Olmesartan/Amlodipine Eg (Amlodipine, Olmesartan)

Olmesartan/Amlodipine EG is indicated for the management of hypertension, acting on the renin‑angiotensin system and vascular smooth‑muscle tone.

• Hypertension: provides sustained blood‑pressure reduction and improves cardiovascular outcomes.
• Hypertension in patients requiring combination therapy: offers convenient dual‑mechanism control when monotherapy is insufficient.
• Hypertension with comorbidities such as diabetes: assists in achieving target blood pressure while minimizing metabolic impact.

• Amlodipine selectively inhibits L‑type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle, producing arterial vasodilation and reduced peripheral resistance. Olmesartan blocks the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, preventing vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, and sympathetic activation. The combined actions result in additive blood‑pressure lowering through decreased vascular tone and inhibition of the renin‑angiotensin system.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: mild to moderate pain often occurring early in therapy.
• Peripheral edema: swelling of the ankles or lower legs.
• Flushing: transient warmth and redness of the skin.
• Dizziness: sensation of light‑headedness, especially when standing.
• Fatigue: general feeling of tiredness.
• Palpitations: awareness of heartbeats.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Hypotension: marked drop in blood pressure causing faintness.
• Angioedema: swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat requiring urgent care.
• Hepatic dysfunction: abnormal liver enzymes or jaundice.
• Severe allergic reaction: rash, itching, or anaphylaxis.
• Myocardial infarction: rare occurrence of heart attack.
• Renal impairment: worsening kidney function in susceptible individuals.

Before initiating therapy, consider the following precautions:

• Blood pressure monitoring: ensure adequate control and avoid excessive hypotension.
• Renal function assessment: adjust dosing in patients with impaired kidney function.
• Hepatic impairment: use with caution in moderate to severe liver disease.
• Pregnancy: avoid use; teratogenic risk associated with angiotensin receptor blockers.
• Elderly patients: start at lower dose and monitor for orthostatic effects.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Olmesartan/Amlodipine EG may interact with several medicines.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin): increase amlodipine exposure.
• Concurrent antihypertensives: risk of additive hypotension.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics or supplements with ARBs: may cause hyperkalaemia.
• High‑dose simvastatin: increased risk of myopathy when combined with amlodipine.
• Lithium: elevated lithium levels and toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• NSAIDs: may blunt antihypertensive effect.
• Diuretics: can potentiate electrolyte disturbances.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin): reduce amlodipine concentrations.
• Grapefruit juice: may raise amlodipine plasma levels.
• Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium: may affect absorption of olmesartan.