Generic Name: amlodipine and olmesartan (am LOE de peen ol me SAR tan)
Brand Names: Azor
What is amlodipine and olmesartan?
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It works by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels.
Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Olmesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
The combination of amlodipine and olmesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Amlodipine and olmesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about amlodipine and olmesartan?
Do not use amlodipine and olmesartan if you are pregnant. Amlodipine and olmesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking amlodipine and olmesartan, unless your doctor has told you to. Call your doctor at once if you have swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest, urinating less than usual, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling, or if you feel like you might pass out. In rare cases, amlodipine and olmesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amlodipine and olmesartan?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to amlodipine (Norvasc) or olmesartan (Benicar).
To make sure you can safely take amlodipine and olmesartan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
- liver disease;
angina (chest pain);
coronary artery disease;
congestive heart failure;
if you are 75 years or older; or
if you have recently had a heart attack.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use amlodipine and olmesartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Amlodipine and olmesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking amlodipine and olmesartan. If you are also taking a beta-blocker (such as Betapace, Coreg, Corgard, Dutoprol, Inderal, InnoPran, Lopressor, Normodyne, Tenormin, Tenoretic, Toprol, Trandate, and others), do not suddenly stop using the beta blocker without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Stopping a beta blocker too quickly can cause serious heart problems that will not be prevented by amlodipine and olmesartan. It is not known whether amlodipine and olmesartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using amlodipine and olmesartan.
How should I take amlodipine and olmesartan?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
You may take this medication with or without food.
Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking amlodipine and olmesartan. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need kidney dialysis or surgery, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are using amlodipine and olmesartan. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
See also: Azor dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include fast heart rate, warmth or tingling, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What should I avoid while taking amlodipine and olmesartan?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking amlodipine and olmesartan, unless your doctor has told you to.
Amlodipine and olmesartan side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. In rare cases, amlodipine and olmesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine. Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects, such as:
feeling like you might pass out;
swelling in your hands or feet, rapid weight gain;
pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling.
Less serious side effects include:
dizziness, drowsiness;
flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
hair loss; or
mild skin rash or itching.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect amlodipine and olmesartan?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
aspirin or other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze), indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic), and others;
heart medication;
potassium supplements or salt substitutes;
diuretics (water pills); or
other medications that lower blood pressure.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with amlodipine and olmesartan. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Azor resources
- Azor Side Effects (in more detail)
- Azor Dosage
- Azor Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Azor Drug Interactions
- Azor Support Group
- 34 Reviews for Azor - Add your own review/rating
- Azor Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Azor Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Azor MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Azor Consumer Overview
Compare Azor with other medications
- High Blood Pressure
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about amlodipine and olmesartan.
See also: Azor side effects (in more detail)
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