Betacard-AM 5mg/50mg Tablet - Uses, Price, Side Effects
What is betacard-am 5mg/50mg tablet used for?
Betacard-AM 5mg/50mg Tablet is a combination of Amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) and Atenolol (a beta blocker). It is used to treat hypertension and angina by relaxing blood vessels and reducing heart rate, thereby lowering blood pressure and decreasing cardiac workload.
- Generic Name: Amlodipine + Atenolol
- Manufacturer: Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: C
- Prescription Required: Yes
๐ betacard-am 5mg/50mg tablet Uses & Benefits
Hypertension, angina pectoris (chronic stable angina, vasospastic angina)
๐ Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Amlodipine + Atenolol |
| Brand Name | Amlokind-AT Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | CARDIAC |
| Action Class | Calcium channel blocker + Beta blocker |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at 20-25ยฐC (68-77ยฐF), protect from light and moisture |
| Shelf Life | As per manufacturer |
๐ฌ Pharmacology (PK/PD)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Amlodipine inhibits calcium influx across cell membranes in vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, leading to vasodilation and reduced peripheral resistance. Atenolol selectively blocks beta-1 adrenergic receptors, decreasing heart rate, contractility, and cardiac output.
Mechanism Steps
๐ก How to Take betacard-am 5mg/50mg tablet
Follow your doctor's prescription exactly.
Dosage Timeline
โ ๏ธ Side Effects of betacard-am 5mg/50mg tablet
โ Common Side Effects
- Edema (ankle/foot)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Flushing
- Palpitations
- Bradycardia
- Cold extremities
๐จ Serious Side Effects
- Severe hypotension
- Heart failure exacerbation
- Bradyarrhythmias
- Bronchospasm
- Hepatotoxicity (rare)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rare)
โ ๏ธ Rare Side Effects
- Gingival hyperplasia
- Leukopenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Vasculitis
- Photosensitivity
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
๐ฌ Drug Interactions
| โ ๏ธ Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Moderate | Reduced antihypertensive effect |
| Digoxin | Moderate | Increased risk of bradycardia |
| Insulin | Moderate | Masked hypoglycemia symptoms |
๐จ Major Interactions
- Beta blockers (other)
- Calcium channel blockers (verapamil, diltiazem)
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir)
- Clonidine
- Digitalis glycosides
โก Moderate Interactions
- NSAIDs
- Antihypertensives (additive effect)
- Insulin
- Oral hypoglycemics
- Anesthetics
โน๏ธ Minor Interactions
- Cimetidine
- Grapefruit juice (amlodipine)
- Antacids
๐ฝ๏ธ Food Interactions
Grapefruit juice may increase amlodipine levels; avoid excessive intake. Food does not significantly affect atenolol absorption.
๐ท Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may enhance hypotensive effect; avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
๐ก๏ธ Safety & Warnings
๐ซ Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to components, cardiogenic shock, severe bradycardia, heart block (2nd/3rd degree), sick sinus syndrome, severe hypotension, acute heart failure, asthma/COPD (atenolol), peripheral vascular disease (severe)
๐ Monitoring Parameters
Blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, serum electrolytes, renal function, hepatic function, blood glucose (in diabetics)
๐คฑ Lactation Safety
Low risk; both drugs excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Caution advised.
๐ Overdose Management
Supportive care; atropine for bradycardia, vasopressors for hypotension, calcium gluconate for calcium channel blocker overdose, glucagon for beta blocker overdose
โฐ Missed Dose
Take as soon as remembered if within 12 hours; skip if close to next dose. Do not double dose.