Equator

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEDICAL USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT EKVATOR (EKVATOR)

Composition:

Active substances: lisinopril, amlodipine;

1 tablet contains lisinopril 20 mg (as 21.76 mg lisinopril dihydrate) and amlodipine 5 mg (as 6.94 mg amlodipine besylate);

Excipients: microcrystalline cellulose (type 101), microcrystalline cellulose (type 12), sodium starch glycolate (type A), magnesium stearate.

Dosage form. Tablets.

Main physico-chemical properties: white or almost white, round, biconvex tablets, engraved with "CF2" on one side, the other side unmarked.

Pharmacotherapeutic group.

Inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in combination with calcium channel blockers. ATC code C09B B03.

Pharmacological Properties

Pharmacodynamics

Equator is a fixed-dose combination preparation containing the active substances lisinopril and amlodipine.

Lisinopril

Lisinopril is an inhibitor of peptidyl-dipeptidase enzyme. It inhibits angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which catalyzes the conversion of angiotensin I into the vasoconstrictor peptide angiotensin II. Angiotensin II also stimulates aldosterone secretion by the adrenal cortex. Inhibition of ACE leads to reduced concentrations of angiotensin II, resulting in decreased vasopressor activity and reduced aldosterone secretion. The latter reduction may lead to increased serum potassium levels.

Since the mechanism by which lisinopril lowers arterial pressure involves suppression of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, lisinopril reduces blood pressure even in patients with low-renin hypertension. ACE is identical to kininase II, the enzyme responsible for bradykinin degradation. Whether increased concentrations of bradykinin, a potent vasodilator peptide, play a role in the therapeutic effects of lisinopril has not yet been established.

Amlodipine

Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine inhibitor of calcium ion influx (a slow calcium channel blocker or calcium antagonist) that blocks calcium ion entry through membranes into myocardial and vascular smooth muscle cells.

The antihypertensive mechanism of amlodipine is due to direct relaxation of vascular smooth muscle.

The precise reasons for the beneficial effect of amlodipine in angina are not fully known; however, it is known that reduction in total ischemic load occurs via two mechanisms:

• Amlodipine causes dilation of peripheral arterioles, thereby reducing total peripheral vascular resistance against which the heart must pump (afterload). Since heart rate remains stable, this unloading of the heart leads to reduced myocardial energy consumption and decreased myocardial oxygen demand.
• The mechanism of action of amlodipine may also involve dilation of major coronary arteries and arterioles, both normal and those located in ischemic zones. This increases oxygen delivery to the myocardium in patients with vasospastic angina (Prinzmetal's angina, or variant angina).

Daily once-daily administration of amlodipine results in clinically significant reduction of arterial pressure in patients with arterial hypertension both in upright and supine positions over 24 hours. Due to its slow onset of action, a rapid hypotensive effect does not occur.

In patients with angina, once-daily dosing of amlodipine improves exercise tolerance, increases the time to onset of angina, delays the development of ST-segment depression (by 1 mm), and reduces the frequency of angina attacks and nitroglycerin use.

Amlodipine has no adverse effects on metabolism or plasma lipid concentrations and can be used in the treatment of patients with bronchial asthma, type II diabetes, and gout.

Pharmacokinetics

Lisinopril

Lisinopril is an orally active ACE inhibitor that does not contain a sulfhydryl group.

Absorption

After oral administration, peak plasma concentration is reached within 7 hours, although in patients with acute myocardial infarction a tendency toward slight delay in time to peak serum concentration has been observed. Based on urinary excretion data, the average extent of lisinopril absorption is approximately 25%, with interpatient variability ranging from 6% to 60% within the studied dose range (5 to 80 mg). In patients with heart failure, the absolute bioavailability of lisinopril is reduced to approximately 16%. Absorption of lisinopril is not affected by food intake.

Distribution

Lisinopril does not bind to plasma proteins except for circulating ACE. Studies in rats have shown that lisinopril poorly penetrates the blood-brain barrier.

Elimination

Lisinopril is not metabolized in the body and is excreted unchanged in urine. With repeated administration, the effective elimination half-life of lisinopril is 12.6 hours. Renal clearance of lisinopril in healthy volunteers is approximately 50 mL/min. The decline in serum concentration exhibits a prolonged terminal elimination half-life, which does not favor accumulation of the active substance in the body. This terminal half-life likely reflects saturated binding to ACE and is not dose-dependent.

Pharmacokinetic characteristics in special patient populations

Hepatic insufficiency

Impaired liver function in patients with hepatic cirrhosis resulted in reduced absorption of lisinopril (approximately 30% lower based on urinary excretion data), but the drug effect was increased (by approximately 50%) compared to healthy volunteers due to reduced clearance.

