.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Caduet?
If Caduet is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Caduet may interact with certain medications such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir with saquinavir, cyclosporine, certain medications that contain fibric acid, niacin, certain antifungals, rifampin, and digoxin. It may also interact with grapefruit juice. Since Caduet contains two medications (amlodipine and atorvastatin), it is also advisable to check the individual interactions of each with other foods and medications. Ask your pharmacist for this information.You can use nitroglycerin and Caduet together. If you take nitroglycerin for chest pain (angina), do not stop taking it while taking Caduet.
What are the possible side effects of Caduet?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: back pain, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, headache, irregular heartbeat, liver problems, muscle problems, nausea, rash, sleepiness, stomach pain, swelling of your legs or ankles, weakness
Can I receive Caduet if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do not take Caduet if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. This drug may cause severe problems in your pregnancy and may be passed into your breast milk.What should I do if I miss a dose of Caduet?
If you miss a dose of Caduet, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Caduet?
Store Caduet at room temperature.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
