AMLODIPINE: 64,924 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile
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Active Ingredient: AMLODIPINE BESYLATE · Drug Class: Calcium Channel Antagonists [MoA] · Route: ORAL · Manufacturer: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. · FDA Application: 019787 · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available
Patent Expires: Oct 6, 2037 · First Report: 00010101 · Latest Report: 20250915
What Are the Most Common AMLODIPINE Side Effects?
All AMLODIPINE Side Effects by Frequency
| Side Effect | Reports | % of Total | Deaths | Hosp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypotension | 6,504 | 10.0% | 689 | 5,028 |
| Toxicity to various agents | 5,554 | 8.6% | 2,601 | 3,827 |
| Completed suicide | 5,267 | 8.1% | 5,254 | 2,025 |
| Drug ineffective | 4,091 | 6.3% | 229 | 1,431 |
| Dyspnoea | 3,907 | 6.0% | 228 | 1,881 |
| Dizziness | 3,536 | 5.5% | 109 | 1,502 |
| Intentional overdose | 3,427 | 5.3% | 341 | 2,944 |
| Fall | 3,215 | 5.0% | 132 | 2,518 |
| Fatigue | 3,141 | 4.8% | 147 | 1,288 |
| Headache | 2,907 | 4.5% | 112 | 1,078 |
| Drug hypersensitivity | 2,880 | 4.4% | 91 | 271 |
| Hypertension | 2,729 | 4.2% | 144 | 1,241 |
| Acute kidney injury | 2,721 | 4.2% | 455 | 2,043 |
| Nausea | 2,621 | 4.0% | 209 | 1,471 |
| Overdose | 2,609 | 4.0% | 432 | 2,121 |
| Pain | 2,526 | 3.9% | 99 | 1,268 |
| Malaise | 2,485 | 3.8% | 80 | 1,061 |
| Vomiting | 2,474 | 3.8% | 203 | 1,316 |
| Joint swelling | 2,390 | 3.7% | 51 | 399 |
| Peripheral swelling | 2,308 | 3.6% | 61 | 574 |
Who Reports AMLODIPINE Side Effects? Age & Gender Data
Gender: 57.0% female, 43.0% male. Average age: 62.8 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →
Is AMLODIPINE Getting Safer? Reports by Year
| Year | Reports | Deaths | Hosp. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 41 | 0 | 19 |
| 2001 | 73 | 43 | 39 |
| 2002 | 13 | 1 | 0 |
| 2003 | 21 | 0 | 3 |
| 2004 | 29 | 6 | 15 |
| 2005 | 88 | 7 | 63 |
| 2006 | 28 | 1 | 7 |
| 2007 | 91 | 28 | 41 |
| 2008 | 106 | 22 | 63 |
| 2009 | 135 | 19 | 55 |
| 2010 | 109 | 10 | 38 |
| 2011 | 209 | 22 | 125 |
| 2012 | 351 | 114 | 97 |
| 2013 | 701 | 103 | 303 |
| 2014 | 1,526 | 188 | 648 |
| 2015 | 2,040 | 230 | 801 |
| 2016 | 2,139 | 256 | 899 |
| 2017 | 2,811 | 401 | 1,240 |
| 2018 | 3,261 | 467 | 1,358 |
| 2019 | 3,085 | 399 | 1,374 |
| 2020 | 2,780 | 576 | 1,259 |
| 2021 | 1,993 | 325 | 819 |
| 2022 | 1,712 | 195 | 725 |
| 2023 | 1,906 | 357 | 679 |
| 2024 | 1,293 | 82 | 494 |
| 2025 | 564 | 19 | 225 |
What Is AMLODIPINE Used For?
| Indication | Reports |
|---|---|
| Product used for unknown indication | 26,781 |
| Hypertension | 20,207 |
| Blood pressure abnormal | 917 |
| Suicide attempt | 714 |
| Essential hypertension | 635 |
| Blood pressure measurement | 591 |
| Blood pressure increased | 490 |
| Coronary artery disease | 486 |
| Angina pectoris | 427 |
| Ill-defined disorder | 415 |
AMLODIPINE vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?
