Azor

What is Azor? Azor is a combination of Amlodipine besylate and (am-LOE-di-peen BESS-ill-eight ) and Olmesartan medoxomil. (OL-me-SAR-tan me-dox-o-mil)

Components of Azor Amlodipine besylate is a calcium channel receptor blocker. This part of Azor acts to “…slow the movement of calcium across the membranes of heart muscle cells to slow their contraction.” ("Glossary of terms," ) C20H25ClN2O5•C6H6O3S

Components of Azor Olmesartan medoxomil is a Angiotensin II receptor blocker that is “a medication that blocks the action of angiotensin II, permitting the blood vessels to relax and dilate (widen), which lowers the blood pressure” ("Definition of angiotensin," ) C29H30N6O6

Other ingredients “Each tablet of Azor also contains the following inactive ingredients: silicified microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, croscarmellose sodium, and magnesium stearate.” ("Azor," )

Purpose Azor is used to treat hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. It can be used by itself or with other medicines to treat hypertension.

Considerations “The side effects of olmesartan medoxomil are generally rare and apparently independent of dose. Those of amlodipine are generally dose-dependent (mostly edema).” ("Azor," ) Edema is swelling of the body due to excess fluid. “Maximum antihypertensive effects are attained within 2 weeks after a change in dose.” ("Azor," ) “Azor may be taken with or without food.” ("Azor," ) “Azor may be administered with other antihypertensive agents.” ("Azor," ) “Dosage may be increased after 2 weeks. The maximum recommended dose of Azor is 10/40 mg.” ("Azor," )

Drug Interactions “No drug interaction studies have been conducted with Azor and other drugs, although studies have been conducted with the individual amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil components of Azor, as described below, and no significant drug interactions have been observed.” ("Azor," )

Azor pills come in four different doses. Dosages Azor pills come in four different doses. 5/20, 5/40, 10/20 and 10/40 The top number represents the amount of Amlodipine besylate and the bottom number is the amount of Olmesartan medoxomil.

How to use “Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. It may take up to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.” ("Azor oral," ) “Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.” ("Azor oral," )

Precautions “When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Azor as soon as possible. When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus.” ("Azor," )

Side effects “Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. Swelling hands/ankles/feet or flushing may also occur.” ("Azor," ) “To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.” ("Azor," )

Side effects “Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: unusual change in the amount of urine, unusual muscle pain/tenderness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting. “("Azor," ) “A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.” ("Azor," )

Overdosing “There is no information on overdosage with Azor in humans.” ("Azor," ) “But symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting, fast heartbeat.” ("Azor oral," )

Conclusion Azor is an extremely safe drug used to treat those with a history of hypertension. Azor can be used by itself or in combination with other drugs because it has a very low interaction rate with other medications.

Citations Heart powerpoint templates. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.medicineppt.com/template/categories/anatomy/heart.html Glossary of terms. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.womensheart.org/content/Help/glossary.asp Definition of angiotensin ii receptor blocker. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=22558 Azor oral. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-149217-azor+oral.aspx?drugid=149217&drugname=azor+oral Medicine powerpoint templates. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.medicineppt.com/template/medicine/medicineppttemplates.html amlodipine 10 mg tab . (n.d.). Retrieved from https://members.kaiserpermanente.org/kpweb/drugency/drugdetails.do?drugID=235013 olmesartan 20 mg tab . (n.d.). Retrieved from https://members.kaiserpermanente.org/kpweb/drugency/drugdetails.do?drugID=443459