Istin

What is Istin?

Istin (Amlodipine), is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Istin contains Amlodipine, which is a type of calcium-channel blocker. This means it blocks the calcium channels in your body, which helps to relax and widen the blood vessels. This widening of the blood vessels, means that blood can flow through them more easily, reducing your blood pressure. 

Who is Istin suitable for?

Istin may be most suitable for you if any of the following criteria apply:

• You have been diagnosed with high blood pressure
• You are over 55 years old
• You have black African or Caribbean family origin, as genetic differences mean that other types of high blood pressure medications are less effective
• You are not at high risk of heart problems
• You have not previously experienced any side effects from calcium-channel blockers such as Felodipine or Amlodipine

The active ingredient in Istin is 5mg or 10mg of Amlodipine. Amlodipine helps to relax and widen your blood vessels, to reduce blood pressure. 

Common Istin Side effects (affecting 1 in 100 people) include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Swollen ankles
• Noticeable/pounding heart beat
• Flushing

Rare, but serious side effects of Istin (affecting 1 in 10,000 people) include:

• Pancreatitis causing pain in your stomach with nausea/vomitting and sometimes with bloody diarrhoea
• Liver problems causing yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Heart attack, shown as chest pain that is worse than usual or new altogether
• Allergic reaction, causing any of the following: skin rash, breathing difficulties, tightness in the chest or throat, swelling

Always read the patient information leaflet before taking any medication. If you experience any severe you should seek medical assistance and if you experience any prolonged side effects, you should speak to your doctor about alternatives.