Amlodipine and olmesartan

Generic name: amlodipine and olmesartan

Drug class: Angiotensin II inhibitors with calcium channel blockers

Dosage form: oral tablet

Route of administration: oral

Dose: Initial dose: amlodipine 5 mg-olmesartan 20 mg orally once a day; may increase dose after 1 to 2 weeks of therapy. Maximum dose: amlodipine 10 mg-olmesartan 40 mg orally once a day

Mechanism of action: Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels and increases blood and oxygen supply to the heart. Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that relaxes blood vessels by blocking a substance that causes them to tighten, thereby lowering blood pressure and increasing blood and oxygen supply to the heart.

Drug usage cases:

• Management of hypertension (monotherapy or with other antihypertensive agents)

Drug contraindications:

• Allergy to amlodipine or olmesartan
• Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus
• Severe renal impairment
• Severe hepatic impairment
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Children under 18 years of age

Side effects:

• Swelling in hands or feet
• Rapid weight gain
• Severe or ongoing diarrhea with weight loss
• Pounding heartbeats or fluttering in the chest
• Light-headedness or fainting
• High potassium levels: nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement
• New or worsening chest pain

Warnings:

• Do not use if pregnant; can cause injury or death to the unborn baby
• Discontinue if pregnancy occurs and inform doctor immediately
• Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old
• Monitor blood pressure regularly
• Monitor kidney function periodically
• Be cautious of low blood pressure, especially in cases of vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating
• Inform surgeon ahead of time if undergoing surgery while using this medication
• Avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless directed by a doctor
• Be cautious when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position to prevent dizziness

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Amlodipine and olmesartan should not be used during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. If pregnancy is detected, discontinue the medication and inform your doctor immediately. The safety and efficacy of this medication during breastfeeding have not been established; therefore, it is not recommended for use while breastfeeding.