Uses
What is amlodipine/atorvastatin used for?
The combination medicine amlodipine/atorvastatin is commonly used to treat people who could be helped by both amlodipine and atorvastatin.
Amlodipine is commonly used for the following conditions.
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Coronary artery disease, which is a type of heart disease
- Angina, which is a type of chest pain
Atorvastatin is commonly used to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) and fats (triglycerides) in the blood. It also increases good cholesterol levels (HDL). Improving your cholesterol levels helps decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
Amlodipine/atorvastatin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does amlodipine/atorvastatin work (mechanism of action)?
Amlodipine relaxes your blood vessels so that blood can move through them more easily and your heart does not have to work as hard.
Atorvastatin lowers blood cholesterol levels by decreasing the amount of cholesterol made by your liver and by increasing the breakdown of bad cholesterol.
How is amlodipine/atorvastatin supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Caduet
Dosage forms and strengths
- 2.5 mg/10 mg, 2.5 mg/20 mg, 2.5 mg/40 mg oral tablets
- 5 mg/10 mg, 5 mg/20 mg, 5 mg/40 mg, 5 mg/80 mg oral tablets
- 10 mg/10 mg, 10 mg/20 mg, 10 mg/40 mg, 10 mg/80 mg oral tablets
How should I store amlodipine/atorvastatin?
Amlodipine/atorvastatin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of amlodipine/atorvastatin?
The most common side effects of amlodipine/atorvastatin are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Swelling of the legs and ankles (edema)
- Common cold symptoms
- Joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Pain in the hands or feet
- Kidney or bladder infection
There may be other side effects of amlodipine/atorvastatin that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of amlodipine/atorvastatin?
While less common, the most serious side effects of amlodipine/atorvastatin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Muscle Problems. Amlodipine/atorvastatin can cause muscle problems, including muscle pain, weakness, and tenderness called myopathy. In some people, the muscle may break down (rhabdomyolysis), which can be serious and rarely lead to kidney damage and death. Stop taking amlodipine/atorvastatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
- Unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness
- Low energy levels or feeling easily tired, especially with activity
- Dark colored urine
- Fever
- Muscle cramps
- Stomach pain
- Nausea or vomiting
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking amlodipine/atorvastatin. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine (pee)
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Chest Pain or Heart Attack. When you first start taking amlodipine/atorvastatin or increase your dose, your chest pain (angina) may get worse or you may have a heart attack. This risk is higher if you have severe obstructive coronary artery disease, a condition where the blood vessels that deliver blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your heart get blocked. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack.
- Severe chest pain, which may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing or aching
- Discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw
- Cold sweat
- Unusual tiredness
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Amlodipine/atorvastatin may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
Increased Blood Sugar. Amlodipine/atorvastatin may increase your blood sugar levels. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Amlodipine/atorvastatin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking amlodipine/atorvastatin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use amlodipine/atorvastatin?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take amlodipine/atorvastatin.
- Caduet
- Amlodipine
- Atorvastatin
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific amlodipine/atorvastatin products they stock.
What should I know about amlodipine/atorvastatin before using it?
Do not take amlodipine/atorvastatin unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share amlodipine/atorvastatin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep amlodipine/atorvastatin out of the reach of children.
Amlodipine/atorvastatin can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how amlodipine/atorvastatin affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using amlodipine/atorvastatin?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if amlodipine/atorvastatin is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems
- History of muscle aches or weakness
- Alcohol use disorder
- History of stroke
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Thyroid problems
- Diabetes
Pregnancy. Amlodipine/atorvastatin may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking amlodipine/atorvastatin right away and contact your healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding. Amlodipine/atorvastatin passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop amlodipine/atorvastatin.
Interactions
Does amlodipine/atorvastatin interact with foods or drinks?
Do not drink large amounts of grapefruit juice (1.2 liters or more per day) while taking this medicine. Large amounts of grapefruit juice can increase your risk of developing serious muscle problems.
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking this medicine. The risk of liver damage may be increased if you drink significant amounts of alcohol. Tell your healthcare provider if you drink more than 2 glasses of alcohol per day before taking this medicine.
Does amlodipine/atorvastatin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using amlodipine/atorvastatin.
- A type of medicine called a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, such as sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio, and others), which is used for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others) or tacrolimus (Prograf, Astagraf, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
- Niacin or a fibrate such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibrate (Tricor), or fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), which is a medicine for high cholesterol
- Erythromycin or clarithromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
- Any medicine for HIV, AIDS, or hepatitis
- Ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
- Colchicine, which is a medicine commonly used for gout
- Rifampin, which is a medicine used to treat tuberculosis and other infections caused by bacteria
- A birth control pill
- Diltiazem (Cardizem CD and others), which is a medicine used for high blood pressure and other conditions
- Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
- Any medicine for high cholesterol
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of amlodipine/atorvastatin, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with amlodipine/atorvastatin. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much amlodipine/atorvastatin?
If you or someone else has used too much amlodipine/atorvastatin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of amlodipine/atorvastatin?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Amlodipine/Atorvastatin (Caduet)?
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