Carditan is a brand name for prescription medications primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Manufactured by Cosmos Limited, it helps manage chronic cardiovascular conditions, lower the risk of stroke, and protect the kidneys in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Depending on your specific prescription, Carditan comes in three distinct formulations, each containing different active ingredients tailored to blood pressure management:
1. Formulations and Active Ingredients
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Carditan (Standard): Contains Losartan Potassium (50mg). This belongs to a class of drugs called Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs). It prevents a natural hormone from narrowing your blood vessels, allowing them to relax and widen.
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Carditan H: Combines Losartan Potassium (50mg) and Hydrochlorothiazide (12.5mg). Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill) that helps your kidneys flush out excess water and salt, working together with Losartan to lower blood pressure more effectively.
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Carditan AM: Combines Losartan Potassium (50mg) and Amlodipine (5mg). Amlodipine is a Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB) that directly relaxes muscle walls in your blood vessels. This combination dual-targets the circulatory system for patients who need stronger blood pressure control.
2. Common and Serious Side Effects
While taking Carditan, you may experience minor side effects as your body adjusts to the lowered blood pressure:
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Common symptoms: Dizziness, lightheadedness, headaches, fatigue, or upper respiratory track congestion (like a stuffy nose). Carditan AM may additionally cause mild swelling in the ankles or feet.
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Serious risks: Kidney function changes, dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension), severe allergic reactions (angioedema), and elevated blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia).
3. Critical Safety Warnings
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Pregnancy Warning: Carditan has a strict boxed warning against use during pregnancy. It can cause severe harm or death to an unborn fetus, especially during the second and third trimesters. If you become pregnant, stop the medication immediately and consult your doctor.
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Do Not Stop Abruptly: Stopping your blood pressure medication suddenly can cause a dangerous, rapid spike in blood pressure. Always phase out or switch medications under strict medical supervision.
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Drug Interactions: Avoid taking over-the-counter pain relievers like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) while on Carditan, as the combination heavily increases the risk of kidney damage. Do not take potassium supplements or heavy salt substitutes without talking to your doctor, as Losartan already causes your body to retain potassium.
