Azor
Generic Name:
Amlopidine besylate and olmesartan medoxomil
Brand Names:
Azor
Azor Description:
Azor is an oral combination drug used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). The component drugs of Azor are the calcium channel blocker amlodipine and the angiotensin II receptor antagonist olmesartan.
Azor may be used in combination with other antihypertensive agents to achieve lower blood pressure.
Azor Uses:
Azor is used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) to prevent further complications such as stroke, heart attack, and heart failure associated with high blood pressure.
Azor is also used as initial therapy for patients that may require multiple antihypertensive agents.
Azor is a combination therapy comprised of amlodipine and olmesartan. Amlodipine lowers blood pressure by releasing the tension in the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow through more smoothly. The heart is also able to pump easier, and chest pain is controlled by the increased blood flow to the heart. Olmesartan relaxes blood vessels by blocking the chemical that causes them to tighten. This increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. The combination of amlodipine and olmesartan is more effective at reducing high blood pressure than either drug used alone.
Azor can reduce chest pain, but is not indicated for use to stop pain once it has started.
Azor Interactions:
Azor may interact with eplerenone (Inspra) for high blood pressure and rifampin (Rifadin) for treatment of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis.
Azor may also interact with antacids, potassium supplements, melatonin, salt substitutes, diuretics, and St. John’s wort.
Azor Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Azor comes in the form of an oral tablet that is available in four formulations: 5 mg/20 mg, 5 mg/40 mg, 10 mg/20 mg, and 10 mg/40 mg of amlodipine and olmesartan, respectively.
The typical starting dose for Azor is 5/20 mg taken once daily. The dosage may be increased after the initial two weeks of therapy. The maximum dosage is 10/40 mg.
Azor may be taken with or without food. The greatest effects are attained within two weeks of initial use or dosage increase.
Missing a Dose:
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to resume regular dosing routine. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdosing:
If you suspect an overdose of Azor, seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include accelerated heart rate, low blood pressure, or overly slow heart rate.
Azor FDA Approval:
September 27, 2007
Azor Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Azor has a Black Box warning for use during pregnancy. When Azor is used during the second and third trimesters, it can cause injury or death to the developing fetus. Azor acts on the hormone system that regulates blood pressure and can cause fetal injury such as low blood pressure, skull underdevelopment, inability to pass urine, reversible and irreversible kidney failure, and death. Do not take Azor if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Azor, notify your doctor immediately.
Sources:
- http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=9810#section-11
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602533
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a603006.html
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a692044.html
- http://usnews.healthline.com/goldcontent/amlodipine-olmesartan
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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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