INTRODUCTION

REPALOL is a combination of Atenolol and Losartan which belongs to the group of medicines called Antihypertensive agents. It is used to manage hypertension. Hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) is a medical condition in which the force of the blood exerted against the walls of the artery remains very high, and as a result it may lead to severe damage to the blood vessels supplying several vital organs, such as heart, kidney, or brain.

Atenolol is a beta-blocker. It slows down the heartbeat and makes the heart to pump blood with a lesser force. Losartan is an angiotensin-II receptor blocker. It relaxes the blood vessels by blocking the actions of a hormone called angiotensin-II that increases blood pressure. Collectively they make the heart to pump blood more smoothly with less pressure.

Before taking REPALOL inform your doctor if you have any kidney problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have diabetes or are severely dehydrated. During management with REPALOL your doctor will constantly monitor your electrolyte profile and kidney functions to avoid the risk of side effects.

Do not take REPALOL if you have any severe liver or heart diseases (such as low blood pressure). It is strictly not recommended for use in pregnant women as it may harm the growing baby.

The most common side effects of taking REPALOL are nausea, tiredness, dizziness while standing up, increased blood potassium levels and decreased blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect worsens.

USES OF REPALOL

• Manages hypertension (high blood pressure)

HOW REPALOL WORKS

REPALOL effectively controls blood pressure in patients with hypertension. It contains two medicines such as atenolol and losartan. Atenolol works by making the heart to beat slowly with a lesser force by the blocking the effects of a hormone called adrenaline in the body that naturally increases heart rate. Losartan works by relaxing the blood vessels supplying the vital organs by blocking the actions of a hormone called angiotensin-II in the body that increases blood pressure. Collectively they enhance blood flow through blood vessels and makes the heart to pump blood more smoothly and efficiently with less pressure.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take REPALOL as directed by your physician. Swallow REPALOL with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. REPALOL can be taken with or without meals.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking REPALOL without consulting your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS OF REPALOL

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea and Vomiting:

Take REPALOL with or just after a meal or a snack. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating rich or spicy food. Consult your doctor if your nausea worsens.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.

Headache:  

Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.

Diarrhoea:

Drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices or electrolytes to avoid dehydration in your body. Consuming ORS can also be beneficial. Consult your doctor immediately if your symptom worsens.

Constipation:

Eat plenty of fibre rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereals. Drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if this side effect bothers you.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug Interaction:

Before taking REPALOL, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:

• medicines used to manage high blood pressure or chest pain (nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem, enalapril, ramipril, aliskiren or clonidine)
• medicine used to manage irregular heartbeat (digoxin, amiodarone, quinidine or disopyramide)
• adrenaline (a medicine used to stimulate heart functions)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (used for pain relief) Ex. ibuprofen, indomethacin
• medicines used to manage diabetes (Ex. insulin, metformin, glimepiride)
• medicines that can increase potassium levels in the body such as potassium-sparing diuretics (Ex. amiloride, spironolactone) or potassium supplements
• fluconazole (a medicine used to manage fungal infections)
• baclofen (a medicine used to manage muscle spasm)
• amifostine (a kidney protectant)
• medicines used to manage depression (such as lithium, amitriptyline, imipramine, and nortriptyline)
• medicines used to manage psychotic disorders (such as olanzapine, risperidone, and aripiprazole)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more REPALOL, consult your doctor immediately. Overdosage may cause low blood pressure, decreased heartbeat, and bronchospasm (constriction of airways).

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep REPALOL out of reach of children
• Store REPALOL room temperature

FAQs ABOUT REPALOL

Is REPALOL safe to use in diabetic patients?

REPALOL may alter the blood sugar levels in your body. It may also hide the symptoms of low blood sugar. Therefore, it is necessary to inform your doctor if you have diabetes before taking REPALOL as a precaution. Your doctor will closely monitor you blood sugar levels to avoid the risk of side effects. Also, inform your doctor if you experience any unusual tiredness, hunger or thirst while undergoing therapy with REPALOL.

What precautions should be followed while taking REPALOL?

Before taking REPALOL inform your doctor if you have any kidney problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have diabetes or are severely dehydrated. Regularly visit your doctor and take all the necessary tests which your doctor recommends to you without fail. Consult your doctor before taking REPALOL if you have any severe liver or heart diseases (such as low blood pressure). If you are pregnant or become pregnant during therapy with REPALOL, stop taking it and consult your doctor immediately.

Can REPALOL causes electrolyte imbalance?

Yes. REPALOL may alter the levels of certain electrolytes (sodium or potassium) in the body. To avoid this, your doctor would closely monitor electrolyte levels in your blood. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms such as chest pain, muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting, consult your doctor for advice.

Can I drink alcohol during management with REPALOL?

No. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking REPALOL as it might make you feel more dizzy or drowsy which can increase the risk of accidents or injuries.

What happens if I accidentally take more REPALOL?

If you or anyone else accidentally took more REPALOL, consult your doctor immediately. Overdosage may cause low blood pressure, decreased heartbeat, and bronchospasm (constriction of airways).

What is the use of REPALOL?

REPALOL is a prescription medicine used to control elevated blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Can I take REPALOL daily?

Take REPALOL as advised by your physician. Your doctor will evaluate your health condition and suggests whether can you take REPALOL every day or not.

What are the possible side effects of REPALOL?

The most common side effects of taking REPALOL are nausea, tiredness, dizziness while standing up, increased blood potassium levels and low blood sugar levels. Consult your doctor if any of these side effect worsens.

What to do if I forgot to take a dose of REPALOL?

If you have missed a dose of REPALOL, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed one and take the next one at regular times. Do not take a double dose of REPALOL to compensate the missed ones.

Can I stop taking REPALOL if my blood pressure reduces?

Do not stop taking REPALOL without consulting your doctor as your blood pressure may raise once again. Make sure to take REPALOL for the stipulated duration recommended by your doctor to achieve maximum results.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Antiadrenergic Drugs (Adrenergic Receptor Antagonists) and Drugs for Glaucoma & Cardiovascular drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 149 & 506.

2. B Dahlof, S E Keller, L Makris, A I Goldberg, C S Sweet, N Y Lim. Efficacy and tolerability of losartan potassium and atenolol in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. Pubmed.gov. June 1995. [Accessed 1st March 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7662242/#:~:text=No%20evidence%20of%20rebound%20hypertension,at%20least%20as%20well%20tolerated

3. Torrent pharmaceuticals Ltd. TOZAAR AT Tablet (Losartan Potassium and Atenolol). Torrent Pharma. [Revised in January 2016]. [Accessed 1st March 2022] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/2465.pdf

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Kidney Function Test