amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan

What is the most important information I should know about this medicine?

If you have diabetes, do not use amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

What is amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB).

Amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

This medicine is usually given after other blood pressure medication did not work.

Amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking this medicine?

• if you are allergic to any sulfa drug; or
• if you are unable to urinate.

If you have diabetes, do not use amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking this medicine with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• heart disease;
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high levels of calcium, or low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
• low blood pressure;
• glaucoma;
• lupus;
• gout;
• diabetes; or
• a penicillin allergy.

How should I take this medicine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Your chest pain may become worse when you first start taking this medicine or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medicine.

It may take up to 2 weeks before your blood pressure improves. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking this medicine?

What are the possible side effects of this medicine?

• worsening chest pain;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• an unusual skin rash;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• severe or ongoing diarrhea with weight loss;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• kidney problems --little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath; or
• signs of an electrolyte imbalance --increased thirst or urination, confusion, vomiting, constipation, muscle pain or weakness, leg cramps, lack of energy, irregular heartbeats, numbness or tingling, loss of movement.

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness;
• headache, tired feeling;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• nausea, diarrhea;
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;
• muscle spasms;
• swollen joints; or
• painful urination.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect this medicine?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan, especially:

• another a diuretic or "water pill";
• any other blood pressure medicines;
• insulin or oral diabetes medicine;
• steroid medicine;
• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain potassium;
• a sedative or opioid medicine;
• cholesterol-lowering medicine;
• an antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral medicine; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan.