amlodipine / olmesartan
Azor is a combination of two first-choice blood pressure medications: amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker, or CCB) and olmesartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker, or ARB). It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults, either on its own or along with other blood pressure medications. Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day. Side effects include dizziness and swelling in the body.
What is Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan)?
What is Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) used for?
- High blood pressure in adults
How Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) works
Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) is a combination of two medications that work together to lower blood pressure.
- Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It relaxes your blood vessels to lower your blood pressure.
- Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It lowers blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II. This is a hormone that typically causes your blood vessels to become more narrow, which raises your blood pressure.
Drug facts
Side effects of Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Swelling
- Dizziness
- Headache
Less Common Side Effects
- Flushing
- Sleepiness
- Feeling of heart pounding
- Diarrhea
- Rash or itching
- Problems with urination
Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint or fainting
- Heart attack: tightness and pain in the chest, neck, arms, or back; cold and clammy skin; sweating; dizziness; tiredness
- Kidney problems: urinating less often than usual; swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands; unexplained weight gain
- High blood potassium levels: nausea, muscle weakness, tingling sensation, abnormal heartbeat
- Severe diarrhea: having watery bowel movements 10-20 times daily, nausea, weight loss
The following Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
unusual tiredness or weakness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Dizziness
feeling of warmth
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan)
Pros
- Combines two first-choice blood pressure medications into a single pill for convenience
- Can take with or without food
- Taken by mouth once per day
Cons
- Not safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding
- More difficult to customize the dose it's a fixed combination of two medications
- Might not be recommended for people with liver problems
Pharmacist tips for Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan)
- Mark your calendar for appointments and blood work while taking Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan). Your care team will order tests like potassium, kidney function, and blood pressure during treatment. They might also change your dose based on the lab results.
- Take Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) with or without food at any time of the day. If it hurts your stomach, taking it with food might help.
- It's important to take Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) every day as prescribed. Managing your blood pressure helps prevent severe and life-threatening health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
- Check your blood pressure regularly at home to track how well Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) is working. Record your readings and share them with your prescriber.
- Don't change your Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) dose or stop it suddenly without talking to your prescriber. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to rise quickly.
- You might feel dizzy when you start Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) or when your prescriber raises your dose. This side effect should lessen over time as your body gets used to the new blood pressure.
- While taking Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan), stand up slowly or hold onto something when you stand from sitting or lying down to avoid a sudden drop in your blood pressure that causes dizziness and falls.
- Both amlodipine and olmesartan can interact with various medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), lithium (Lithobid), and other medications that can raise potassium. Make sure to tell your care team about all the medications you're taking before and during treatment.
- Follow a healthy diet, including a low-salt diet, to support lowering your blood pressure while taking Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan).
- Try to limit foods high in potassium and potassium-containing salt substitutes. Eating them with Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) might cause high potassium, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, or muscle weakness.
- Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) can cause severe harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. Let your care team know if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, they might recommend a safer medication.
- It's generally not recommended that you breastfeed during treatment with Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan). Animal studies show that the medication can pass into breast milk, though it's not clear how this might affect the nursing baby. To be safe, speak to your prescriber about alternatives to breastfeeding or safer blood pressure medications you can take during this time.
Common questions about Azor
You might notice your blood pressure begin to drop soon after starting Azor. But it can take about 2 weeks to see the full effect. You can monitor how well Azor is working by checking your blood pressure regularly at home. But it can take some time to find the right dose to control your blood pressure. Keep taking Azor and follow up with your prescriber regularly.
In general, it's not completely clear when the best time of day to take blood pressure medications like Azor. Since a dose lasts for 1 day, the time of day you take it probably doesn't matter. The most important thing is to take Azor consistently at the same time every day so it can work as best as possible.
Not usually. Azor is typically taken once a day, as its effects last about 24 hours. If one dose per day doesn’t fully control your blood pressure, your prescriber might raise your dose or add another blood pressure medication.
No, Azor doesn't contain a beta blocker. It contains a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) and an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) (olmesartan). While beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and ARBs all lower blood pressure, they work in different ways. Depending on how high your blood pressure is, your cardiologist might consider prescribing a beta blocker for you to take with Azor. Ask your healthcare team if you have questions on the different types of blood pressure medications.
No, Azor doesn't contain a diuretic (water pills). It contains a calcium channel blocker and an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) instead.
The most common side effect of Azor is swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, hands, or arms, caused by amlodipine. If you experience swelling, talk to your prescriber. They might recommend ways to reduce it, like elevating your legs or wearing compression socks. Another common side effect is dizziness, especially when you first start the medication or when your dose is raised. This usually improves better over time as your body gets used to the new blood pressure. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist if you have other questions regarding side effects.
