Composition:
SCD tablet: Each tablet contains Amlodipine Besitate BP equivalent to Amlodipine 5 mg and Atenolol BP 50 mg.

Pharmacology:
SCD is a fixed-dose combination of Amlodipine and Atenolol. Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist that inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle; it has a greater effect on vascular smooth muscle cells than on cardiac muscle cells. Thus, it dilates the peripheral vessels to cause a reduction in peripheral resistance and decreases myocardial contraction to reduce cardiac output, finally resulting in a reduction of blood pressure. Atenolol is a cardio-selective β-blocker. The cardio-selectivity is dose-related. Atenolol causes a reduction of blood pressure by lowering cardiac output, through decreasing plasma renin activity and heart rate.

Indications:
For the treatment of hypertension.
For chronic stable angina.
In post MI patients.
In patients with refractory angina pectoris where nitrate therapy has failed.

Dosage and Administration:
The usual dose is one tablet of SCD daily. However, the dose may be titrated depending on therapeutic response.

Side Effects:
The combination of amlodipine and atenolol is well tolerated. Side effects include headache, flushing, dizziness, dyspepsia, fatigue, alopecia, etc.

Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to either component, sinus bradycardia, second and higher degrees of heart block, cardiogenic shock, hypotension, congestive heart failure, poor left ventricular function.

Precautions:
Impaired hepatic function: Caution may be necessary in the use of the combination in patients with severe liver damage because of prolongation of the elimination half-life of Amlodipine.
Impaired renal function: The combination can be used in patients with renal impairment. However, caution may be necessary if the creatinine clearance is less than 30 ml/min because of possible reduction in the excretion of unchanged Atenolol.

High-Risk Groups:
Use in pregnancy: The combination should be used during pregnancy only if the expected benefit outweighs the potential fetal risk.
Use in lactation: The combination should not be used by nursing mothers. If its use is considered necessary, breastfeeding should be stopped.

Drug Interactions:
Disopyramide: Atenolol reduces the clearance of disopyramide by 20%. Additive negative ionotropic effects on the heart may be produced.
Ampicillin: At doses of 1g and above may reduce Atenolol levels.
Insulin: Beta-blockers may decrease tissue sensitivity to insulin.

Overdosage:
Though not documented, hypotension and less frequently congestive cardiac failure may occur in cases of overdosage. Unabsorbed drugs may be removed by gastric lavage or administration of activated charcoal. Symptomatic treatment is suggested.

Storage:
Store in a cool and dry place, protect from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Packing:
SCD tablet: Each box contains 50’s tablets in blister pack.