Introduction

Uses of Betacal 5/50

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Side effects of Betacal 5/50

Sleepiness
Headache
Ankle swelling
Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk)
Slow heart rate
Palpitations
Nausea
Edema (swelling)
Constipation
Tiredness
Cold extremities

How to use Betacal 5/50

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Betacal 5/50 is to be taken empty stomach.

How Betacal 5/50 works

Betacal 5/50 is a combination of two medicines: Amlodipine and Atenolol, which lowers blood pressure effectively. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker which works by relaxing blood vessels while atenolol is a beta blocker which works specifically on the heart to slow down the heart rate. Together, they make the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body.

Quick Tips

You have been prescribed Betacal 5/50 for the treatment of high blood pressure.
Lowering blood pressure reduces chance of future heart attack & strokes.
It may cause dizziness. Get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it can cause sudden increase in your blood pressure.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.

Safety Advice

UNSAFE – Alcohol: It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Betacal 5/50.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR – Pregnancy: Betacal 5/50 is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR – Breastfeeding: Betacal 5/50 is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
UNSAFE – Driving: Betacal 5/50 may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.\nBetacal 5/50 may cause side effects such as dizziness, headaches, nausea or tiredness, all of which could affect your ability to concentrate and drive.
CAUTION – Kidney: Betacal 5/50 should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Betacal 5/50 may be needed. Please consult your doctor.\nRegular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended and can help in better dose adjustment.
CAUTION – Liver: Betacal 5/50 should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Betacal 5/50 may be needed. Please consult your doctor.\nBetacal 5/50 is started at a lower dose in patients with liver disease and further increased slowly with careful monitoring.