Azor (Amlodipine/Olmesartan)

What is Azor?

Azor (amlodipine and olmesartan) is an oral drug which lowers blood pressure. While Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, Olmesartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker.

What is Azor used for?

Azor is used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). It is often used with other medications to lower blood pressure and consequently prevent heart attacks, strokes and kidney problems.

How does Azor work?

Azor is a combination of two drugs: amlodipine and olmesartan.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, which relaxes muscles of heart and blood vessels.

On the other hand, Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. It prevents blood vessels from narrowing.

This dual action helps Azor to lower blood pressure and treat hypertension.

How to use Azor

Azor should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Azor is usually taken orally with a glass full of water. It may be taken with or without food.

The drug should be taken regularly, preferably at the same time every day to get full benefit.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms. So, do not stop taking this medication or decrease your dose unless your doctor asks you to.

Azor warnings and precautions

Azor is not administered to patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you are allergic to any other drug or if you have any of the following conditions: congestive heart failure, a recent heart attack, kidney or liver disease, diarrhea or vomiting. You may need dose adjustments in such cases.

Azor may cause postural hypotension. So, do not get up from a lying position suddenly as this may cause dizziness.

Avoid taking potassium or salt supplements while taking Azor.

If you take beta-blockers do not stop taking them suddenly. Ask your doctor to gradually decrease your dose. Monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis while undergoing treatment with this drug.

Azor is believed to have harmful effects on a fetus. However, it is not known for certain whether it passes through breast milk. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the drug with their doctors. Also, inform your doctor before planning a pregnancy during treatment.

What do I do if I have missed a Azor dose?

If you have missed a Azor dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Azor overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Azor, seek emergency medical attention.

Azor interactions

Some drugs which may interact with Azor are: diuretics, heart medication, potassium or salt substitutes and other medication for high blood pressure.

Other drugs may also interact with Azor. Hence it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before taking Azor.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Azor side effects

Side effects from Azor include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. as well as some serious symptoms such as jaundice, decreased urination, chest pain with pain spreading to arms and shoulders, fast heartbeat, sweating, nausea, heavy feeling, feeling of passing out, rapid weight gain, swelling of hands and feet etc. Consult your doctor on appearance of such symptoms.

Hair loss, mild skin rash, itching, redness of skin, dizziness, drowsiness are some less serious side effects of Azor.