Camlosart 5/20

Indications

Camlosart medication is recommended for managing hypertension either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive medications to regulate blood pressure levels. It serves as initial therapy for patients who are likely to require multiple antihypertensive drugs to achieve their desired blood pressure targets. The decision to initiate combination therapy is tailored to individual patients, considering factors such as baseline blood pressure, target goals, and the potential benefits of combination therapy over monotherapy. Patient-specific blood pressure objectives may vary based on their risk profiles.

Pharmacology

Amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, inhibits the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle cells, with a greater impact on vascular smooth muscle cells. It acts as a peripheral arterial vasodilator, leading to decreased peripheral vascular resistance and lowered blood pressure.

Olmesartan Medoxomil blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively obstructing its binding to the AT1 receptor found in various tissues, including vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. This inhibition does not extend to ACE (kinase II), the enzyme responsible for converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II and degrading bradykinin.

Dosage & Administration

For patients on Amlodipine and Olmesartan Medoxomil, individualized components should be substituted. The combination may also be adjusted with increased doses of Amlodipine, Olmesartan Medoxomil, or both, as necessary.

Initial therapy

Begin with a once-daily dosage of 5/20 mg for 1 to 2 weeks and adjust as required, up to a maximum of 10/40 mg once daily. Elderly patients aged 75 years and above should start with a lower Amlodipine dose of 2.5 mg due to reduced clearance. Initiation of therapy with this combination is not recommended for patients over 75 years old due to the lowest available dose being 5/20 mg.

Interactions

The antihypertensive effects of angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including Olmesartan Medoxomil, may be diminished by NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors. Patients on combination therapy should have their blood pressure, renal function, and electrolyte levels closely monitored, especially when using other agents affecting the renin-angiotensin system.

Contraindications

Co-administration with Aliskiren is contraindicated in diabetic patients.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include peripheral edema, headache, flushing, dizziness, and intestinal issues resembling sprue-like enteropathy.

Pregnancy & Lactation

The Amlodipine and Olmesartan Medoxomil combination is categorized as Pregnancy Category D and should not be used during the second and third trimesters due to the risk of fetal death. Nursing mothers should decide whether to discontinue breastfeeding or the medication, considering the drug’s importance to the mother and its potential effects on the infant.

Precautions & Warnings

Caution should be exercised when using the Amlodipine and Olmesartan Medoxomil combination in patients at risk of hypotension, vasodilation, or exacerbation of angina or acute myocardial infarction. Special populations, including pediatric and geriatric patients, as well as those with renal or hepatic impairment, require careful monitoring and consideration before initiating therapy.

Overdose Effects: No information regarding overdosing in humans is available.

Therapeutic Class

Combined antihypertensive preparations.

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C, away from light, and out of reach of children.