Other Drugs in Same Class: Calcium Channel Antagonists [MoA]
Official FDA Label for AMLODIPINE
Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.
Drug Description
Amlodipine and atorvastatin tablets, USP combine the calcium channel blocker amlodipine besylate, USP with the HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitor atorvastatin calcium, USP. Amlodipine besylate, USP is chemically described as 3-ethyl-5-methyl (±)-2-[(2-aminoethoxy)methyl]-4-(o-chlorophenyl)-1,4-dihydro 6-methyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate, monobenzenesulphonate. Its empirical formula is C 20 H 25 ClN 2 O 5
- C 6 H 6 O 3 S. Atorvastatin calcium, USP is chemically described as [R-(R*, R*)]-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-ß, δ-dihydroxy-5-(1-methylethyl)-3-phenyl4-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-1H-pyrrole-1-heptanoic acid, calcium salt (2:1) trihydrate. Its empirical formula is (C 33 H 34 FN 2 O 5 ) 2 Ca•3H 2 O. The structural formulae for amlodipine besylate, USP and atorvastatin calcium, USP are shown below. Amlodipine besylate Atorvastatin calcium Amlodipine and atorvastatin tablets, USP contain amlodipine besylate, USP, a white or almost white powder, and atorvastatin calcium, USP, a white to off-white powder. Amlodipine besylate, USP has a molecular weight of 567.1 and atorvastatin calcium, USP has a molecular weight of 1209.42. Amlodipine besylate, USP is freely soluble in methanol, sparingly soluble in ethanol, slightly soluble in 2-propanol and in water. Atorvastatin calcium, USP is freely soluble in methanol, slightly soluble in ethanol, very slightly soluble in water and in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer, insoluble in aqueous solution of pH 4 and in acetonitrile. Amlodipine and atorvastatin tablets, USP are available as film-coated tablets for oral administration containing:
- 2.5 mg amlodipine equivalent to 3.5 mg amlodipine besylate, USP and 10 mg atorvastatin equivalent to 10.3 mg atorvastatin calcium, USP.
- 2.5 mg amlodipine equivalent to 3.5 mg amlodipine besylate, USP and 20 mg atorvastatin equivalent to 20.7 mg atorvastatin calcium, USP.
- 2.5 mg amlodipine equivalent to 3.5 mg amlodipine besylate, USP and 40 mg atorvastatin equivalent to 41.4 mg atorvastatin calcium, USP.
- 5 mg amlodipine equivalent to 6.9 mg amlodipine besylate, USP and 10 mg atorvastatin equivalent to 10.3 mg atorvastatin calcium, USP.
- 5 mg amlodipine equivalent to 6.9 mg amlodipine besylate, USP and 20 mg atorvastatin equivalent to 20.7 mg atorvastatin calcium, USP.
- 5 mg amlodipine equivalent to 6.9 mg amlodipine besylate, USP and 40 mg atorvastatin equivalent to 41.4 mg atorvastatin calcium, USP.
- 5 mg amlodipine equivalent to 6.9 mg amlodipine besylate, USP and 80 mg atorvastatin equivalent to 82.7 mg atorvastatin calcium, USP.
- 10 mg amlodipine equivalent to 13.9 mg amlodipine besylate, USP and 10 mg atorvastatin equivalent to 10.3 mg atorvastatin calcium, USP.
- 10 mg amlodipine equivalent to 13.9 mg amlodipine besylate, USP and 20 mg atorvastatin equivalent to 20.7 mg atorvastatin calcium, USP.
- 10 mg amlodipine equivalent to 13.9 mg amlodipine besylate, USP and 40 mg atorvastatin equivalent to 41.4 mg atorvastatin calcium, USP.
- 10 mg amlodipine equivalent to 13.9 mg amlodipine besylate, USP and 80 mg atorvastatin equivalent to 82.7 mg atorvastatin calcium, USP. Each film-coated tablet also contains calcium carbonate, colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol 3000, polysorbate 80, polyvinyl alcohol, pregelatinized starch, talc and titanium dioxide.
