How It Work
Amlodipine/olmesartan works by combining two medications that relax the blood vessels:
- Amlodipine: This is a calcium channel blocker (CCBs).
- Olmesartan: This is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Angiotensin II is a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow.
Together, these medicines enable easier blood flow, which helps lower blood pressure and reduce the workload of the heart.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Brands | Azor |
| Drug Class | Dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) and angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) |
| Generic Status | Generic is available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Dosing
Amlodipine/olmesartan comes as an oral tablet that is swallowed by mouth once daily. It is available in several dosage strengths, including:
- 5 mg amlodipine / 20 mg olmesartan
- 5 mg amlodipine / 40 mg olmesartan
- 10 mg amlodipine / 20 mg olmesartan
- 10 mg amlodipine / 40 mg olmesartan
The recommended starting dose of amlodipine/olmesartan is generally 5 mg/20 mg taken once per day. Over time, a prescriber may adjust the dose based on how well it’s working to lower blood pressure.
The maximum recommended dose of amlodipine/olmesartan is 10 mg/40 mg taken once daily.
Note: Dosing information below is educational only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your individual health needs. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for exact dosing.
Uses
FDA-Approved Use
Amlodipine/olmesartan is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Off-Label Uses
You may see amlodipine/olmesartan prescribed for uses that are not “FDA-approved.” This is a very common and legal practice called “off-label” prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.
There are currently no common off-label uses for amlodipine/olmesartan.
Side Effects
Like all medications, amlodipine/olmesartan can cause side effects. Some common side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects may be serious and require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Facial flushing or redness
- Swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur. Stop using amlodipine/olmesartan and call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; racing heart; severe rash or itching; and/or fever.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension): Taking amlodipine/olmesartan may cause blood pressure to drop too low. This risk may be higher in people who are dehydrated or taking diuretics (“water pills”). Symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, fainting, confusion, and feeling weak or tired.
- Chest pain or heart attack: Starting amlodipine/olmesartan or increasing the dose can worsen chest pain (angina) or cause a heart attack. The risk is higher in people with severe obstructive coronary artery disease. Symptoms include severe chest pain or pressure, cold sweat, unusual tiredness, heartburn, sudden dizziness or lightheadedness, or pain spreading to the jaw, neck, arm, shoulder, or back.
- Kidney damage: Kidney problems may occur when taking amlodipine/olmesartan. Symptoms include a reduced need to urinate, confusion, nausea, weakness, chest pain or pressure, seizures, and swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs..
- High blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia): Amlodipine/olmesartan can lead to high potassium levels, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms include muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and an abnormal or slow heartbeat.
- Severe diarrhea (sprue-like enteropathy): Olmesartan is associated with a rare condition causing severe, persistent, watery diarrhea with weight loss, dizziness, or fever. Symptoms can occur months or years after starting the drug.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.
Pharmacist Tips
Be Consistent
Try to take your medication at the same time every single day. This helps keep your blood pressure stable.
Take Your Dose With Or Without Food
You can take amlodipine/olmesartan on an empty stomach or with a meal. If it upsets your stomach, taking it with food might reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Get Up Slowly
To avoid feeling dizzy or fainting from a sudden drop in blood pressure, stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position, and hold onto something sturdy.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure At Home
Keep a log of your blood pressure readings to share with your doctor. This can help them track how well the medication is working.
Limit Your Salt And Potassium Intake
A low-salt diet is recommended for people with high blood pressure. It’s also important to avoid high-potassium foods and potassium-containing salt substitutes, as this medication can raise your potassium levels.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can increase your risk of dangerously low blood pressure. Ensure you are drinking enough fluids, particularly if you experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Don’t Change Your Dose Or Stop Abruptly
Never change your dose or stop taking the medication without speaking to your prescriber first, as this can cause your blood pressure to spike rapidly.
Consider Limiting Alcohol
While it is unknown if alcohol directly interacts with amlodipine/olmesartan, drinking alcohol may increase the risk of dizziness.
Store At Room Temperature
Amlodipine/olmesartan should be stored at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in a cool, dry place away from light.
Tell Your Provider If You’re Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
Amlodipine/olmesartan can harm an unborn baby. The medication also passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be, so they can recommend safer options.
Try To Avoid Missing A Dose
If you miss a dose of amlodipine/olmesartan, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Do not take double or extra doses to make up for a missed one.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications and substances can interact with amlodipine/olmesartan, potentially altering how it works or increasing the risk of side effects. For example:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Common pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen can interact with this medication and potentially impact kidney function.
