Amlodipine + Olmesartan
Find more information about this combination medication at the webpages for Amlodipine and Olmesartan
Hypertension, Variant Angina Pectoris ... show more
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Advisory
- This medicine contains a combination of 2 drugs Amlodipine and Olmesartan.
- Amlodipine and Olmesartan are both used to treat the same disease or symptom but work in different ways in the body.
- Most doctors will advise making sure that each individual medicine is safe and effective before using a combination form.
Drug Status
Government Approvals
None
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
Definite
Pharmaceutical Class
Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker and Calcium Channel Blocker and Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blocker
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Summary
Amlodipine and Olmesartan are primarily used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, in adults and children over six years old. Amlodipine can also be used to treat angina, which is chest pain, and coronary artery disease, a condition that affects the blood vessels that supply the heart.
Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, works by relaxing blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily and helps lower blood pressure. Olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, prevents blood vessels from narrowing, which further aids in reducing blood pressure. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to managing high blood pressure.
The usual starting dose for Amlodipine is 5 mg once daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 10 mg daily based on the patient's response and tolerance. For Olmesartan, the typical starting dose is 20 mg once daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 40 mg daily. Both medications are taken orally and can be administered with or without food.
Common side effects of Amlodipine include swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, dizziness, and flushing. Olmesartan may cause dizziness and in rare cases, severe diarrhea. Both medications can cause nausea and fatigue. Serious adverse effects include more frequent or severe chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and fainting.
Amlodipine and Olmesartan should not be used during pregnancy due to the risk of harm to the fetus. Patients with severe liver impairment should use these medications cautiously. Amlodipine may cause increased chest pain or heart attack in patients with severe coronary artery disease. Olmesartan can cause severe diarrhea and weight loss.
Indications and Purpose
How does combination of Amlodipine and Olmesartan work?
Amlodipine and Olmesartan work together to lower blood pressure through different mechanisms. Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, relaxes blood vessels by inhibiting calcium ions from entering vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and reduced blood pressure. Olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, prevents angiotensin II from binding to its receptors, which stops blood vessels from constricting and helps lower blood pressure. Together, they provide a synergistic effect, enhancing overall blood pressure control.
How effective is combination of Amlodipine and Olmesartan?
Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of Amlodipine and Olmesartan in lowering blood pressure. Amlodipine, as a calcium channel blocker, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve symptoms of angina. Olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, effectively lowers blood pressure by preventing blood vessel constriction. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to managing hypertension, with studies showing significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to monotherapy. This combination is particularly effective in patients who require multiple agents to achieve their blood pressure goals.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of combination of Amlodipine and Olmesartan?
The usual starting dose for Amlodipine is 5 mg once daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 10 mg daily based on the patient's response and tolerance. For Olmesartan, the typical starting dose is 20 mg once daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 40 mg daily. When combined, the starting dose of Amlodipine and Olmesartan is often 5/20 mg once daily, with adjustments made as needed to achieve optimal blood pressure control. Both medications are taken orally and can be administered with or without food.
How does one take combination of Amlodipine and Olmesartan?
Amlodipine and Olmesartan can be taken with or without food, making them convenient for daily use. It is important to take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels. Patients should follow any specific dietary instructions provided by their healthcare provider, such as a low-salt diet, to enhance the medication's effectiveness. There are no specific food restrictions, but patients should avoid using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without consulting their doctor.
For how long is combination of Amlodipine and Olmesartan taken?
Amlodipine and Olmesartan are typically used as long-term treatments for managing high blood pressure. They do not cure hypertension but help control it, so they are usually taken indefinitely unless a healthcare provider advises otherwise. Regular monitoring by a healthcare professional is essential to ensure the medication continues to be effective and to adjust dosages if necessary. Both medications require consistent daily use to maintain their blood pressure-lowering effects.
How long does it take for combination of Amlodipine and Olmesartan to work?
Amlodipine and Olmesartan work together to lower blood pressure, but they have different onset times. Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, typically starts working within a few hours, with its full effect seen after several days of consistent use. Olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, may take up to two weeks to show its full effect, although some blood pressure reduction can be noticed within the first week. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to managing hypertension, with Amlodipine offering quicker initial relief and Olmesartan contributing to long-term control.
Warnings and Precautions
Are there harms and risks from taking combination of Amlodipine and Olmesartan?
Common side effects of Amlodipine include swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, dizziness, and flushing. Olmesartan may cause dizziness and, in rare cases, severe diarrhea. Both medications can cause nausea and fatigue. Serious adverse effects include more frequent or severe chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and fainting. Patients should report any severe or persistent side effects to their healthcare provider. Monitoring by a healthcare professional is important to manage any adverse effects and adjust treatment as necessary.
Can I take combination of Amlodipine and Olmesartan with other prescription drugs?
Amlodipine can interact with simvastatin, increasing its levels in the blood, so the dose of simvastatin should be limited. Olmesartan should not be used with aliskiren in patients with diabetes due to increased risks of adverse effects. Both medications can interact with NSAIDs, potentially reducing their effectiveness and affecting kidney function. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking to avoid harmful interactions and ensure safe and effective treatment.
Can I take combination of Amlodipine and Olmesartan if I am pregnant?
Amlodipine and Olmesartan are not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, due to the risk of fetal harm. Olmesartan can cause injury or death to the developing fetus by affecting kidney function and blood pressure. Amlodipine's effects during pregnancy are less clear, but caution is advised. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should discuss alternative treatments with their healthcare provider to ensure the safety of their unborn child.
Can I take combination of Amlodipine and Olmesartan while breastfeeding?
There is limited information on the safety of Amlodipine and Olmesartan during lactation. Amlodipine is known to be present in human milk, while Olmesartan has been found in animal milk. Due to the potential for adverse effects on the nursing infant, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with these medications. Nursing mothers should discuss alternative treatments with their healthcare provider to ensure the safety of their infant while managing their health condition.
Who should avoid taking combination of Amlodipine and Olmesartan?
Amlodipine and Olmesartan should not be used during pregnancy due to the risk of fetal harm. Patients with severe liver impairment should use these medications cautiously. Amlodipine may cause increased angina or myocardial infarction in patients with severe coronary artery disease. Olmesartan can cause severe diarrhea and weight loss, known as sprue-like enteropathy. Both medications can cause dizziness, so patients should avoid activities requiring alertness until they know how the drugs affect them. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to manage these risks.