Additionally
10 mg/10 mg, 10 mg/20 mg, 10 mg/40 mg and 10 mg/80 mg also contains FD&C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake. Amlodipine and atorvastatin tablets, USP meets USP Dissolution Test 2 . amloatorva-amlodipine.jpg amloatorva-atorvastatin.jpg
FDA Approved Uses (Indications)
AND USAGE Amlodipine besylate is a calcium channel blocker and may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive and antianginal agents for the treatment of: Hypertension ( 1.1 ) Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions Coronary Artery Disease ( 1.2 )
Chronic Stable Angina Vasospastic
Angina (Prinzmetal's or Variant Angina)
Angiographically Documented Coronary Artery
Disease in patients without heart failure or an ejection fraction < 40%
1.1 Hypertension Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes including amlodipine besylate tablet, USP. Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake. Many patients will require more than one drug to achieve blood pressure goals. For specific advice on goals and management, see published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program’s Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC). Numerous antihypertensive drugs, from a variety of pharmacologic classes and with different mechanisms of action, have been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and it can be concluded that it is blood pressure reduction, and not some other pharmacologic property of the drugs, that is largely responsible for those benefits. The largest and most consistent cardiovascular outcome benefit has been a reduction in the risk of stroke, but reductions in myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality also have been seen regularly. Elevated systolic or diastolic pressure causes increased cardiovascular risk, and the absolute risk increase per mmHg is greater at higher blood pressures, so that even modest reductions of severe hypertension can provide substantial benefit. Relative risk reduction from blood pressure reduction is similar across populations with varying absolute risk, so the absolute benefit is greater in patients who are at higher risk independent of their hypertension (for example, patients with diabetes or hyperlipidemia), and such patients would be expected to benefit from more aggressive treatment to a lower blood pressure goal. Some antihypertensive drugs have smaller blood pressure effects (as monotherapy) in black patients, and many antihypertensive drugs have additional approved indications and effects (e.g., on angina, heart failure, or diabetic kidney disease). These considerations may guide selection of therapy. Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
1.2 Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Chronic Stable Angina
Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of chronic stable angina. Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP may be used alone or in combination with other antianginal agents.
Vasospastic
Angina (Prinzmetal’s or Variant Angina) Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP is indicated for the treatment of confirmed or suspected vasospastic angina. Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antianginal agents.
Angiographically
Documented CAD In patients with recently documented CAD by angiography and without heart failure or an ejection fraction <40%, Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP is indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for angina and to reduce the risk of a coronary revascularization procedure.
1.1 Hypertension Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes including amlodipine besylate tablet, USP. Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake. Many patients will require more than one drug to achieve blood pressure goals. For specific advice on goals and management, see published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program’s Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC). Numerous antihypertensive drugs, from a variety of pharmacologic classes and with different mechanisms of action, have been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and it can be concluded that it is blood pressure reduction, and not some other pharmacologic property of the drugs, that is largely responsible for those benefits. The largest and most consistent cardiovascular outcome benefit has been a reduction in the risk of stroke, but reductions in myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality also have been seen regularly. Elevated systolic or diastolic pressure causes increased cardiovascular risk, and the absolute risk increase per mmHg is greater at higher blood pressures, so that even modest reductions of severe hypertension can provide substantial benefit. Relative risk reduction from blood pressure reduction is similar across populations with varying absolute risk, so the absolute benefit is greater in patients who are at higher risk independent of their hypertension (for example, patients with diabetes or hyperlipidemia), and such patients would be expected to benefit from more aggressive treatment to a lower blood pressure goal. Some antihypertensive drugs have smaller blood pressure effects (as monotherapy) in black patients, and many antihypertensive drugs have additional approved indications and effects (e.g., on angina, heart failure, or diabetic kidney disease). These considerations may guide selection of therapy. Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
1.2 Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Chronic Stable Angina
Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of chronic stable angina. Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP may be used alone or in combination with other antianginal agents.
Vasospastic
Angina (Prinzmetal’s or Variant Angina) Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP is indicated for the treatment of confirmed or suspected vasospastic angina. Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antianginal agents.
