From the Guidelines
Yes, Olmesartan/Amlodipine combination therapy is available in Canada for treating hypertension. This medication is marketed under brand names such as Azor and Tribenzor, and is also available as generic formulations. The combination typically comes in various dosage strengths, including 20/5 mg, 40/5 mg, and 40/10 mg of olmesartan/amlodipine respectively. This combination is particularly effective because it works through two complementary mechanisms: olmesartan blocks the action of angiotensin II, preventing blood vessel constriction, while amlodipine relaxes blood vessel walls by blocking calcium entry into muscle cells. This dual approach often provides better blood pressure control than either medication alone, especially for patients with moderate to severe hypertension or those who haven't responded adequately to single-drug therapy. The medication is typically taken once daily, with or without food. Patients should be aware that common side effects may include swelling in the extremities, dizziness, and headache. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function is recommended while on this medication, as suggested by various guidelines including the 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults 1.
Some key points to consider when prescribing Olmesartan/Amlodipine combination therapy include:
- The importance of monitoring blood pressure and kidney function regularly, as recommended by the KDIGO 2021 clinical practice guideline for the management of blood pressure in chronic kidney disease 1.
- The potential for common side effects such as swelling in the extremities, dizziness, and headache, as noted in various studies and guidelines 1.
- The availability of different dosage strengths and formulations, including brand names such as Azor and Tribenzor, as well as generic options 1.
- The complementary mechanisms of action of olmesartan and amlodipine, which work together to provide better blood pressure control than either medication alone, as described in the 2007 guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension 1.
Overall, Olmesartan/Amlodipine combination therapy is a effective and widely available treatment option for hypertension in Canada, and can be used in a variety of patients, including those with moderate to severe hypertension or those who have not responded adequately to single-drug therapy.
From the Research
Availability of Olmesartan / Amlodipine in Canada
- The provided studies do not directly address the availability of Olmesartan / Amlodipine in Canada 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss the effectiveness and safety of the combination therapy for the treatment of hypertension, which suggests that it may be available in various countries, including Canada.
- The studies were published in international journals and discuss the use of Olmesartan / Amlodipine in a general context, without specific reference to Canada 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Regulatory Approval
- There is no information provided in the studies about the regulatory approval of Olmesartan / Amlodipine in Canada 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- To determine the availability of Olmesartan / Amlodipine in Canada, it would be necessary to consult the website of Health Canada or contact the regulatory agency directly.
Clinical Use
- The studies discuss the clinical use of Olmesartan / Amlodipine for the treatment of hypertension, including its effectiveness and safety 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The combination therapy is shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure and improving cardiovascular outcomes, which suggests that it may be a useful treatment option for patients with hypertension.