Azor (amlodipine, olmesartan) is used to reduce blood pressure in patients who have hypertension. It is a combination medication, including two active ingredients:

• Amlodipine is a a calcium channel blocker that relaxes muscles that tighten and narrow blood vessels; and
• Olmesartan is an angiotensin-2 receptor antagonist that blocks the naturally-occurring angiotensin II. Angiotensin II further encourages blood vessels to narrow and tighten.

Together the two ingredients can significantly lower blood pressure. It takes about two weeks of treatment for full benefit to be seen.

Azor is also available as Azor HCT, which contains the first two ingredients plus hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), a diuretic which even further lowers blood pressure.

Managing Hypertension with Azor

Treatment with Azor can start one of two ways; either the patient was taking two medications and they were combined into a single pill, or patients who have not previously taken hypertension medications but will likely need more than one to control it can be started on Azor.

Lowering blood pressure is critical to prevent a wide range of complications, including stroke or heart attack. In addition to medications like Azor, patients are encouraged to make lifestyle changes to address the underlying issue. These changes can include controlling cholesterol, controlling blood sugar, exercise, stopping smoking, and so forth. With sufficient changes patients may eventually be able to get off of medications; otherwise, medications will need to be taken for the remainder of life.

Black patients may experience reduced effectiveness of Azor or any other blood pressure medication. These patients are more likely to be started on multiple medications, such as Azor, and will need to be extra attentive at the start of treatment to ensure goals are reached.

Treatment is straightforward:

• Start with 5/20 mg of amlodipine/olmesartan.
• After one or two weeks, dosage may be increased to 10/40 mg of amlodipine/olmesartan.
• Do not exceed 10/40 mg of amlodipine/olmesartan.

The medication is taken just once per day, with or without food as desired. Taking tablets with a glass of fluid is recommended. As mentioned above, it takes about two weeks of use to see full benefit, and treatment may continue indefinitely.

Should treatment end, dosage should be gradually reduced. Abruptly ending treatment can cause blood pressure to become very elevated.

Potential Complications

Side effects from Azor are relatively rare, but do happen. Most commonly reported are:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Flushing
• Hair loss
• Mild rash or itching

Azor is meant to lower blood pressure, and can produce a range of related symptoms. Patients may feel weak, and may feel especially lightheaded if rising from a sitting or laying position quickly. These symptoms aren't cause for concern unless severe, and should pass with the first week or two of treatment.

More rarely serious side effects develop, which call for medical attention:

• Passing out
• Pounding or fluttering heartbeat
• Rapid weight gain
• Edema in hands or feet
• Urinating less than usual
• Jaundice

Very rarely Azor can cause a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, which can ultimately lead to kidney failure. Patients should be alert for muscle tenderness, pain, or weakness, particularly if unexplained and accompanied by fever and dark-colored urine. If this happens, seek medical attention.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Azor.