Patient Information Leaflet

What is

in ISTIN?

ISTIN tablets come in two strengths, 5mg and 10mg.

The 5mg tablets are white, marked ITN5 on one side and Pfizer on the other.

They contain 5mg amlodipine.

The 10mg tablets are white, marked ITN10 on one side and Pfizer on the other.

They contain 10mg amlodipine.

Each tablet also contains inactive ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose and sodium starch glycollate.

ISTIN comes in packs of 28 tablets.

Product Licence Holder

and Manufacturer

Pfizer Limited, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9NJ

What type of

medicine is ISTIN?

ISTIN is one of a group of medicines called calcium antagonists.

What is

ISTIN for?

ISTIN is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or to control and relieve a certain type of chest pain called angina.

In patients with high blood pressure ISTIN works by relaxing blood vessels, so that blood passes through them more easily. In patients with angina ISTIN works by improving blood supply to the heart muscle which then receives more oxygen and as a result chest pain is prevented.

Before you use ISTIN

  • Have you had an allergic reaction to ISTIN or other calcium antagonists used to treat hypertension or angina? This may have been itching, reddening of the skin or difficulty in breathing.
  • Are you pregnant or trying to become pregnant
  • Are you breast feeding?
  • Do you have liver disease}
  • Are you under 18 years of age} If the answer to any of these questions is YES:- Tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may still want you to take the tablets.

    • How to take ISTIN

    • The usual dose of ISTIN is one tablet daily.
    • Take your tablet as your doctor told you and as written on the label on the pack.
    • It is best to take ISTIN tablets at the same time each day with a drink of water.
    • Continue to take your tablet each day following the days and arrows on the pack.
    • If you are still not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist
    • It is important to keep taking the tablets. They may help you to remain well.
    • Do not wait until your tablets are finished before seeing your doctor. Your doctor may wish to give you more ISTIN tablets.

    What if you take

    too many tablets?

    Too many tablets at once may make you unwell. If several tablets are taken it may be dangerous. Tell your doctor immediately or go to your nearest hospital casualty department

    What if you

    miss a tablet?

    Do not worry. If you forget to take a tablet, leave out that dose completely. Take your next dose at the right time.

    MORE INFORMATION ON ISTIN

    Does ISTIN cause

    undesirable effects?

    ISTIN, like all medicines may cause some undesirable effects. Problems that ISTIN may cause are:

    • oedema (for example ankle swelling), headache, flushing, dizziness, nausea (feeling sick), palpitations (a quicker or irregular heart beat), feeling tired, abdominal pain, somnolence (sleepiness), itch, skin rash, dyspnoea (shortness of breath), muscle cramps, indigestion, swelling or soreness of the gums.

    These undesirable effects are usually mild and tend to wear off as treatment goes on. Tell your doctor if these effects cause you any problems or if they last for more than one week.

    Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following occur:

    • Wheeziness, difficulty breathing or tightness or pain in the chest.
    • Swelling of eyelids, face or lips.
    • Skin lumps or red itchy spots.

    Look after

    your medicine

    This treatment is for YOU. DO NOT give it to others. It may not suit them.

    If your doctor stops your treatment take any tablets left, back to the pharmacist.

    Do not take this medicine after the date stamped on the pack.

    Where to keep

    your medicine

    • Keep your medicine in a dry place.
    • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children

    Further information

    This leaflet does not contain all the information about this medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist

    The information in this leaflet is about ISTIN only

    Date ISTIN leaflet United Kingdom

    last revised - July 1995

    © Pfizer Limited 1996