Angiographically
Documented CAD In patients with recently documented CAD by angiography and without heart failure or an ejection fraction <40%, Amlodipine besylate tablet, USP is indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for angina and to reduce the risk of a coronary revascularization procedure.
Dosage & Administration
AND ADMINISTRATION Amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium Dosage of amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium must be individualized on the basis of both effectiveness and tolerance for each individual component in the treatment of hypertension/angina and hyperlipidemia. Select doses of amlodipine and atorvastatin independently. Amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium may be substituted for its individually titrated components. Patients may be given the equivalent dose of amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium or a dose of amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium with increased amounts of amlodipine, atorvastatin, or both for additional antianginal effects, blood pressure lowering, or lipid-lowering effect. Amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium may be used to provide additional therapy for patients already on one of its components. Amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium may be used to initiate treatment in patients with hyperlipidemia and either hypertension or angina.
Amlodipine
The usual initial antihypertensive oral dose of amlodipine is 5 mg once daily, and the maximum dose is 10 mg once daily. Pediatric (age > 6 years), small adult, fragile, or elderly patients, or patients with hepatic insufficiency may be started on 2.5 mg once daily and this dose may be used when adding amlodipine to other antihypertensive therapy. Adjust dosage according to blood pressure goals. In general, wait 7 to 14 days between titration steps. Titration may proceed more rapidly, however, if clinically warranted, provided the patient is assessed frequently. Angina: The recommended dose of amlodipine for chronic stable or vasospastic angina is 5 to 10 mg, with the lower dose suggested in the elderly and in patients with hepatic insufficiency. Most patients will require 10 mg for adequate effect.
Coronary Artery
Disease : The recommended dose range of amlodipine for patients with CAD is 5 to 10 mg once daily. In clinical studies, the majority of patients required 10 mg [see Clinical Studies ( 14.4 ) ]. Pediatrics: The effective antihypertensive oral dose of amlodipine in pediatric patients ages 6 to 17 years is 2.5 mg to 5 mg once daily. Doses in excess of 5 mg daily have not been studied in pediatric patients [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ), Clinical Studies ( 14.1 ) ]. Atorvastatin (Hyperlipidemia) Hyperlipidemia and Mixed Dyslipidemia: The recommended starting dose of atorvastatin is 10 or 20 mg once daily. Patients who require a large reduction in LDL-C (more than 45%) may be started at 40 mg once daily. The dosage range of atorvastatin is 10 to 80 mg once daily. Atorvastatin can be administered as a single dose at any time of the day, with or without food. The starting dose and maintenance doses of atorvastatin should be individualized according to patient characteristics such as goal of therapy and response. After initiation and/or upon titration of atorvastatin, lipid levels should be analyzed within 2 to 4 weeks and dosage adjusted accordingly.
Homozygous Familial
Hypercholesterolemia: The dosage range of atorvastatin in patients with HoFH is 10 to 80 mg daily. Atorvastatin should be used as an adjunct to other lipid-lowering treatments (e.g., LDL apheresis) in these patients or if such treatments are unavailable.
Concomitant
Lipid-Lowering Therapy: Atorvastatin may be used with bile acid resins. Monitor for signs of myopathy in patients receiving the combination of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) and fibrates [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 ) ]. Patients with Renal Impairment: Renal disease does not affect the plasma concentrations nor LDL-C reduction of atorvastatin; thus, dosage adjustment in patients with renal dysfunction is not necessary [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. Use with Cyclosporine, Clarithromycin, Itraconazole, Letermovir, or Certain Protease Inhibitors: In patients taking cyclosporine or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitor tipranavir plus ritonavir or the hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitor glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir, or letermovir when co-administered with cyclosporine, therapy with atorvastatin should be avoided. In patients with HIV taking lopinavir plus ritonavir, use the lowest dose necessary of atorvastatin. In patients taking clarithromycin, itraconazole, elbasvir plus grazoprevir, or in patients with HIV taking a combination of saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, or letermovir therapy with atorvastatin should be limited to 20 mg, and appropriate clinical assessment is recommended to ensure that the lowest dose necessary of atorvastatin is used. In patients taking the HIV protease inhibitor nelfinavir therapy with atorvastatin should be limited to 40 mg. [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.3 )].
