Benidipine+chlorthalidone
About
Benidipine+chlorthalidone belongs to the class of medications called ‘antihypertensives’. It is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension is a lifelong condition in which there is a persistent rise in blood pressure. The rise in blood pressure occurs when the force exerted by the blood against the blood vessel (arteries wall) increases. The higher the blood pressure, the harder the heart has to pump. As a result, it leads to heart disease, irregular heartbeat, and other complications.
Benidipine+chlorthalidone contains Benidipine and Chlorthalidone. Benidipine blocks the calcium channels present in the blood vessels of the heart. This effect widens the blood vessels lowering the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of blood vessels. It decreases the workload on the heart and also reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic or water pill. It acts by getting rid of excess water and salts in the body by increasing urination, thereby reducing blood pressure. It helps to reduce edema (fluid buildup) and swelling associated with hypertension.
Benidipine+chlorthalidone should be taken as advised by your doctor. The dose of the medicine will be decided by your doctor based on your health condition. Benidipine+chlorthalidone may cause certain common side effects such as low blood pressure (feeling light-headed), dizziness, headache, palpitations (racing or pounding heart), increased frequency of urination, and lethargy (lack of energy). These side effects resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.
Do not take Benidipine+chlorthalidone if you are allergic to Chlorthalidone, Benidipine, or any other ingredients present in it. Avoid taking Benidipine+chlorthalidone if you are unable to urinate or allergic to sulfa drugs. Before taking Benidipine+chlorthalidone, inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, gout (a type of arthritis), high cholesterol, aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve), cardiogenic shock (sudden stopping of blood flow to the heart), or if you are on a low-salt diet. Also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Benidipine+chlorthalidone
Medicinal Benefits
Benidipine+chlorthalidone contains Benidipine and Chlorthalidone. Benidipine blocks the calcium channels present in the blood vessels of the heart. This effect widens the blood vessels lowering the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of blood vessels. It decreases the workload on the heart. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic or water pill. It acts by getting rid of excess water and salts in the body by increasing urination, thereby reducing blood pressure. It helps reduce edema (fluid buildup) and swelling associated with hypertension. Thus, Benidipine+chlorthalidone can effectively reduce blood pressure and the complications associated with this condition such as heart attack.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Benidipine+chlorthalidone
- Low blood pressure (feeling light-headed)
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Palpitations (racing or pounding heart)
- Increased frequency of urination
- Lethargy (lack of energy)
- Peripheral edema (swelling of legs/hands)
- Flushing (skin reddening)
- Rash
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Benidipine+chlorthalidone may cause electrolyte imbalances (low levels of potassium, sodium, or magnesium in your blood). So, consult your doctor immediately if you have vomiting or diarrhea, as Benidipine+chlorthalidone used in this condition may lead to severe dehydration. Your doctor may perform blood and urine tests to monitor electrolyte levels. Benidipine+chlorthalidone may cause dizziness, so avoid rising up too fast from a sitting or lying position. Stay hydrated and avoid hot weather as Benidipine+chlorthalidone increases the frequency of urination. Do not stop taking Benidipine+chlorthalidone abruptly, as it may increase the risk of a heart attack.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Benidipine+chlorthalidone may interact with other blood pressure-lowering medications, anticancer drugs (aldesleukin), a medication used to treat arrhythmias (quinidine), antiepileptic medicine (phenytoin), antitubercular drug (rifampicin), an antibiotic (erythromycin), steroids, a medication used to treat diabetes (insulin), other oral diabetes medicines, anti-psychotic drug (lithium), and a medication used to treat heart failure (digoxin).
Drug-food interactions: You are recommended to avoid alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Drug-disease interactions: Benidipine+chlorthalidone is not recommended for use in patients with nil urine output (anuria). It should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, gout (a type of arthritis), high cholesterol, aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve), and cardiogenic shock (sudden stopping of blood flow to the heart).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol consumption may worsen the side effects of this medicine. Hence, do not consume alcohol while on treatment with this medicine.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is not known whether Benidipine+chlorthalidone can be taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Benidipine+chlorthalidone. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionBenidipine+chlorthalidone should be used with caution in breastfeeding as this medicine may suppress lactation and also get excreted in the breast milk.
Driving
unsafeBenidipine+chlorthalidone may cause dizziness and affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. Hence, avoid driving or operating machines after taking this medicine.
Liver
cautionBenidipine+chlorthalidone should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Inform your doctor if you have liver problems before taking this medicine. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionBenidipine+chlorthalidone should be used with caution if you have kidney disease as this medicine can cause electrolyte disturbances. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
cautionBenidipine+chlorthalidone should be used with caution in children below 12 years of age. Please consult your doctor. Your doctor may decide the dose of Benidipine+chlorthalidone based on your child's age, body weight and condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep your weight under control with a BMI of 19.5-24.9.
- Do regular physical activity or exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week. Doing this can help you lower your raised blood pressure by about 5 mm of Hg.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
- Limit intake of sodium chloride (table salt) in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day or less than 1500 mg is ideal for most adults.
- If you are taking alcohol, then only one serving for women and two servings for men is advisable.
- Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
- Avoid chronic stress, as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spent time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
- Monitor your blood pressure daily, and if there is too much fluctuation, immediately contact your doctor.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may suggest tests for monitoring your electrolyte levels, as chlorthalidone in Benidipine+chlorthalidone may affect the electrolyte levels.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: It is a chronic condition when blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Blood pressure is the measurement of the force that our heart uses to pump blood to all parts of the body. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is the pressure when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg, and diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. Ideal blood pressure should be between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg.
FAQs
Benidipine+chlorthalidone consists of Benidipine and Chlorthalidone. Benidipine blocks the calcium channels in the heart, widens the blood vessels, and lowers blood pressure. On the other hand, Chlorthalidone reduces blood pressure by expelling excess water and salts from the body through urine.
Benidipine+chlorthalidone may cause impotence (erectile dysfunction) as the blood flow to the penis decreases. If you experience erectile dysfunction while using this medicine, inform your doctor immediately.
You are recommended to take this medicine for a duration intended by your doctor. High blood pressure is a life-long condition, and you should not abruptly discontinue the medicine without consulting your doctor.
Benidipine+chlorthalidone may affect your blood sugar levels. It is recommended to discuss with your doctor before taking Benidipine+chlorthalidone to know the possible risks of this medicine.
