Caduet is often used to treat conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It contains two medications: amlodipine and atorvastatin. It affects cholesterol production in the body and also helps relax blood vessels, which makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. Caduet comes in tablet form and is typically taken once a day. Side effects include dizziness, flushing, and fatigue.
Amlodipine (one of the components of Caduet) 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 of Caduet (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:
Increases the liver's ability to collect and get rid of LDL cholesterol ("bad cholesterol")
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