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What is Exforge: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Exforge overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Exforge, Exforge

Generic Names:

  • Amlodipine Besylate-Valsartan

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure. This medicine contains a calcium channel blocker (CCB) and an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihypertensive

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Exforge used for?

Exforge is a combination drug used to treat high blood pressure. This drug contains amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker. Exforge also contains valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Both components work by relaxing the muscles in blood vessel walls. Exforge is a brand version of the combination drug amlodipine besylate/valsartan. The components of this drug have been available for years. In the treatment of high blood pressure, Exforge use is common.

What form(s) does Exforge come in

  • Tablet

What are common Exforge doses?

  • Tablet 5-160MG

  • Tablet 10-320MG

  • Tablet 5-320MG

  • Tablet 10-160MG

Common Exforge prescriptions

  • Exforge
    10-160mg tablet

  • Exforge
    10-320mg tablet

  • Exforge
    5-160mg tablet

  • Exforge
    5-320mg tablet

How to take Exforge

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Exforge contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to amlodipine or valsartan, or if you are pregnant.

Exforge warnings

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Alcohol may make your symptoms worse.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, angina, heart failure, or a history of heart attack.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Worsening angina or risk of heart attack in people with heart problemsKidney problemsHigh potassium levels

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Exforge interactions

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how amlodipine/valsartan works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Clarithromycin, cyclosporine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lithium, rifampin, ritonavir, sildenafil, tacrolimus, telithromycinMedicine to lower cholesterol (including simvastatin)Diuretic (water pill)NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

  • Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Alcohol may make your symptoms worse.

  • Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren.

Exforge side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, nausea, unusual sweating

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

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