- Cholesterol medications: Drugs like simvastatin or colesevelam can interact with amlodipine/olmesartan and may require dose adjustments.
- Other blood pressure medications: Taking amlodipine/olmesartan alongside aliskiren (Tekturna), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, diuretics (“water pills”), or other calcium channel blockers (CCBs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can excessively lower blood pressure or impact kidney health.
- Potassium salts or supplements: Supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium can lead to dangerously high blood potassium levels when taken with amlodipine/olmesartan.
- Immune suppressants: Medications like cyclosporine or tacrolimus can interact with amlodipine/olmesartan.
- Lithium: Combining amlodipine/olmesartan with lithium can lead to toxic levels of lithium in the body.
- Certain antimicrobials: Amlodipine/olmesartan can interact with certain antibiotics like clarithromycin and antifungal medications like itraconazole.
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
FAQs
How long does it typically take for amlodipine/olmesartan to lower my blood pressure?
You might notice your blood pressure starting to drop shortly after taking your first doses. Generally, it takes about 2 weeks of consistent use to see the full effects of the medication.
What is the most effective time of day to take this medication for consistent blood pressure control?
A single dose of amlodipine/olmesartan is designed to last for 24 hours, so the specific time of day you take it is not as important as taking it consistently. Choose a time that works for you and take it at that time every day to maintain steady levels of the medication in your body.
Can I take amlodipine/olmesartan on an empty stomach?
Yes, it is generally accepted that you can take this medication with or without food. If you find that it upsets your stomach, taking it with a meal or a snack may help ease that discomfort.
Is it normal to feel dizzy or lightheaded when I stand up while taking amlodipine/olmesartan?
Yes, dizziness is one of the most common side effects of amlodipine/olmesartan, especially when you first start taking it or when your provider increases your dose. This happens because your body is adjusting to the lowered blood pressure. To prevent fainting or falling, get up slowly when sitting or lying down and hold onto something if possible.
Can I take over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil or Aleve while on this?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) may interact with amlodipine/olmesartan and increase kidney-related risks, especially with long-term use. Ask your healthcare provider before using them regularly.
Will amlodipine/olmesartan slow down my heart?
This medication usually does not significantly slow heart rate. Amlodipine/olmesartan is not a beta-blocker, a type of blood pressure medication that slows down the heart. Instead, it works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels. Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any changes to your heartbeat, as it may be a warning sign of something serious.
If I forget my morning dose, should I take it later in the afternoon?
If you miss a dose of amlodipine/olmesartan, it’s recommended to take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is already almost time for your next scheduled dose, you can skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule. Do not take double or extra doses to make up for a missed one.
Does amlodipine/olmesartan interact with cholesterol medications?
Yes. It can interact with certain cholesterol-lowering medications, particularly simvastatin and colesevelam. Tell your doctor about all over-the-counter and prescription medications you are taking so they can check for interactions.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking this prescription?
It is unknown if drinking alcohol affects amlodipine/olmesartan. However, alcohol is known to increase the risk of dizziness, which is a side effect of the medication..
Can taking amlodipine/olmesartan cause erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not a common side effect of amlodipine/olmesartan. If you experience any sexual side effects, it is recommended to discuss them with your provider.
Is it safe to continue taking this medication if I am pregnant or trying to conceive?
No. Amlodipine/olmesartan is unsafe to take during pregnancy, as it can cause severe harm to an unborn baby and affect their kidney development. If you become pregnant, stop taking the medication immediately and contact your healthcare provider.
Comparable Medications
Amlodipine/olmesartan, amlodipine (Norvasc), amlodipine/valsartan (Exforge), olmesartan/HCTZ (Benicar HCT), or amlodipine/olmesartan/HCTZ (Tribenzor)?
There are several medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of amlodipine/olmesartan. Here are a few possible alternatives below.
Amlodipine
From $27.99
A calcium channel blocker (CCB) used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina).
Amlodipine/Valsartan Tablets
From $27.99
A blood pressure medication that combines amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker (CCB), with valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).
Olmesartan / Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets
From $32.99
A blood pressure medication that combines olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic or “water pill.”
Amlodipine/Olmesartan/HCTZ
A blood pressure medication that combines three active ingredients: amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker (CCB); olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB); and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic or “water pill.”
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Important: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prescribing decisions are made by independent, licensed providers. TelyRx operates technology-enabled pharmacies and a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed providers. Prescriptions, when provider-approved and issued, are filled and shipped by TelyRx-affiliated pharmacies. We do not employ physicians or make prescribing decisions. Learn more about our editorial standards here.