Belfor HCT
Belfor HCT Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Belfor HCT is a brand name. Its generic name is Amlodipine + Hydrochlorothiazide + Olmesartan Medoxomil.
Introduction
Belfor HCT is an oral, fixed-dose combination of three blood pressure medications used to treat essential hypertension (high blood pressure). It is a combination of amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker), hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic), and olmesartan medoxomil (an angiotensin receptor blocker). These three medications work together to provide a more effective blood pressure-lowering effect than any of the individual medications alone.
Uses For
Belfor HCT is used to treat essential hypertension, or high blood pressure in adults. It may be used in combination with other blood pressure medications to give your doctor better control over your treatment of hypertension. It may also be used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular events related to hypertension.
Mechanism Of Action
Belfor HCT works by blocking the action of calcium channels in the body, which contracts the walls of arteries and raises blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide acts as a diuretic, promoting the excretion of sodium and water, resulting in a decrease in extracellular fluid volume and an increase in blood pressure. Olmesartan medoxomil is an angiotensin receptor blocker which acts to relax the smooth muscles of the walls of the arteries, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Belfor HCT generally begins to work within hours of taking it but it may take 2-4 weeks before the full effects of the medication are seen. Blood pressure-lowering effects can take up to 6 weeks to become completely effective.
Absorption
Belfor HCT is absorbed quickly and completely in the stomach. All three components are absorbed at the same rate, and the active metabolites (the compounds responsible for the drug's pharmacological activity) are detected within 1 hour. Peak levels of the active metabolites occur within 2-6 hours of taking the medication.
Route of Elimination
Belfor HCT is eliminated from the body mainly in the urine. Amlodipine is metabolized by the liver and excreted largely unchanged in the urine, whereas hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan medoxomil are both metabolized by the kidneys and eliminated largely in the urine. The metabolites are also eliminated in the feces.
Dosage
The recommended starting dose of Belfor HCT is 5/12.5/20mg taken once daily. This dose can be increased as needed, up to 10/12.5/40mg per day. It is important to take Belfor HCT exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than what your doctor has instructed you to take.
Administration
Belfor HCT should be taken orally, with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets.
Side Effects
Common side effects associated with Belfor HCT may include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, and hypotension (low blood pressure). In some cases, more serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and swollen ankles may occur. If you experience any of these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Toxicity
Belfor HCT is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, taking too much of this medication can be dangerous and may result in serious side effects. If someone has taken too much of this medication they should seek medical attention immediately.
Precaution
Belfor HCT should be taken with caution for people with certain conditions such as congestive heart failure and kidney or liver disease. Tell your doctor about any allergies or medical conditions before starting treatment with this medication. It is also important to tell your doctor about any other medications that you are taking as this medication may not be suitable for some people who are taking other types of medications.
Interaction
Drug interactions can occur when Belfor HCT is taken with other medications. This medication should not be used with MAO inhibitors, lithium, potassium-sparing diuretics, or other medications known to interact with it. Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are taking so they can determine if it is safe for you to take Belfor HCT.
Disease Interactions
Belfor HCT can interact with certain medical conditions and should be taken with caution in individuals with these conditions. This medication should not be used in people with severe hepatic impairment or severe renal impairment, as it can worsen their condition. It should also be used with caution in people with preexisting heart diseases or diabetes as it can cause further complications.
Drug Interactions
Belfor HCT can interact with other medications, including other blood pressure medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antifungal medications, and some cold and flu medications. Make sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist all of the medications you are taking before starting this medication.
Food Interactions
Belfor HCT is not known to interact significantly with food or beverages but it should still be taken with food to improve absorption. Eating a high-fat or high-sugar meal prior to taking this medication may reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
Pregnancy Use
Belfor HCT should not be used during pregnancy as there is a risk of serious harm to an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor before taking this medication.
Lactation Use
It is not known if Belfor HCT passes into breast milk. This medication should not be used while breastfeeding without the consent of your doctor.
Acute Overdose
An overdose of Belfor HCT can be life-threatening and must be treated as an emergency. Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, difficulty breathing, sweating, dizziness, and abnormal heart rhythms. Seek medical attention immediately if you think you may have taken an overdose of this medication.
Contraindication
Belfor HCT is contraindicated for people who are hypersensitive to any of its components or to other sulfonamide-derived drugs. It is also not suitable for people with severe hepatic or renal dysfunction.
Use Direction
Belfor HCT should always be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take more or less than what you have been instructed to take, and take the medication at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Storage Condition
Amlodipine + Hydro
Here you find in details version of Belfor HCT