VASLOC Tablets are mainly used to help lower high blood pressure and treat some heart conditions. They work by relaxing your blood vessels, which makes it easier for your heart to pump blood. If you’ve been prescribed VASLOC, it’s good to know how to take it properly, what to watch out for, and what side effects you might experience. Let’s go through what VASLOC is for, how to use it safely, and what you should keep in mind while taking it.
What it Is Used For
VASLOC helps treat:
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| High Blood Pressure | VASLOC helps lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage. |
| Angina (Chest Pain) | It improves blood flow to the heart, helping to reduce how often you get chest pain and how bad it feels. |
Sometimes your doctor may give you VASLOC together with other medicines to better manage your condition.
Before You Take VASLOC
Make sure your doctor knows your full medical history. There are some situations where VASLOC should not be taken.
Do Not Take VASLOC If You:
- Are allergic to amlodipine or any of the ingredients in the tablets.
- Have very low blood pressure.
- Are in shock or a condition where your heart cannot pump enough blood (cardiogenic shock).
- Have aortic stenosis (a narrowing of a heart valve).
- Recently had a heart attack (especially within the past few weeks).
- Have unstable angina (chest pain while at rest).
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell Your Doctor If You:
- Have heart failure.
- Are older than 65 years.
- Have liver or kidney problems.
- Have diabetes.
- Have a condition called porphyria.
- Experience chest pain that gets worse after starting this medicine.
For Children and Teens:
VASLOC is not recommended for people under 18 years old.
Taking VASLOC with Other Medicines
Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines you’re using. Some medicines can interact with VASLOC.
| Type of Medicine | Examples and Notes |
|---|---|
| HIV medicines | Protease inhibitors may increase amlodipine levels. |
| Antifungals | Ketoconazole, itraconazole can increase side effects. |
| Antibiotics | Erythromycin, clarithromycin may increase amlodipine in the body. |
| Heart medicines | Verapamil, diltiazem, beta-blockers – monitor blood pressure closely. |
| Tuberculosis medicine | Rifampicin can make VASLOC less effective. |
| Herbal remedies | St. John’s Wort may reduce effectiveness. |
| Seizure medications | Phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate may affect how VASLOC works. |
| Muscle relaxants | Dantrolene should not be used with VASLOC. |
| Transplant drugs | Tacrolimus levels may increase. |
| mTOR inhibitors | These may raise the amount of amlodipine in your system. |
| Cholesterol medicines | Simvastatin doses may need adjusting. |
| Mood stabilizers | Lithium – may require monitoring for toxicity. |
| Grapefruit or juice | May increase side effects – avoid consuming. |
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Driving and Alcohol
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy | Do not take VASLOC. Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be. |
| Breastfeeding | Avoid using this medicine if breastfeeding. |
| Driving & Machines | VASLOC can make you feel dizzy or tired. Avoid driving if affected. |
| Alcohol | Drinking alcohol can lower your blood pressure further – use with caution. |
How to Take VASLOC Tablets
- Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
- Take your tablet at the same time each day, with or without food.
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Usual Dose | 5 mg or 10 mg once a day, as prescribed. |
| Missed Dose | Take it when you remember. If close to your next dose, skip the missed one. Don’t double up. |
| Overdose | Get medical help immediately. Bring the tablets or packaging with you. |
Possible Side Effects of VASLOC
Like all medicines, VASLOC may cause side effects. Some are mild, while others may require medical attention.
Serious Side Effects – Call a Doctor Immediately:
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Rash, severe itching
- Irregular heartbeat or chest pain
- Fainting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe stomach pain (may indicate pancreatitis)
- Signs of infection or unusual bruising
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Feeling tired or sleepy
- Swelling in ankles or feet
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Flushed skin or redness
- Muscle cramps or weakness
Less Common Side Effects:
- Mood changes such as depression or anxiety
- Numbness or tingling in fingers and toes
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Vomiting or dry mouth
- Swollen gums
- Enlarged breasts in men
- Problems with sexual performance
- Sensitivity to sunlight or skin colour changes
- Weight gain or loss
Rare or Unknown Frequency:
- Muscle stiffness or unusual movements
If you notice anything unusual or bothersome, contact your doctor or report side effects to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
How to Store VASLOC Tablets
| Storage Tips | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Keep below 30°C. |
| Packaging | Keep in the original box or blister pack. |
| Away from Children | Store in a safe place out of children’s reach. |
| Disposal | Return unused tablets to your pharmacy. Do not flush. |
What’s in VASLOC Tablets?
| Ingredient Type | Contents |
|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Amlodipine (as besilate): 5 mg or 10 mg depending on tablet strength. |
| Inactive Ingredients | Mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, colloidal silica anhydrous, sodium starch glycolate. |
Tablet Appearance and Packaging
| Tablet Strength | Appearance and Markings |
|---|---|
| VASLOC 5 mg | White to off-white, octagonal tablet marked “AM 5” |
| VASLOC 10 mg | White to off-white, octagonal tablet marked “AM 10” |
These are supplied in blister packs containing 28 or 30 tablets. Not all pack sizes may be available at all times.
Manufacturer Contact Information
Smart Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd
247 Voortrekker Road
Kraaifontein, Cape Town
7570, South Africa
Final Thoughts
VASLOC tablets are reliable, doctor-prescribed medications that help control high blood pressure and angina. Taking them as directed can protect you from heart attacks, strokes, and other serious complications. But like any medicine, they must be used carefully.
Always follow your doctor’s advice. Don’t stop or start medicines without talking to your healthcare provider first. Let them know if anything feels off. With regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle, VASLOC can be a powerful part of your heart care routine.
Education:
NPU (National Pharmaceutical University) 2010-2015, 2015-2016 internship
Work experience:
2010 – 2012 Pharmacy 63 – Production Department
2012 – 2015 Pharmacy 63 – Pharmacist
2015 – 2016 Pharmacy 63 – Pharmacist
2016 – to date Pharmacy UA – Head of Pharmacy
