amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan

What is the most important information I should know about amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan?

If you have diabetes, do not use amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo).

What is amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan?

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

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

This medicine is usually given after other blood pressure medicines have been tried without successful treatment.

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 amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan?

• 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 (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo).

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

To make sure amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• 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 amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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 missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan?

What are the possible side effects of amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan?

• 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;
• signs of an electrolyte imbalance --dry mouth, increased thirst, vomiting, dizziness, feeling restless or unsteady, confusion, muscle pain or weakness, lack of energy, fast heartbeats, little or no urine; or
• kidney problems --little or no urination, painful or difficult urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

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 amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan?

Many drugs can interact with this medicine. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• any other blood pressure medicines;
• lithium;
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• insulin or oral diabetes medicine;
• steroid medicine;
• vitamin or mineral supplements that contain potassium;
• a barbiturate --butabarbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital;
• cholesterol-lowering medicines --simvastatin, Zocor, and others;
• am immunosuppressant --cyclosporine, tacrolimus;
• narcotic pain medicine --OxyContin, Vicodin, and others; or
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and others.

This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and olmesartan. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

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