Istin

What is it?

An antianginal and anti-hypertensive preparation which is a class II calcium antagonist. It is available as 5mg and 10mg white tablets containing amlodipine besylate, marked Pfizer and ITN 5 and STN 10, respectively.

Medical Uses

Angina in myocardial ischaemia, high blood pressure.

Dosage

Adults, 5mg once each day; maximum dose, 10mg daily.

Special Care

Hypertensive crisis, impaired liver function, within 4 weeks of heart attack.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, angina which is unstable, heart shock, aortic stenosis (narrowing of aortic valve).

Known Side Effects

Fluid retention, headache, dizziness, overgrowth of gum cells, tiredness, skin rash, nausea, flushing. In rare instances, muscle, joint, back and abdominal pains, acid indigestion, sleepiness, weakness, baldness, itching, dry mouth, sweating, fainting, disturbance of vision, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage), angioedema (widespread swelling), changes in mood, pancreatitis, vasculitis, (inflammation of veins), thrombocytopenia (bleeding disorder caused by low levels of blood platelets), impotence, altered bowel habit, increased urination.

Manufacturer

Pfizer.