Renal insufficiency

Impaired renal function reduces the excretion of lisinopril, which is eliminated by the kidneys, but this reduction becomes clinically significant only when glomerular filtration rate is less than 30 mL/min. In mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 30–80 mL/min), the mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) increases by only 13%, whereas in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 5–30 mL/min), the mean AUC increases by 4.5-fold. Lisinopril can be removed from the body by hemodialysis. After 4 hours of hemodialysis, plasma concentration of lisinopril decreases by an average of 60%, and dialysis clearance ranges from 40 to 55 mL/min.

Heart failure

In patients with heart failure, higher plasma concentrations of lisinopril are observed compared to healthy volunteers (mean AUC increased by approximately 125%), but based on urinary excretion data, absorption of lisinopril is reduced by approximately 16% compared to healthy individuals.

Elderly patients

In elderly patients, higher blood concentrations and higher AUC values of lisinopril (approximately 60% higher) are observed compared to younger patients.

Amlodipine

Absorption, distribution, plasma protein binding

After administration of therapeutic doses, amlodipine is well absorbed, reaching peak plasma concentration 6–12 hours after dosing. Absolute bioavailability is estimated to be between 64% and 80%. The volume of distribution is approximately 21 L/kg. In vitro studies have shown that approximately 97.5% of circulating amlodipine is bound to plasma proteins.

Food intake does not affect the bioavailability of amlodipine.

Biological transformation and elimination

The terminal elimination half-life from plasma is approximately 35–50 hours, which supports once-daily dosing. Amlodipine is extensively metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites, with only 10% of the parent compound and 60% of metabolites excreted in urine.

Pharmacokinetic characteristics in special patient populations

Hepatic insufficiency

Clinical data on amlodipine use in patients with hepatic insufficiency are very limited. In patients with hepatic impairment, clearance of amlodipine is reduced, leading to an increase in elimination half-life and AUC by approximately 40–60%.

Elderly patients

Time to peak plasma concentration of the drug is practically the same in elderly and younger patients. In elderly patients, there is a tendency toward reduced clearance of amlodipine, resulting in increased AUC and elimination half-life.

Increased AUC and elimination half-life in patients with congestive heart failure are consistent with expectations for this age group.

Fixed-dose combination product

No pharmacokinetic interactions between the active components of Equator tablets have been described. Pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC, Cmax, tmax, t1/2) were not different from those observed after administration of the active components separately.

Food intake does not affect gastrointestinal absorption of Equator tablets.

Clinical characteristics.

Indications.

Essential arterial hypertension in adults.

Substitution therapy for patients with adequate blood pressure control on the background of concomitant administration of lisinopril and amlodipine at the specified doses.

Contraindications.

Associated with lisinopril:

• Hypersensitivity to lisinopril or to any other angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor;
• History of angioedema associated with previous ACE inhibitor therapy;
• Hereditary or idiopathic angioedema;
• Pregnancy or planned pregnancy, breastfeeding (see section "Use in pregnancy or lactation");
• Concomitant use of Equator with medicinal products containing aliskiren is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) (see section "Interaction with other medicinal products and other types of interactions");
• Concomitant use with sacubitril/valsartan; initiation of Equator is not recommended within 36 hours after the last dose of sacubitril/valsartan (see sections "Interaction with other medicinal products and other types of interactions" and "Special precautions for use").

Associated with amlodipine:

• Hypersensitivity to amlodipine or to any other dihydropyridine derivatives;
• Severe arterial hypotension;
• Shock (including cardiogenic shock);
• Obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract (severe aortic valve stenosis);
• Hemodynamically unstable heart failure following acute myocardial infarction.

Associated with the medicinal product Equator:

• All the above-mentioned contraindications related to the use of individual components also apply to the combined preparation Equator;
• Hypersensitivity to any of the excipients of Equator (see section "Composition").

Interaction with other medicinal products and other types of interactions.

Interactions associated with lisinopril.

Antihypertensive agents

Concomitant administration of lisinopril with other antihypertensive agents (e.g., nitroglycerin and other nitrates or other vasodilators) may result in additional lowering of blood pressure.

Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

Dual blockade of RAAS by concomitant use of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), or aliskiren is known to be associated with an increased risk of arterial hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal function impairment (including acute renal failure) compared to monotherapy (see sections "Contraindications" and "Special precautions for use").

Medicinal products that may increase the risk of angioedema

Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with sacubitril/valsartan is contraindicated due to increased risk of angioedema (see sections "Contraindications" and "Special precautions for use").

Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors (e.g., temsirolimus, sirolimus, everolimus), neutral endopeptidase inhibitors (e.g., racecadotril), tissue plasminogen activator, or vildagliptin may increase the risk of angioedema (see section "Special precautions for use").

