Mylod L

Description

“Mylod L” is a combination medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) when a single medication is not sufficient to control it.

The “L” in Mylod L indicates that it contains Losartan in addition to Amlodipine.

Therefore, the active ingredients in Mylod L are:

• Amlodipine: A calcium channel blocker.
• Losartan: An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).

This combination provides a dual mechanism to lower blood pressure:

• Amlodipine relaxes and widens blood vessels.
• Losartan blocks the action of a hormone called angiotensin II, which also helps to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Losartan specifically targets the renin-angiotensin system, while amlodipine targets the calcium channels, offering a synergistic effect for blood pressure reduction.

Common Strengths: Mylod L is often found in strengths like Amlodipine 5 mg + Losartan 50 mg.

Uses:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Mylod L is primarily used to control high blood pressure, especially when a monotherapy (treatment with a single drug) is not effectively managing the condition. By lowering blood pressure, it helps reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

How it Works (Combined Action):

• Amlodipine prevents calcium from entering muscle cells in the blood vessel walls, causing them to relax and widen. This reduces resistance to blood flow.
• Losartan blocks specific receptors (AT1 receptors) where angiotensin II normally binds. Angiotensin II is a powerful vasoconstrictor (narrows blood vessels) and also stimulates the release of aldosterone (a hormone that causes sodium and water retention). By blocking its action, losartan causes vasodilation and reduces fluid retention, further contributing to blood pressure lowering.

Common Side Effects: Because it combines two different drugs, the side effects can include those associated with both amlodipine and losartan:

• Amlodipine-related: Ankle swelling (edema), headache, dizziness, flushing, fatigue, palpitations.
• Losartan-related: Dizziness, lightheadedness (especially when standing up quickly), cough (less common than with ACE inhibitors), increased potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), tiredness, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea.
• Combined effects: Low blood pressure (hypotension), increased potassium levels, general weakness.

Serious Side Effects (Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these):

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing).
• Severe dizziness or fainting.
• New or worsening chest pain.
• Symptoms of high potassium levels (e.g., muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat).
• Signs of liver problems (yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain).
• Kidney problems (changes in urine output).

Important Considerations:

• Do Not Stop Abruptly: Never stop taking Mylod L without consulting your doctor, as it can lead to a dangerous increase in blood pressure.
• Pregnancy: Mylod L (due to losartan) is generally unsafe during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, as it can cause harm or even death to the fetus. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
• Breastfeeding: It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding.
• Kidney/Liver Problems: Use with caution in patients with kidney or liver impairment, as dose adjustments may be necessary. Regular monitoring of kidney function and electrolytes (especially potassium) is often recommended.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Mylod L can interact with:
  • Potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone), or salt substitutes containing potassium (increased risk of hyperkalemia).
  • NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), which can reduce its blood pressure-lowering effect and potentially worsen kidney function.
  • Other blood pressure medications.
  • Grapefruit juice (interacts with amlodipine).
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption, as it can increase dizziness and lower blood pressure excessively.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: Be cautious as it can cause dizziness, headaches, or tiredness, affecting your ability to concentrate or react.

Mylod L is manufactured by Quest Pharmaceuticals in Nepal.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions for dosage and administration, and discuss any concerns or side effects with your healthcare provider.