No, weight gain a wasn't side effect reported by people taking Azor. But keep in mind that amlodipine in Azor can cause swelling, which might lead to weight gain from fluid build up. Let your primary care provider or cardiologist know if you experience unexpected weight gain while taking this medication. They can help figure out the cause.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan)
Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Harm to unborn baby
Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) is not safe in pregnancy because it can cause severe harm to your unborn baby. This medication can affect how well the unborn baby's kidneys develop and work, which can be life-threatening.
Stop taking Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) and let a member of your healthcare team know right away if you find out that you're pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your primary care provider or cardiologist about taking a different medication that's safer to treat your blood pressure if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant.
Low blood pressure
- Risk factors: Not enough fluid in your body (dehydration) | Having diarrhea or vomiting for a long time | Low salt levels in your body | Taking high doses of diuretic medications | History of narrow heart valves (aortic stenosis)
Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much, which can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. This side effect is more common when you first start this medication or when the dose is raised. You're also at risk if you're dehydrated or if you have medical conditions that cause you to become dehydrated, like severe diarrhea or vomiting. Make sure to stay well hydrated to avoid having blood pressure that's too low. If your blood pressure drops too much and you feel dizzy, sit down slowly while holding onto something and let your prescriber know. If you fall and hit your head, get medical help right away.
Risk of heart attack or chest pain
- Risk factors: Severe coronary artery disease
It's possible for some people to experience worsening chest pain or develop a heart attack while taking Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan). The risk is higher when you first start this medication or when your dose is raised. Your risk is also higher if you have a heart problem called coronary artery disease (CAD). Get medical help right away if you experience chest pain, pressure in the chest, heartburn, dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Possible kidney damage in certain people
- Risk factors: Heart failure | Certain kidney problems | Taking other medications that can cause kidney damage
Although ARBs like olmesartan in Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) can protect the kidneys, they can sometimes affect kidney function and cause them to not work as well. This can happen to anyone. But the effects can be more serious in people with severe heart failure, people with certain kidney problems, or people who take medications that can worsen kidney function. Let your prescriber know if you're having problems with urination, as this could be a sign that your kidneys aren't working as well.
Severe diarrhea
Rarely, people who take olmesartan experience serious diarrhea called sprue-like enteropathy. Sometimes, this happens months to years after starting the medication. In severe cases, the diarrhea can lead to weight loss, stomach pain, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience severe diarrhea that doesn't seem to get better after a few days after taking Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan), get medical help right away. Make sure to stay hydrated with fluids and electrolytes.
High potassium levels
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that can raise potassium levels | Heart failure | Kidney problems
The olmesartan component can cause high potassium levels. Your risk is higher if you take Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) with other medications that can raise potassium, such as spironolactone (Aldactone) or eplerenone (Inspra). Tell your healthcare team right away if you experience signs of high potassium levels, such as nausea, muscle weakness, or abnormal heartbeat. You'll probably need your potassium levels checked. If left untreated, high potassium levels can be dangerous.
Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg/20mg | 90 tablets | $33.21 | $0.37 |
| 5mg/40mg | 90 tablets | $38.02 | $0.42 |
| 10mg/20mg | 30 tablets | $19.51 | $0.65 |
| 10mg/40mg | 90 tablets | $42.74 | $0.47 |
Typical dosage for Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan)
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 5 mg/20 mg (amlodipine/olmesartan) by mouth once per day. Your prescriber will adjust your dose based on how well it's helping your blood pressure and if you're having side effects. The maximum dose is 10 mg/40 mg (amlodipine/olmesartan) by mouth once per day.
Interactions between Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abametapir
- Atazanavir
- Benazepril
- Captopril
- Ceritinib
- Clarithromycin
- Clopidogrel
- Conivaptan
- Cyclosporine
- Dantrolene
- Digoxin
- Domperidone
- Droperidol
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Epirubicin
- Fosinopril
- Fosnetupitant
- Lacosamide
- Lisinopril
- Lithium
- Moexipril
- Netupitant
- Perindopril
- Piperaquine
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Rifampin
- Ritonavir
- Simvastatin
- Tacrolimus
- Tegafur
- Telaprevir
- Trandolapril
- Trimethoprim
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Celecoxib
- Choline Salicylate
- Clonixin
- Colesevelam
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyrone
- Droxicam
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Ibuprofen
- Indinavir
- Indomethacin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Proglumetacin
- Propionic Acid
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Rifapentine
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Valdecoxib
How much does Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) cost?
Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) will not be safe for you to take.
- Taking at the same time as aliskiren (Tekturna) in people with diabetes
What are alternatives to Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan)?
Azor (amlodipine / olmesartan) images