Diuretics

The addition of a diuretic to lisinopril therapy usually enhances the antihypertensive effect. In patients already receiving diuretics, particularly those recently started on diuretic therapy, excessive reduction in blood pressure may rarely occur upon initiation of lisinopril. The risk of symptomatic hypotension with lisinopril can be minimized by discontinuing the diuretic prior to starting lisinopril (see sections "Special precautions for use" and "Dosage and administration").

Potassium-containing dietary supplements or salt substitutes, potassium-sparing diuretics, and other medicinal products that may increase serum potassium levels

Although serum potassium levels usually remain within normal limits during lisinopril therapy, hyperkalemia may occur in some patients. Potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride), potassium-containing dietary supplements, or salt substitutes may lead to significant increases in serum potassium, particularly in patients with impaired renal function. Caution should be exercised when lisinopril is used concomitantly with other agents that may increase serum potassium levels, such as trimethoprim and co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole), since trimethoprim is known to have effects similar to potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride. Therefore, concomitant use of lisinopril with the above-mentioned medicinal products is not recommended. If concomitant use is necessary, these agents should be used with caution and with periodic monitoring of serum potassium levels (see section "Special precautions for use").

Cyclosporine. Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors and cyclosporine may lead to hyperkalemia. Monitoring of serum potassium levels is recommended.

Heparin. Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors and heparin may lead to hyperkalemia. Monitoring of serum potassium levels is recommended.

When lisinopril is administered concomitantly with potassium-sparing diuretics, diuretic-induced hypokalemia may be reduced.

Lithium preparations

Concomitant use of lithium and ACE inhibitors has been associated with reversible increases in serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity. Concomitant use of thiazide diuretics may increase the risk of lithium toxicity and exacerbate lithium toxicity already present during ACE inhibitor therapy. Concomitant use of lisinopril and lithium preparations is not recommended; however, if use of this combination is deemed necessary, serum lithium levels should be closely monitored (see section "Special precautions for use").

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including acetylsalicylic acid

≥ 3 g/day

Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with NSAIDs (acetylsalicylic acid at anti-inflammatory doses, cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2] inhibitors, and non-selective NSAIDs) may reduce the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors. Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors and NSAIDs may increase the risk of worsening renal function, including acute renal failure, and increase serum potassium levels, particularly in patients with reduced renal function. These effects are reversible. Caution should be exercised when using combination therapy, especially in elderly patients. Adequate hydration should be maintained, and renal function should be closely monitored both at the start of combination therapy and during treatment.

Gold

Nitritoid reactions (symptoms of vasodilation, including flushing, nausea, dizziness, and arterial hypotension, which may be severe) after administration of injectable gold-containing preparations (e.g., sodium aurothiomalate) have been reported more frequently in patients receiving ACE inhibitor therapy.

Tricyclic antidepressants/antipsychotics/anesthetics

Concomitant use of certain anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and antipsychotics with ACE inhibitors may lead to further reduction in blood pressure (see section "Special precautions for use").

Sympathomimetics

Sympathomimetics may reduce the antihypertensive effect of ACE inhibitors.

Hypoglycemic agents

Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors and hypoglycemic agents (insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents) is known to enhance the hypoglycemic effect, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. This phenomenon most commonly occurs during the first weeks of combination therapy and in patients with renal impairment.

Medicinal products that suppress bone marrow function (immunosuppressants, allopurinol, procainamide)

Concomitant use with lisinopril increases the risk of neutropenia and/or agranulocytosis (see section "Special precautions for use").

Acetylsalicylic acid, thrombolytics, beta-blockers, nitrates

Lisinopril may be used concomitantly with acetylsalicylic acid (at cardiologic doses), thrombolytics, beta-blockers, and/or nitrates.

Interactions associated with amlodipine

Effect of other medicinal products on amlodipine

Inhibitors of CYP3A4 isoenzyme

Concomitant use of amlodipine with strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (protease inhibitors, azole antifungals, macrolides such as erythromycin or clarithromycin, verapamil, or diltiazem) may lead to a significant increase in amlodipine concentration, resulting in an increased risk of arterial hypotension. The clinical manifestations of these pharmacokinetic variations may be more pronounced in elderly patients. Therefore, medical monitoring is recommended, and dose adjustment of amlodipine may be necessary.

Clarithromycin is a CYP3A4 inhibitor. There is an increased risk of hypotension in patients receiving clarithromycin with amlodipine. Close medical monitoring is recommended when amlodipine is used concomitantly with clarithromycin.

