Angiotensin II is a chemical found naturally within the body. It makes the blood vessels constrict and become narrower. When the blood vessels are narrowed, the heart has to pump harder to move blood around the body. This puts a strain on the heart, and increases the blood pressure.

Amias is an angiotensin-II receptor antagonist. This means that it blocks the effect of angiotensin II, which in turn makes the blood vessels wider. Amias therefore helps to minimise the pressure on the heart and lowers the blood pressure.

Amias is therefore prescribed for heart failure as it takes the strain off the heart, and lowers the blood pressure.

Amias is available as a tablet. It should be swallowed with some water, and can be taken with or without food.

Dosage of Amias

Usually, Amias is only take once a day. However, the dose of Amias can vary from 2mg to 32mg daily.

When treating high blood pressure (hypertension), a common starting dose is 8mg once a day. If this does not adequately bring your blood pressure down to within the normal range, the dose may be increased after 4 weeks to 16mg once daily or even 32mg once daily.

Patients with kidney or liver disease may be started on a lower dose of 4mg once daily, before increasing the dose as necessary.

When treating heart failure, a common starting dose is 4mg once daily. This can be gradually increased up to 32mg once daily to achieve the best treatment outcome.

Like all medications, Amias can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Amias may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your doctor if you have:

Amias may not be suitable if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. You must therefore speak to your prescriber before taking this medication.

Some medications can interact with Amias. You may be advised that Amias will not suit you if you already take:

Because Amias may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Amias will not interact with them.

Once prescribed, Amias will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription, allowing you to pick the medication up at your convenience.