Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Generic Name	Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil
Bangla Name	এ্যামলােডিপিন বিসাইলেট + ওলমেসারটান মিডক্সোমিল
Available brands	68
Language	English বাংলা

Generic Name

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil

Bangla Name

এ্যামলােডিপিন বিসাইলেট + ওলমেসারটান মিডক্সোমিল

Available brands

Language

English বাংলা

Introduction

Amlodipine besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil is a combination drug containing amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, and olmesartan, an angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) blocker. It is primarily used to treat hypertension. It can also be used as a preventative measure against stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. It is not indicated for use in patients younger than 18 years of age.

Uses

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It helps reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure by blocking calcium channels in the walls of the arteries. This in turn helps relax the blood vessels and allows for easier blood flow.

Mechanism of Action

Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. It works by blocking the calcium channels in the blood vessels, causing them to relax. This leads to a decrease in vascular resistance and therefore a decrease in blood pressure. Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Angiotensin II is a peptide hormone that helps regulate blood pressure by causing the vessels to constrict. By blocking angiotensin II receptors, olmesartan allows the vessels to stay relaxed and result in decreased blood pressure.

How long does it take to work?

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil usually begins to work within 24 hours of taking the first dose. Depending on the severity of hypertension, it may take up to several weeks for the drug to reach its full effect.

Absorption

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil is readily absorbed in the digestive tract. Peak plasma concentrations are usually reached within 1 to 4 hours after administration.

Route of Elimination

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil is excreted primarily through the kidneys.

Dosage

The dosage of Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil depends on the individual’s response to treatment. The usual starting dose is 5 mg of amlodipine and 20 mg of olmesartan once daily. The dose can be adjusted up to a maximum of 10 mg amlodipine plus 40 mg olmesartan once daily. The minimum effective dose should be used to minimize side effects.

Administration

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil should be taken with food and with a full glass of water. It is important to take the drug at the same time every day to help maintain a consistent blood pressure.

Side Effects

Side effects of Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Other serious side effects include chest pain, difficulty breathing, swelling of the feet or hands, blurred vision, and fainting.

Toxicity

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil is considered to be a relatively safe drug with a low potential for toxicity. However, in cases of overdose in animals, fatal hypotension and cardiac arrest have been observed.

Precautions

Patients taking Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil should not drive or operate machinery until they are sure that the medication does not cause dizziness. It should not be taken with grapefruit juice or with any medication that contains St. John’s Wort.

Interaction

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil may interact with a number of other medications. Consult your doctor before taking this or any other medication.

Disease Interaction

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil should not be used in patients with severe kidney disease, or patients with an active peptic ulcer. It is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.

Drug Interaction

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil may interact with certain drugs. It should not be taken with certain drug classes, such as potassium-sparing diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

Food Interactions

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil can interact with certain foods. Consumption of high-fat foods and grapefruit juice should be avoided while taking this medication.

Pregnancy Use

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil should not be used during pregnancy. If it is necessary, the benefits should be weighed against the risks before taking this medication.

Lactation Use

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil is not recommended for use while breastfeeding as it may pass into the breast milk and cause harm to the infant.

Acute Overdose

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil overdose may cause dizziness, fainting, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention immediately.

Contraindication

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to either of the two ingredients or any related drugs. It should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Use Direction

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil should be taken at about the same time every day with a full glass of water. It should be taken with food. The dosage should always be taken as of directed by your doctor. The dosage may be increased if the response to treatment is inadequate.

Storage Condition

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil should be stored between 15°C and 30°C in a dry place. It should be kept away from direct light and heat.

Volume of Distribution

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil has a volume of distribution of 12.7 L/kg.

Half-Life

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil has a half-life of 60–90 hours.

Clearance

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil has a clearance of 0.7 L/h.kg.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil

1. What is Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil?

Amlodipine Besilate + Olmesartan Medoxomil is a combination medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

2. What are the active ingredients in this combination drug?

The drug contains two active ingredients:

Amlodipine Besilate: A calcium channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels.
Olmesartan Medoxomil: An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that lowers blood pressure.

3. How does this combination medication work?

Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels by reducing calcium entry into muscle cells, while Olmesartan blocks the action of angiotensin II, preventing blood vessel constriction.