Inducers of CYP3A4 isoenzyme

When used concomitantly with known inducers of the CYP3A4 isoenzyme, the blood concentration of amlodipine may change. Therefore, blood pressure should be monitored and dose adjustments of the medications may be required during and after combination therapy, especially when using potent CYP3A4 inducers (such as rifampicin, Hypericum perforatum).

Consumption of amlodipine with grapefruit or grapefruit juice is not recommended, as in some patients this may lead to increased bioavailability of amlodipine, thereby enhancing its hypotensive effect.

Dantrolene (infusion)

In animal studies, ventricular fibrillation and cardiovascular collapse with concomitant hyperkalemia and subsequent fatal outcome were observed after administration of verapamil and intravenous dantrolene. Due to the risk of hyperkalemia, concomitant use of calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine should be avoided in patients susceptible to malignant hyperthermia, as well as for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia.

Effect of amlodipine on other medicinal products

The antihypertensive effect of amlodipine enhances the corresponding effects of other medicinal products with antihypertensive properties.

Tacrolimus

Concomitant use of tacrolimus and amlodipine may lead to increased blood concentrations of tacrolimus; the mechanism of this interaction is not fully understood. To avoid tacrolimus toxicity, blood concentrations of tacrolimus should be monitored during amlodipine therapy, and the tacrolimus dose should be adjusted if necessary.

Inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)

mTOR inhibitors such as sirolimus, temsirolimus, and everolimus are substrates of CYP3A. Amlodipine is a weak inhibitor of CYP3A. Concomitant use of amlodipine with mTOR inhibitors may enhance their effects.

Cyclosporine

Currently, no studies have been conducted on the interaction between cyclosporine and amlodipine in healthy volunteers or other populations, except in kidney transplant patients, in whom increased blood concentrations of cyclosporine (on average by 0%–40%) have been observed. Therefore, in such patients, blood concentrations of cyclosporine should be monitored during amlodipine therapy, and the cyclosporine dose should be reduced if necessary.

Simvastatin

Concomitant administration of repeated doses of 10 mg amlodipine and 80 mg simvastatin resulted in a 77% increase in simvastatin concentration compared to simvastatin monotherapy. The dose of simvastatin in patients taking amlodipine should be limited to 20 mg per day.

It is known from clinical interaction studies that amlodipine does not affect the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin, digoxin, or warfarin.

Special precautions for use.

All the special precautions for use listed below, related to the use of individual components, also apply to the combined medicinal product Equator.

Special precautions for use related to lisinopril

Symptomatic arterial hypotension

Symptomatic arterial hypotension is rarely observed in patients with uncomplicated arterial hypertension.

A significant decrease in blood pressure may occur in patients with reduced circulating blood volume due to diuretic therapy, a strict low-salt diet, dialysis, diarrhea, vomiting, as well as in patients with pronounced renin-dependent arterial hypertension (see sections "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction" and "Side effects").

Cases of symptomatic hypotension have been reported in patients with heart failure, with or without concomitant renal impairment. Such cases are most likely in patients with more severe degrees of heart failure due to high doses of loop diuretics, hyponatremia, or functional renal impairment. Patients at increased risk of symptomatic arterial hypotension should be monitored for hypotensive effects after the initial dose. These recommendations also apply to patients with ischemic heart disease or cerebrovascular disorders, in whom excessive reduction in blood pressure may lead to myocardial infarction or stroke. In the event of arterial hypotension, the patient should be placed in a supine position with elevated lower limbs, and fluid volume should be replenished (intravenous infusion of normal saline) if necessary. Transient arterial hypotension is not a contraindication for continued use of the drug, and further dosing usually does not cause problems after blood pressure has increased due to increased circulating blood volume.

In some patients with heart failure and normal or low blood pressure, lisinopril may cause additional reduction in systemic arterial pressure. This is a known effect and usually does not require discontinuation of therapy. If hypotension becomes symptomatic, dose reduction or discontinuation of lisinopril may be required.

Arterial hypotension in acute myocardial infarction

Treatment with lisinopril should not be initiated in patients with acute myocardial infarction who are prone to further serious hemodynamic deterioration after vasodilator therapy. These are patients with systolic blood pressure of 100 mm Hg or lower or with cardiogenic shock. During the first 3 days after myocardial infarction, the dose should be reduced if systolic blood pressure is 120 mm Hg or lower. Maintenance doses should be reduced to 5 mg or temporarily to 2.5 mg if systolic blood pressure is 100 mm Hg or lower. If arterial hypotension persists (systolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg for more than 1 hour), lisinopril should be discontinued.

Stenosis of aortic and mitral valves/hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

As with all ACE inhibitors, lisinopril should be used with caution in patients with mitral valve stenosis and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, such as aortic stenosis or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Renal impairment

In patients with impaired renal function (creatinine clearance < 80 mL/min), the initial dose of lisinopril should be adjusted according to the patient's creatinine clearance and subsequently based on the patient's response to treatment. Routine monitoring of serum potassium and creatinine levels is part of standard medical practice in treating such patients.