Heterozygous Familial
Hypercholesterolemia in Pediatric Patients (10 Years to 17 Years of Age): The recommended starting dose of atorvastatin is 10 mg/day; the usual dose range is 10 to 20 mg orally once daily [see Clinical Studies ( 14.11 ) ]. Doses should be individualized according to the recommended goal of therapy [see Indications and Usage ( 1.4 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12 ) ]. Adjustments should be made at intervals of 4 weeks or more. Usual starting dose (mg daily) Maximum dose (mg daily)
Amlodipine
5 a 10 Atorvastatin 10 to 20 b 80 a Start small adults or children, fragile, or elderly patients, or patients with hepatic insufficiency on 2.5 mg once daily ( 2 ) b Start patients requiring large LDL-C reduction (>45%) at 40 mg once daily ( 2 )
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
- Do not coadminister aliskiren with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, including amlodipine and benazepril hydrochloride capsules in patients with diabetes.
- Amlodipine and benazepril hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with a history of angioedema, with or without previous ACE inhibitor treatment, or patients who are hypersensitive to benazepril, to any other ACE inhibitor, to amlodipine, or to any of the excipients of amlodipine and benazepril hydrochloride capsules.
- Amlodipine and benazepril hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in combination with a neprilysin inhibitor (e.g., sacubitril). Do not administer amlodipine and benazepril hydrochloride capsules within 36 hours of switching to or from a neprilysin inhibitor, e.g., sacubitril/valsartan [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
- Do not coadminister aliskiren with ACE inhibitors, including amlodipine and benazepril hydrochloride capsules, in patients with diabetes. (4)
- Amlodipine and benazepril hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with a history of angioedema or patients who are hypersensitive to benazepril or to amlodipine. (4)
- Amlodipine and benazepril hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in combination with a neprilysin inhibitor (e.g., sacubitril). Do not administer amlodipine and benazepril hydrochloride capsules within 36 hours of switching to or from a neprilysin inhibitor, e.g., sacubitril/valsartan. ( 4 )
Known Adverse Reactions
REACTIONS Most common adverse reaction (incidence ≥3%) is edema (6.1) . To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Ajanta Pharma USA Inc. at 1-855-664-7744 or FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets The data described below reflect exposure to amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets in more than 1600 patients including more than 1000 exposed for at least 6 months and more than 700 exposed for 1 year. Amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets were studied in one placebo-controlled factorial trial <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Trials ( 14.1 )]</span> . The population had a mean age of 54 years and included approximately 55% males. Seventy-one percent were Caucasian and 25% were Black. Patients received doses ranging from 5/20 mg to 10/40 mg orally once daily. The overall incidence of adverse reactions on therapy with amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets were similar to that seen with corresponding doses of the individual components of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets, and to placebo. The reported adverse reactions were generally mild and seldom led to discontinuation of treatment (2.6% for amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets and 6.8% for placebo).
Edema
Edema is a known, dose-dependent adverse effect of amlodipine but not of olmesartan medoxomil. The placebo-subtracted incidence of edema during the 8-week, randomized, double-blind treatment period was highest with amlodipine 10 mg monotherapy. The incidence was significantly reduced when 20 mg or 40 mg of olmesartan medoxomil was added to the 10 mg amlodipine dose. Placebo-Subtracted Incidence of Edema During the Double-Blind Treatment Period Olmesartan Medoxomil Placebo 20 mg 40 mg Amlodipine Placebo -* -2.4% 6.2% 5 mg 0.7% 5.7% 6.2% 10 mg 24.5% 13.3% 11.2% *12.3% = actual placebo incidence Across all treatment groups, the frequency of edema was generally higher in women than men, as has been observed in previous studies of amlodipine. There was a greater decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit in patients treated with amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets as compared to patients receiving either component. Adverse reactions seen at lower rates during the double-blind period also occurred in the patients treated with amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets at about the same or greater incidence as in patients receiving placebo. These included hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, rash, pruritus, palpitation, urinary frequency, and nocturia. The adverse event profile obtained from 44 weeks of open-label combination therapy with amlodipine plus olmesartan medoxomil was similar to that observed during the 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled period.
