How does Logimax® work?

Logimax combines two medicines that have different ways of working (modes of action) and which doctors know lead to a greater lowering of blood pressure in some people than with either medicine used alone.

Felodipine (see Plendil) belongs to the group of medicines called calcium-channel blockers which stop calcium entering into cells through holes (channels) in the cell wall.

Calcium is necessary for muscle cells to contract.

Felodipine interferes with calcium movement in the muscle cells of the small arteries and thereby causes the muscles to relax and the arteries to expand, which in turn lowers the blood pressure.

Metoprolol (see Seloken ZOK) works by blocking the action of a chemical called noradrenaline, which is released from nerves in the heart to control its rate. Metoprolol also blocks another chemical called adrenaline, which is a hormone (chemical signal carried in the blood) that has similar effects to noradrenaline. Metoprolol stops these chemicals from attaching (binding) to special sites, called beta-receptors, in the heart so they can’t produce their effects.

Metroprolol reduces the heart rate. 

It also reduces the force of heart muscle contraction and thereby lowers blood pressure.

How is Logimax® given?

Logimax is supplied as tablets that are taken once daily.

It is very important to take this medicine as often as your doctor has told you to, even if you do not feel ill. This is because heart and blood pressure problems, if not treated, can get progressively worse.

It is also important to follow any lifestyle instructions that your doctor has given to you, like trying to give up smoking, reducing your weight, doing more exercise and eating a healthy diet.