Istin

How does it work?

Istin tablets contain the active ingredient amlodipine besilate, which is a type of medicine called a calcium channel blocker. (NB. Amlodipine tablets are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Calcium channel blockers act on the heart and blood vessels.

Amlodipine works by slowing the movement of calcium through the muscle cells that are found in the walls of blood vessels. It does this by blocking 'calcium channels' in these muscle cells. Calcium is needed by muscle cells in order for them to contract, so by depriving them of calcium, amlodipine causes the muscle cells to relax.

Amlodipine acts specifically on the muscle cells in the walls of arteries, causing them to relax. This allows the arteries in the body to widen, an effect that has two main uses.

The relaxing and widening of the small arteries in the body decreases the resistance that the heart has to push against in order to pump the blood around the body. This reduces the pressure within the blood vessels. Amlodipine can therefore be used to treat high blood pressure.

The widening effect on the small arteries and the arteries in the heart also improves the blood and therefore oxygen supply to the heart. This feature means amlodipine can be used to treat angina. The chest pain of angina is caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart. As amlodipine improves this oxygen supply, and also reduces the effort the heart has to make to pump blood, it can be taken regularly to prevent angina attacks.

What is it used for?

High blood pressure

Angina pectoris

A severe form of angina pectoris, not caused by exertion

Warning!

This medicine is not recommended for use in children.

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Allergy to related calcium channel blockers (dihydropyridines)

Angina not well controlled by medical treatment

Failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of blood (cardiogenic shock)

Narrowing of the main artery coming from the heart (aortic stenosis)

Pregnancy

Breastfeeding

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should not be taken by women who are pregnant, and women who could get pregnant should use an effective method of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Sleepiness

Dizziness

Headache

Flushing

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)

Abdominal pain

Nausea

Excessive fluid retention in the body tissues, resulting in swelling (oedema)

Fatigue

Weight changes

Pain in the muscles or joints

Impotence

Increased need to pass urine

Skin reactions such as rash and itch

Shortness of breath

Mood changes

Numbness or pins and needles sensations

Enlargement of the gums (gingival hyperplasia)

Liver problems such as jaundice and hepatitis

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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