VASLOC Tablets:Uses, Safety,Instructions And Side Effects

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Manufacturer Contact Information

Smart Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd
247 Voortrekker Road
Kraaifontein, Cape Town
7570, South Africa

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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.

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