4. What is this medication used for?

It is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.

5. Can this drug be used for heart failure?

While Amlodipine is sometimes used in heart failure, this combination is not typically prescribed for that purpose.

6. What are the available strengths of this combination?

Common strengths include:

Amlodipine 5 mg + Olmesartan 20 mg
Amlodipine 5 mg + Olmesartan 40 mg
Amlodipine 10 mg + Olmesartan 40 mg

7. How should I take this medication?

Take it once daily, with or without food, as prescribed by your doctor.

8. Can I split or crush the tablet?

No, it should be swallowed whole with water.

9. What happens if I miss a dose?

Take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it's close to your next dose. Do not double up.

10. What should I do in case of an overdose?

Seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include severe dizziness, fainting, or an extreme drop in blood pressure.

11. What are the common side effects?

Dizziness
Swelling in the legs (edema)
Headache
Flushing
Nausea
Fatigue

12. Can this medication cause serious side effects?

Severe low blood pressure
Kidney problems
Increased potassium levels
Allergic reactions
Irregular heartbeat

13. Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication?

Avoid alcohol as it can lower blood pressure too much and increase dizziness.

14. Can pregnant women take this medication?

No, Olmesartan can harm an unborn baby. It should be avoided during pregnancy.

15. Can breastfeeding mothers take this medication?

No, it is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers as the drug may pass into breast milk.

16. Is this medication safe for elderly patients?

Yes, but dose adjustments may be needed due to a higher risk of low blood pressure or kidney issues.

17. Can I take this medication if I have diabetes?

Yes, but monitor blood sugar levels and avoid using it with aliskiren-containing drugs.

18. Can I take this medication if I have kidney disease?

Use with caution. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on kidney function.

19. Can I take this medication if I have liver disease?

Use with caution, as Amlodipine is processed by the liver.

20. Can this medication interact with other drugs?

Yes, it may interact with:

Diuretics
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen)
Potassium supplements
Other blood pressure medications

21. Can I take this medication with food?

Yes, food does not affect its absorption.

22. Can this drug cause dizziness?

Yes, especially when standing up quickly. Move slowly to avoid falls.

23. Can this medication cause swelling in the legs?

Yes, Amlodipine can cause fluid retention, leading to leg swelling.

24. Can this medication cause weight gain?

Weight gain is not a common side effect, but fluid retention may cause slight increases.

25. Does this medication cause fatigue?

Yes, some people may experience tiredness.

26. Can I stop taking this medication suddenly?

No, stopping suddenly can cause blood pressure spikes. Consult your doctor.

27. Can this medication cause depression?

Depression is not a common side effect but consult your doctor if you notice mood changes.

28. Can I take potassium supplements with this medication?

Not without doctor approval, as Olmesartan can increase potassium levels.

29. Can this medication cause shortness of breath?

It is uncommon, but seek medical help if you experience breathing difficulties.

30. Does this medication protect the kidneys?

Yes, Olmesartan may help protect kidneys in patients with high blood pressure and diabetes.

31. How long does it take for this medication to work?

It starts working within a few hours, but full effects may take 2 weeks.

32. Will this medication cure hypertension?

No, it helps manage hypertension but does not cure it.

33. Does this medication lower heart rate?

No, it lowers blood pressure but does not significantly affect heart rate.

34. Can I exercise while taking this medication?

Yes, but avoid intense activity if you feel dizzy or weak.

35. Can this drug be taken at night?

Yes, it can be taken in the morning or night.

36. Can this medication cause kidney stones?

No, it does not increase the risk of kidney stones.

37. Can this drug be used in children?

It is not typically recommended for children.

38. Can I take this medication with aspirin?

Yes, but consult your doctor if taking high doses of aspirin.

39. Can this medication cause headaches?

Yes, headache is a common side effect.

40. Can this medication cause constipation?

Constipation is not a common side effect.

41. Can I take this medication with grapefruit juice?

Avoid grapefruit juice as it may increase Amlodipine levels in the body.

42. Is this medication available over the counter?

No, it requires a prescription.

43. How should this medication be stored?

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Medical review

Last reviewed: 30 Aug 2024

Medically reviewed by:

This is general information, not personal medical advice. Consult a doctor before taking any medicine.