Amlodipine + Olmesartan
Uses of Amlodipine + Olmesartan
The combination of Amlodipine and Olmesartan belongs to the class of antihypertensive medications and is indicated for the treatment of hypertension.
How Amlodipine + Olmesartan Works
The combination of Amlodipine and Olmesartan acts by lowering blood pressure through two mechanisms: Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, relaxes blood vessels by inhibiting calcium influx, while Olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II. Together, they provide a complementary and enhanced antihypertensive effect.
Side Effects of Amlodipine + Olmesartan
Dizziness, Headache, Peripheral Edema, Flushing, Cough, and Hypotension.
Warnings
Kidney Use With Care
It is important to monitor serum potassium and creatinine levels when Amlodipine + Olmesartan is used in patients with renal impairments. The usage of this drug is not recommended for patients with severely impaired renal function.
Alcohol Not Advisable
It is not advisable to drink alcohol with Amlodipine + Olmesartan as the alcohol may cause additive effect of lowering the blood pressure resulting in symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness.
Pregnancy Not Safe
There is evidence of risk to fetus in human studies, but the potential benefits of Amlodipine + Olmesartan may warrant the usage despite the risks. It is recommended to change to alternative antihypertensives with established safety profile in pregnancy, unless angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy is indicated in women planning for pregnancy. It has been demonstrated that exposure to ARB during the second and third trimesters may induce fetotoxicity and neonatal toxicity.
Driving Not advisable
Do not drive unless you are feeling well. Amlodipine + Olmesartan may cause side effects such as dizziness or tiredness, all of which could affect the ability to concentrate and drive.
Liver Limited Data
It is best to avoid using Amlodipine + Olmesartan in patients with severe liver impairment as there is no data available. Dose adjustment is only required for patients with moderate liver impairment and close monitoring of blood pressure and renal function is strongly indicated. Amlodipine + Olmesartan should not be used in patients with biliary obstruction.
Lactation Limited Data
This drug is excreted in the milk of lactating rats but it is unknown whether olmesartan is excreted in human breast milk. Since there is no data on the usage of Amlodipine + Olmesartan during breastfeeding, it is recommended to change to alternative antihypertensives with a better safety profile.
Written by Dr Sri Viknarajan, MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)
Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