In patients with heart failure, arterial hypotension after initiation of ACE inhibitor therapy may lead to further deterioration of renal function. In such cases, acute renal failure, usually reversible, has been reported.

In some patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery of a single kidney receiving ACE inhibitors, increased blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations may occur, usually reversible after discontinuation of the drug. This is particularly likely in patients with pre-existing renal impairment.

In patients with concomitant renovascular hypertension, there is an increased risk of developing severe arterial hypotension and renal failure. In such patients, treatment should be initiated under close medical supervision with low doses and cautious dose titration. Since diuretic therapy may predispose to the above-mentioned conditions, diuretics should be discontinued, and renal function should be monitored during the first weeks of lisinopril therapy.

In some patients with arterial hypertension without significant prior renovascular hypertension, increases in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine concentrations have been observed, usually mild and transient, especially when lisinopril was used concomitantly with diuretics. This is particularly likely in patients with pre-existing renal impairment. Dose reduction and/or discontinuation of diuretics and/or lisinopril may be required.

In acute myocardial infarction, treatment with lisinopril should not be initiated in patients with signs of renal impairment defined as serum creatinine concentration exceeding 177 µmol/L and/or proteinuria exceeding 500 mg/24 hours. If renal function impairment develops during lisinopril therapy (serum creatinine concentration > 265 µmol/L or more than twice the baseline value), the physician should consider the need to discontinue lisinopril.

Proteinuria

Rare cases of proteinuria have been reported in patients, particularly with reduced renal function or after high doses of lisinopril. In cases of clinically significant proteinuria (over 1 g/day), the medicinal product should be used only after evaluation of the benefit-risk ratio and with continuous monitoring of clinical and biochemical parameters.

Increased sensitivity, angioedema

Isolated cases of angioedema of the face, hands, feet, lips, tongue, glottis and/or larynx have been reported in patients receiving ACE inhibitors, including lisinopril. Angioedema may occur at any time during treatment. In such cases, lisinopril should be discontinued immediately, appropriate treatment initiated, and medical supervision maintained until all symptoms have resolved before discharge. Even in cases of tongue swelling without respiratory distress, patients may require prolonged observation, as treatment with antihistamines and corticosteroids may be insufficient.

Very rarely, fatal outcomes due to angioedema associated with laryngeal or tongue swelling have been reported. In patients with involvement of the tongue, glottis, or larynx, airway obstruction may occur, particularly in patients who have previously undergone airway surgery. In such cases, immediate emergency medical assistance should be provided, which may include administration of adrenaline and/or airway support. The patient should remain under close medical supervision until complete and stable resolution of symptoms.

ACE inhibitors cause angioedema more frequently in patients of Black race than in patients of other racial backgrounds.

Patients who have previously experienced angioedema unrelated to ACE inhibitor therapy may be more susceptible to developing angioedema when using an ACE inhibitor (see section "Contraindications").

Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with sacubitril/valsartan is contraindicated due to increased risk of angioedema. Treatment with sacubitril/valsartan should not be initiated earlier than 36 hours after the last dose of lisinopril. Treatment with lisinopril should not be initiated earlier than 36 hours after the last dose of sacubitril/valsartan (see sections "Contraindications" and "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction").

Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors with rac-cysteine, mTOR inhibitors (e.g., sirolimus, everolimus, temsirolimus), and vildagliptin may increase the risk of angioedema (e.g., swelling of the airways or tongue with or without respiratory distress) (see section "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction"). Patients already receiving ACE inhibitors should initiate treatment with rac-cysteine, mTOR inhibitors, and vildagliptin with caution.

Anaphylactoid reactions in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Anaphylactoid reactions have been reported in patients undergoing dialysis with high-flux, highly permeable dialysis membranes (e.g., AN 69) while concurrently receiving an ACE inhibitor. In such patients, consideration should be given to using a different type of dialysis membrane or an antihypertensive drug from another class.

Anaphylactoid reactions during low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis

In isolated cases, life-threatening anaphylactoid reactions have occurred in patients receiving ACE inhibitors during low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis with dextran sulfate. Such reactions can be avoided by withholding ACE inhibitor therapy before each apheresis session.

Desensitization

Persistent anaphylactoid reactions have occurred in patients receiving ACE inhibitors during desensitization to Hymenoptera venom (e.g., Hymenoptera venom). Anaphylactoid reactions were avoided by temporarily discontinuing ACE inhibitors, but recurred after accidental re-administration.

