Description:

Stamlo tablets  are generic amlodipine, a long-acting calcium channel blocker (dihydropyridine class). It is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and chronic stable angina (chest pain due to coronary artery disease). Amlodipine relaxes vascular smooth muscle, reducing peripheral vascular resistance and lowering blood pressure, while also dilating coronary arteries to improve myocardial oxygen supply in angina. It is suitable for once-daily use and is commonly prescribed as first-line or add-on therapy for hypertension.

Prescription: Prescription-only (Rx). Requires a doctor’s prescription (typically from a cardiologist, physician, or general practitioner) with blood pressure monitoring and assessment of cardiovascular risk factors.

Therapeutic Category:

Antihypertensive / Calcium channel blocker  dihydropyridine for hypertension and angina pectoris).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Each film-coated tablet contains: Amlodipine besilate BP equivalent to amlodipine base:

• Stamlo 5mg: 5 mg amlodipine
• Stamlo 10mg: 10 mg amlodipine Excipients: Microcrystalline cellulose, calcium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, talc, macrogol (standard film-coating; refer to label for full list).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: Film-coated tablets in 5mg and 10mg strengths (white/off-white round/oval tablets; 5mg often smaller, 10mg larger; packs commonly 30 tablets [3×10 blisters] or 100 tablets).

Consume Type:

Oral (tablet; swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food).

Directions/Usage: Adults:

• Hypertension: Starting dose 5 mg once daily; may increase to 10 mg once daily if needed (max 10 mg/day).
• Angina: 5–10 mg once daily (usual 10 mg).
• Elderly or hepatic impairment: Start with 2.5–5 mg once daily. Take at the same time each day. Do not stop abruptly (rebound hypertension risk). Regular blood pressure monitoring required. Follow cardiologist/physician instructions; dose adjustment based on response and tolerability.

Common Side Effects:

• Peripheral edema (ankle/foot swelling) – most common
• Headache
• Flushing
• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain, nausea Less common: Gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth), muscle cramps, somnolence. Serious rare: Hypotension, severe angina exacerbation, myocardial infarction, angioedema, liver enzyme elevation.

Package Type:

Blister packs (usually 3×10 tablets = 30 tablets per box; foil-aluminum blisters in carton with patient information leaflet; tablets white/off-white, round/oval, scored or debossed).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C), in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Caution in severe aortic stenosis, heart failure (may worsen), severe hypotension, or hepatic impairment (prolonged half-life).
• Monitor for edema (dose-related; may require diuretic).
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to amlodipine or dihydropyridines.
• Pregnancy: Use if benefits outweigh risks (Category C). Breastfeeding: Caution (small amounts in milk).
• Interactions: CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, ketoconazole—increased levels); simvastatin (myopathy risk—limit simvastatin to 20 mg/day).
• Report severe headache, chest pain, swelling, or jaundice promptly.
• Not for hypertensive crisis (use faster-acting agents).
• Regular blood pressure checks essential.

Product Substitutes: Other amlodipine 5mg & 10mg tablets in Ghana: Amlodac (Zydus), Amlong (Micro Labs), Stamlo (Dr. Reddy’s own brand), Norvasc (Pfizer original, less common), or generics from Cipla, Sun Pharma, Lupin. Combinations like amlodipine + atenolol (Amlopres-AT) or amlodipine + telmisartan (Telma-AM) may substitute in dual therapy. Consult physician/pharmacist for equivalents.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd.

Country of Origin:

India.