Olmecip AM

Olmesartan Medoxomil (40mg) + Amlodipine (5mg)
Price: ₹170 - ₹240 for 10 tablets (40/5 strength)
Mfr: Cipla Ltd. | Form: Tablet

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination (FDC) antihypertensive medication containing an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), Olmesartan Medoxomil, and a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB), Amlodipine. This combination provides synergistic blood pressure lowering through complementary mechanisms, offering improved efficacy and tolerability compared to monotherapy. It is a first-line treatment for essential hypertension in patients requiring more than one drug to achieve target BP.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: One tablet (Olmesartan 40mg + Amlodipine 5mg) orally once daily. Dose may be titrated after 2-4 weeks. Maximum: Olmesartan 40mg + Amlodipine 10mg daily.

Note: Can be taken with or without food. Swallow whole with a glass of water. Administer at the same time each day, preferably in the morning. Do not crush or chew. Dose is not influenced by food.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to Olmesartan, Amlodipine, or any excipient.
  • Concomitant use with Aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment (GFR <60 mL/min).
  • Pregnancy (Second and Third Trimester).
  • Severe hypotension (SBP <90 mmHg).
  • Cardiogenic shock.
  • Obstructive cardiomyopathy (particularly hypertrophic).
  • Severe Aortic Stenosis.

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Combined blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) and inhibition of vascular smooth muscle calcium influx. Olmesartan selectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor, preventing vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, and sympathetic activation. Amlodipine inhibits transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, causing peripheral arterial vasodilation and reduced peripheral vascular resistance.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Peripheral edema (less frequent than with Amlodipine monotherapy)
  • Flushing
  • Palpitations
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: CATEGORY C (1st trimester) and CATEGORY D (2nd & 3rd trimesters). Drugs that act directly on the RAAS can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. Discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected. Olmesartan is contraindicated in 2nd and 3rd trimester.

Driving: May cause dizziness, headache, fatigue, or somnolence, especially at initiation. Patients should not drive or operate machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

🔄 Drug Interactions

Other Antihypertensives (Diuretics, Beta-blockers)Additive hypotensive effect; risk of severe hypotension.Major
Potassium supplements / Potassium-sparing diuretics (Spironolactone, Eplerenone)Increased risk of hyperkalemia.Major
NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac)May reduce antihypertensive effect and increase risk of renal impairment, especially in elderly/volume-depleted.Major
LithiumOlmesartan may increase lithium levels and toxicity. Monitor serum lithium.Major
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin, Ritonavir)Increase Amlodipine plasma concentration, risk of hypotension and edema.Moderate
SimvastatinAmlodipine may increase simvastatin exposure, increasing risk of myopathy. Limit simvastatin dose to 20mg daily.Moderate
Sildenafil, Tadalafil (for PAH)Additive hypotensive effect.Moderate
AliskirenIncreased risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment. Contraindicated in diabetes/renal impairment.Major

🔁 Alternatives to Olmecip AM

Same composition (Olmesartan Medoxomil (40mg) + Amlodipine (5mg)), different brands:

Olmesar AM Olsar AM Olmezest AM Olmefresh AM