Hepatic impairment

Rarely, ACE inhibitor use has been associated with a syndrome beginning with cholestatic jaundice, progressing to fulminant necrosis, and (sometimes) resulting in death. The mechanism of this syndrome is unclear. Patients receiving lisinopril who develop jaundice or significantly elevated liver enzyme activity should discontinue lisinopril and remain under appropriate medical supervision.

Neutropenia/agranulocytosis

Neutropenia/agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and anemia have been reported in patients receiving ACE inhibitors. Neutropenia is rare in patients with normal renal function and no other complicating factors. Neutropenia and agranulocytosis are reversible and resolve after discontinuation of the ACE inhibitor.

Lisinopril should be used with particular caution in patients with systemic connective tissue disorders, those receiving immunosuppressants, allopurinol, or procainamide, or in patients with a combination of these risk factors, especially if there is pre-existing renal impairment. Serious infections, sometimes resistant to intensive antibiotic therapy, have developed in some of these patients. Periodic laboratory testing (blood count with leukocyte differential) is recommended during lisinopril therapy in such patients, and they should be advised to report any early signs of infection.

Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)

Concomitant use of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), or aliskiren increases the risk of arterial hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment (including acute renal failure). Therefore, dual blockade of the RAAS by concomitant use of ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or aliskiren is not recommended (see section "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction").

If dual RAAS blockade is absolutely indicated, close specialist supervision and mandatory monitoring of renal function, fluid-electrolyte balance, and blood pressure are required.

ACE inhibitors and ARBs should not be used concomitantly in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Race

ACE inhibitors cause angioedema more frequently in patients of Black race than in patients of other racial backgrounds. As with other ACE inhibitors, lisinopril may be less effective in reducing blood pressure in patients of Black race compared to patients of other racial backgrounds, likely due to the higher prevalence of low-renin states in Black patients with arterial hypertension.

Cough

Cough has been reported with ACE inhibitor use. The cough is usually non-productive, persistent, and resolves after discontinuation of the drug. ACE inhibitor-induced cough should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cough.

Surgery/anesthesia

In patients undergoing major surgery or general anesthesia with hypotensive agents, lisinopril may block angiotensin II formation following compensatory renin release. If arterial hypotension develops, likely due to the mechanism described above, correction can be achieved by increasing circulating blood volume.

Hyperkalemia

ACE inhibitors may cause hyperkalemia due to suppression of aldosterone secretion. This effect is usually clinically insignificant in patients with normal renal function. However, in patients with impaired renal function, type 2 diabetes, and/or those taking potassium-containing dietary supplements (including salt substitutes), potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride), or other drugs that may increase serum potassium (e.g., heparin, trimethoprim, or the combination drug co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole)), and particularly aldosterone antagonists or angiotensin receptor blockers, hyperkalemia may develop. Potassium-sparing diuretics and angiotensin receptor blockers should be used with caution in patients taking ACE inhibitors. If concomitant use of these drugs is necessary, regular monitoring of serum potassium and renal function is recommended (see section "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction").

Patients with diabetes

In patients with diabetes receiving oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin, close monitoring of blood glucose is recommended during the first month of ACE inhibitor therapy (see section "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction").

Lithium preparations

Combination of lithium preparations and lisinopril is not recommended (see section "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction").

Special precautions for use related to amlodipine

The safety and efficacy of amlodipine in hypertensive crisis have not been established.

Heart failure

Amlodipine should be used with caution in patients with heart failure. In a long-term placebo-controlled study in patients with severe heart failure (NYHA class III and IV), pulmonary edema was reported more frequently in the group receiving amlodipine than in the placebo group.

Calcium channel blockers, including amlodipine, should be prescribed with caution in patients with congestive heart failure, as they may increase the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in the future.

Hepatic impairment

In patients with hepatic impairment, prolonged elimination half-life and increased AUC of amlodipine have been observed, but specific dosing recommendations have not been established. Therefore, amlodipine should be initiated at the lowest dose within the dosing range. Dose initiation and titration should be done cautiously. Slow dose titration and close monitoring may be required in patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Elderly patients

Dose increases in elderly patients should be done with caution (see sections "Pharmacokinetics" and "Dosage and administration").

Renal impairment

Amlodipine can be administered to such patients at usual doses. Changes in amlodipine plasma concentrations do not correlate with the degree of renal impairment. Amlodipine is not removed by dialysis.

Special precautions for use related to Equator

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per tablet, i.e., practically sodium-free.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy.

The medicinal product Equator is contraindicated in pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant (see section "Contraindications").

There is no adequate and well-controlled clinical experience with the use of lisinopril and amlodipine in pregnant women. However, use of both active substances is not recommended or is contraindicated (see information on active substances in section "Composition").

