Caduet is a drug used to treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It is a combination of amlodipine (Norvasc)--a calcium channel blocker--and atorvastatin (Lipitor), a statin drug. It was released by Pfizer Labs in 2004. Caduet should be taken once daily, at the same time each day, with or without food. Nine different tablet strengths are available. Dosages are given in milligrams, with the amlodipine dosage listed first: 2.5/10, 2.5/20, 2.5/40, 5/10, 5/20, 5/40, 5/80, 10/10, 10/20.
Function of Calcium Channel Blockers
Amlodipine is a long-acting calcium channel blocker. Calcium channel blockers are used to treat high blood pressure, angina (chest pain), and coronary artery disease. Calcium channel blockers reduce the amount of calcium that enters the smooth muscle cells that line the blood vessels and cardiac muscle of the heart. These cells use calcium for contraction, so the inhibition of calcium relaxes the blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. Amlodipine improves angine by slowing the heart rate and reducing the amount of oxygen the heart requires. Amlodipine is the only calcium channel blocker that is safe for use in people who have congestive heart failure.
Function of Statins
Most of the cholesterol in the body is manufactured in the liver. The type of cholesterol that forms plaque on the walls of the arteries is known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein). Statin drugs decrease the amount of LDL formed in the liver. Drugs like atorvastain also increase the number of LDL receptors that help the liver pull LDL out of the blood stream. Patients who take atorvastatin may also show a slight increase HDL (the so-called good cholesterol), and a slight decrease in triglycerides.
Side Effects
Statins like atorvastatin can cause liver problems, so patients should have a blood test to check their liver enzymes while they're on Caduet or any other statin drug. People taking Caduet should let their doctor know immediately if they experience muscle pain or weakness, if their urine is brown-colored or if the whites of their eyes acquire a yellow tinge. Patients who experience chest pain should go the emergency room right away.
Advantages
Caduet offers convenience for people who need to take medication for both high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Both the medications in Caduet, amlodipine and atorvastatin, can be prescribed as individual tablets. People with prescription insurance will only have one copay if they take Caduet. Since amlodipine is available in generic form, people without prescription insurance may save money by buying the medications separately.
Considerations
Caduet cannot be taken by pregnant women, or women who plan to become pregnant. Caduet is excreted in breast milk and should not be used by women who are breastfeeding.
References
- Basic and Clinical Pharmacology; Bertram Katzung; 2007
- "The Pharmacist's Letter;" New Drug: Caduet (Amlodipine / Atorvastatin) Tablets; Ellen Whipple Guthrie, Pharm.D.; April 2004
