amlodipine + hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil at a glance
Medicine class
Calcium-channel blocker, angiotensin-II receptor blocker and thiazide diuretic combination
Main use
Essential hypertension in adults requiring all three components
Administration
Swallow the film-coated tablet whole with water; it may be taken with or without food
What is amlodipine + hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil used for?
This combination is licensed for essential hypertension in adults:
As add-on treatment when olmesartan medoxomil plus amlodipine has not adequately controlled blood pressure.
As substitution treatment when blood pressure is controlled using the same three active ingredients across separate products.
How does amlodipine + hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil work?
Olmesartan blocks angiotensin-II AT1 receptors, reducing blood-vessel constriction and aldosterone effects. Amlodipine relaxes arteries by blocking L-type calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle. Hydrochlorothiazide increases renal sodium and chloride excretion, reducing fluid volume. Together, these actions add to blood-pressure lowering.
How to take amlodipine + hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil
Follow the dispensing label and prescriber's instructions. Swallow the tablet whole with sufficient water; do not chew it. It may be taken with or without food, but avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Do not stop treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
Dizziness, nausea, headache or tiredness may impair driving or machinery use.
Alcohol can worsen dizziness or faintness in some people.
Contact a healthcare professional if vomiting, diarrhoea or poor fluid intake occurs, as dehydration can increase the risk of low blood pressure and kidney problems.
amlodipine + hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil side effects
Common or expected effects
- Ankle or peripheral swelling
- Headache or dizziness
- Tiredness or weakness
- Nausea, diarrhoea or constipation
- Awareness of the heartbeat
- Muscle cramps or joint swelling
- Low blood pressure
- More frequent or urgent urination
- Changes in kidney function, electrolytes, glucose or uric acid on blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic swelling of the face, mouth or throat, particularly with breathing difficulty
- Severe light-headedness, collapse or fainting
- Sudden eye pain or reduced vision
- Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Severe persistent diarrhoea with substantial weight loss
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or marked itching
- Severe blistering, peeling or widespread skin reaction
amlodipine + hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil in pregnancy
This combination is not recommended during the first trimester and is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters because olmesartan can harm fetal kidney development and amniotic-fluid production. Anyone planning pregnancy should ask the prescriber about an alternative. If pregnancy occurs during treatment, contact the prescriber promptly.
amlodipine + hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil while breastfeeding
This combination is not recommended while breastfeeding, particularly for a newborn or premature infant. Evidence for olmesartan is extremely limited, and both amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide enter breast milk. A prescriber or breastfeeding-medicines specialist should assess alternatives and the needs of the parent and infant.
amlodipine + hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil interactions
Check prescription, non-prescription and herbal products before use. Important examples include:
Lithium
The combination may raise lithium concentrations and increase toxicity; concurrent use is not recommended unless specialist monitoring is arranged.
NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen
They may weaken blood-pressure control and increase kidney-impairment risk, especially with dehydration or kidney disease.
ACE inhibitors, other angiotensin-receptor blockers or aliskiren
Dual renin–angiotensin system blockade increases the risk of low blood pressure, high potassium and kidney injury; some combinations are contraindicated.
Common questions about amlodipine + hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be taken with food?
Yes. Food does not materially affect the combination, but grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided.
Can it cause swollen ankles?
Yes. Peripheral or ankle swelling is among the commonly reported effects. Persistent or troublesome swelling should be reviewed.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.