If pregnancy is confirmed during treatment with Equator, the drug should be discontinued immediately, and if necessary, replaced with another medicinal product permitted for use during pregnancy (see section "Special precautions for use").

Initiation of treatment with Equator during pregnancy should not be started. If continued treatment with Equator is considered necessary, women planning pregnancy should be switched to alternative antihypertensive agents with a known safety profile during pregnancy.

Use of lisinopril

Epidemiological data on the teratogenic risk associated with ACE inhibitor use during the first trimester of pregnancy are inconclusive, although a slight increase in risk cannot be excluded. If continued treatment with an ACE inhibitor is considered necessary, women planning pregnancy should be switched to alternative antihypertensive agents with a known safety profile during pregnancy. Upon confirmation of pregnancy, ACE inhibitor therapy should be discontinued immediately, and alternative treatment initiated if necessary.

It is known that ACE inhibitor use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy induces fetotoxicity (reduced renal function, oligohydramnios, delayed skull ossification) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, arterial hypotension, hyperkalemia). If an ACE inhibitor was used from the second trimester of pregnancy, ultrasound assessment of renal and skull function is recommended. Newborns and infants whose mothers received ACE inhibitors should be closely monitored for timely detection of arterial hypotension (see sections "Contraindications" and "Special precautions for use").

Use of amlodipine

The safety of amlodipine use in pregnant women has not been established.

Reproductive toxicity has been observed in animal studies with high doses. Use during pregnancy is possible only if no safer alternative treatment is available and if the disease itself poses a significant risk to the mother and fetus.

Period of breastfeeding.

Information on the use of lisinopril during breastfeeding is lacking. Amlodipine is excreted in breast milk. The amount of amlodipine received by the infant through breast milk is estimated at an interquartile range of 3–7%, with a maximum of 15%. The effect of amlodipine on the infant has not been evaluated.

The medicinal product Equator is contraindicated during breastfeeding; alternative agents with established safety profiles should be used, especially when breastfeeding a newborn or preterm infant (see section "Contraindications").

Fertility

There are no data from adequate and well-controlled clinical studies on the effect of lisinopril and amlodipine on fertility.

Use of amlodipine

Reversible biochemical changes in sperm heads have been reported in some patients receiving calcium channel blockers. Clinical data on the potential effect of amlodipine on fertility are insufficient.

Ability to influence reaction speed when driving or operating machinery.

Related to lisinopril

When driving or operating machinery, the possible development of dizziness or fatigue should be considered.

Related to amlodipine

Amlodipin may have a slight or moderate effect on the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery. In patients experiencing dizziness, headache, fatigue, or nausea, reaction ability may be impaired. Caution is recommended, especially at the beginning of treatment.

Accordingly, the medicinal product Equator may affect the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery (especially at the beginning of treatment).

Method of Administration and Dosage

Doses

The recommended dose is 1 tablet per day. The maximum daily dose is 1 tablet.

Fixed-dose combination drugs are generally not suitable for initial therapy.

Equator tablets 20 mg/5 mg are indicated only for patients whose optimally titrated maintenance doses of lisinopril and amlodipine are 20 mg and 5 mg, respectively. If necessary, consideration should be given to selecting another Equator formulation with different component doses.

Renal Impairment

For optimal selection of initial and maintenance doses in patients with renal impairment, dose titration should be performed individually using the individual components of the drug—lisinopril and amlodipine.

During treatment with Equator, renal function and serum potassium and sodium levels should be monitored. If renal function deteriorates, Equator should be discontinued and replaced with appropriately selected individual components. Amlodipine is not removed by dialysis.

Hepatic Impairment

Dosage recommendations for patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment have not yet been established; therefore, dose selection in such patients should be done cautiously, starting with the lowest dose within the dosing range (see sections "Pharmacokinetics" and "Special Warnings"). For optimal selection of initial and maintenance doses in patients with hepatic impairment, dose titration should be performed individually using free combinations of lisinopril and amlodipine.

The pharmacokinetics of amlodipine in severe hepatic impairment have not been studied. Amlodipine administration in patients with severe hepatic impairment should begin with the lowest dose, and dose titration should be performed slowly.

Elderly Patients (aged 65 years and older)

Equator should be prescribed with caution in elderly patients.

Clinical studies have not shown age-related differences in the efficacy or safety profile of amlodipine or lisinopril. To determine the optimal maintenance dose for elderly patients, dose titration should be performed individually using free combinations of lisinopril and amlodipine.

Method of Administration

Oral administration. Since food does not affect the absorption of the drug, Equator can be taken regardless of meals—before, during, or after food intake.

Children

The safety and efficacy of Equator in children (under 18 years of age) have not been established.

