Caduet

Caduet is often used to treat conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It contains two medications: amlodipine and atorvastatin. Caduet affects cholesterol production in the body and also helps relax blood vessels, which makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. The medication comes in tablet form and is typically taken once a day. Side effects include dizziness, flushing, and fatigue.

 

What Is Caduet?

Caduet® (amlodipine and atorvastatin) is a combination medication used to treat a variety of conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. It contains amlodipine (Norvasc®) and atorvastatin (Lipitor®).
 
(Click Caduet Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Caduet is made by Pfizer, Inc.
 

How Does Caduet Work?

Amlodipine (one of the active components) is part of a class of drugs called
 calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine helps slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your heart and blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the vessels, which allows for better blood flow and causes lower blood pressure. It also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.
 
The other component, atorvastatin, belongs to a group of medications called statins (or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors). Atorvastatin works by blocking a particular enzyme -- HMG-CoA reductase -- that controls the rate of cholesterol production in the body. This causes the liver to make less cholesterol. Atorvastatin also:
 

When and How to Take It

General considerations for when and how to take Caduet include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually once daily.
     
  • You can take Caduet with or without food. However, you should not drink grapefruit juice while taking the medication (see Caduet Drug Interactions).
     
  • Swallow the tablets whole. Do not break, cut, chew, or crush them.
     
  • Be sure to take Caduet at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Caduet will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Caduet your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition(s) that are being treated
  • How you respond to the drug
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Caduet Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Caduet

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Caduet. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Swelling or water retention
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Flushing
  • Muscle pain.
     
(Click Caduet Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Caduet can potentially interact with a number of other medicines (see Caduet Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Caduet?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Caduet Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Caduet may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Fast heart rate (tachycardia).
     
If you happen to take too much, seek medical attention immediately (see Caduet Overdose).
 

How Should Caduet Be Stored?

Caduet should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Caduet as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Caduet tablets come in the following strengths:
 
  • Caduet 2.5/10 mg
  • Caduet 2.5/20 mg
  • Caduet 2.5/40 mg
  • Caduet 5/10 mg
  • Caduet 5/20 mg
  • Caduet 5/80 mg
  • Caduet 10/10 mg
  • Caduet 10/20 mg
  • Caduet 10/40 mg
  • Caduet 10/80 mg.
     
The first number in the strength refers to the amlodipine component, while the second number refers to the atorvastatin component. For instance, Caduet 2.5/10 mg tablets contain 2.5 mg of amlodipine and 10 mg of atorvastatin.
 

Is There a Generic Version of Caduet?

Currently, there is no generic version of Caduet licensed for sale (see Generic Caduet).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;