Overdose

There are no data on Equator overdose in humans.

Overdose of Lisinopril

Data on human overdose are limited. Symptoms associated with ACE inhibitor overdose may include arterial hypotension, circulatory shock, electrolyte imbalance, renal failure, hyperventilation, tachycardia, palpitations, bradycardia, dizziness, anxiety, and cough. In case of overdose, intravenous administration of physiological saline is recommended. If arterial hypotension develops, the patient should be placed in a supine position. Infusion of angiotensin II and/or intravenous administration of catecholamines may also be considered.

If drug intake occurred recently, measures to eliminate lisinopril should be initiated (e.g., induction of emesis, gastric lavage, administration of adsorbents and sodium sulfate). Lisinopril can be removed from systemic circulation by hemodialysis (see section "Special Warnings"). In case of bradycardia refractory to medical therapy, temporary cardiac pacing is indicated. Continuous monitoring of vital signs, serum electrolytes, and serum creatinine concentration is required.

Overdose of Amlodipine

Data on intentional overdose in humans are limited.

Symptoms

Overdose may lead to excessive peripheral vasodilation with reflex tachycardia. Profound and prolonged systemic arterial hypotension, up to shock with fatal outcome, has been reported.

Rare cases of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema following amlodipine overdose have been reported, which may present with delayed onset (24–48 hours after ingestion) and may require mechanical ventilation. Contributing factors to the development of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema may include early resuscitation measures (including fluid overload) aimed at supporting perfusion and cardiac output.

Treatment

In cases of clinically significant arterial hypotension due to amlodipine overdose, active measures to support the cardiovascular system are required, including frequent monitoring of cardiovascular and respiratory parameters, placing the patient in a supine position with legs elevated above the head, and monitoring circulating blood volume and diuresis.

Administration of vasopressors may be necessary to restore vascular tone and arterial pressure, provided there are no contraindications to their use. Intravenous calcium gluconate may have a beneficial effect in reversing effects caused by calcium channel blockade.

In some cases, gastric lavage may be effective. Studies in healthy volunteers have shown that administration of activated charcoal within 2 hours after ingestion of 10 mg amlodipine reduces the rate of amlodipine absorption.

Since amlodipine is highly bound to plasma proteins, dialysis is ineffective.

Overdose of Equator

Overdose of Equator may lead to excessive peripheral vasodilation with marked arterial hypotension and acute circulatory failure, electrolyte imbalances, renal failure, hyperventilation, tachycardia, palpitations, bradycardia, dizziness, anxiety, and cough. Symptomatic treatment is recommended (placing the patient in a supine position, observation, and, if necessary, support of cardiovascular and respiratory functions, arterial pressure, circulating blood volume, electrolyte balance, and serum creatinine concentration). In cases of pronounced arterial hypotension, the patient should be placed in a supine position with legs elevated above the head; if fluid administration is insufficient, supportive therapy with peripheral vasopressors may be required, provided there are no contraindications to their use. Infusion of angiotensin II may also be considered. Intravenous calcium gluconate may have a beneficial effect in reversing effects caused by calcium channel blockade.

Lisinopril can be removed from systemic circulation by hemodialysis. The use of high-flux polyacrylonitrile membranes during dialysis is not recommended.

Adverse reactions

Frequency is defined as follows: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare (≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); very rare (< 1/10,000); frequency not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

Within each frequency group, adverse reactions are listed in order of decreasing seriousness.

Adverse reactions observed and reported during treatment with lisinopril and amlodipine separately:

*A symptom complex has been reported that may include one or more of the following symptoms: fever, vasculitis, myalgia, arthralgia/arthritis, positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) reaction, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), eosinophilia and leukocytosis, skin rash, photosensitization, or other skin changes.

**Most frequently associated with cholestasis.

Clinical safety data suggest that lisinopril is generally well tolerated in children and adolescents with arterial hypertension, and the safety profile in this age group is comparable to that in adults.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions after marketing authorization is important and allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to report suspected adverse reactions through the national adverse reaction reporting system.

Shelf life. 2 years.

Storage conditions. Store at temperatures not exceeding 25 °C in the original packaging to protect from light and moisture.

Keep out of reach of children.

Packaging. 10 tablets per blister, 1, 3 or 6 blisters per cardboard package.

Prescription status. Prescription only.

Manufacturer.

JSC "Gedeon Richter", Hungary.

Address of manufacturer and location of its business operations.

H-1103 Budapest, Demrédi út 19-21, Hungary.

Marketing Authorization Holder.

JSC "Gedeon Richter", Hungary.

Address of Marketing Authorization Holder.

H-1103 Budapest, Demrédi út 19-21, Hungary.