Initial Therapy
Analyzing the data described above specifically for initial therapy, it was observed that higher doses of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets caused slightly more hypotension and orthostatic symptoms, but not at the recommended starting dose of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets 5/20 mg. No increase in the incidence of syncope or near syncope was observed. The incidences of discontinuation because of any treatment emergent adverse events in the double blind phase are summarized in the table below. Discontinuation for any Treatment Emergent Adverse Event 1 Olmesartan Medoxomil Placebo 10 mg 20 mg 40 mg Amlodipine Placebo 4.9% 4.3% 5.6% 3.1% 5 mg 3.7% 0.0% 1.2% 3.7% 10 mg 5.5% 6.8% 2.5% 5.6% 1 Hypertension is counted as treatment failure and not as treatment emergent adverse event. N=160-163 subjects per treatment group.
Amlodipine
Amlodipine has been evaluated for safety in more than 11,000 patients in U.S. and foreign clinical trials. Most adverse reactions reported during therapy with amlodipine were of mild or moderate severity. In controlled clinical trials directly comparing amlodipine (N=1730) in doses up to 10 mg to placebo (N=1250), discontinuation of amlodipine due to adverse reactions was required in only about 1.5% of amlodipine-treated patients and about 1% of placebo-treated patients. The most common side effects were headache and edema. The incidence (%) of dose-related side effects was as follows: Adverse Event Placebo N=520 2.5 mg N=275 5.0 mg N=296 10.0 mg N=268 Edema 0.6 1.8 3.0
10.8 Dizziness 1.5 1.1 3.4
3.4 Flushing 0.0 0.7 1.4
2.6 Palpitation 0.6 0.7 1.4
4.5 For several adverse experiences that appear to be drug- and dose-related, there was a greater incidence in women than men associated with amlodipine treatment as shown in the following table: Adverse Event Placebo Amlodipine Male=% (N=914) Female=% (N=336) Male=% (N=1218) Female=% (N=512)
Edema
1.4 5.1 5.6
14.6 Flushing 0.3 0.9 1.5
4.5 Palpitation 0.9 0.9 1.4
3.3 Somnolence 0.8 0.3 1.3
1.6 Olmesartan medoxomil. Olmesartan medoxomil has been evaluated for safety in more than 3825 patients/subjects, including more than 3275 patients treated for hypertension in controlled trials. This experience included about 900 patients treated for at least 6 months and more than 525 treated for at least 1 year. Treatment with olmesartan medoxomil was well tolerated, with an incidence of adverse events similar to that seen with placebo. Events were generally mild, transient, and without relationship to the dose of olmesartan medoxomil. The overall frequency of adverse events was not dose related. Analysis of gender, age, and race groups demonstrated no differences between olmesartan medoxomil- and placebo-treated patients. The rate of withdrawals due to adverse events in all trials of hypertensive patients was 2.4% (i.e., 79/3278) of patients treated with olmesartan medoxomil and 2.7% (i.e., 32/1179) of control patients. In placebo-controlled trials, the only adverse event that occurred in more than 1% of patients treated with olmesartan medoxomil and at a higher incidence in olmesartan medoxomil treated patients vs. placebo was dizziness (3% vs 1%).
6.2 Post-Marketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of the individual components of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Amlodipine. The following post-marketing event has been reported infrequently where a causal relationship is uncertain: gynecomastia. In post-marketing experience, jaundice and hepatic enzyme elevations (mostly consistent with cholestasis or hepatitis), in some cases severe enough to require hospitalization, have been reported in association with use of amlodipine. Postmarketing reporting has also revealed a possible association between extrapyramidal disorder and amlodipine. Olmesartan medoxomil. The following adverse reactions have been reported in post-marketing experience: Body as a Whole: asthenia, angioedema, anaphylactic reactions, peripheral edema Gastrointestinal: vomiting, diarrhea, sprue-like enteropathy <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]</span> Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: hyperkalemia Musculoskeletal: rhabdomyolysis Urogenital System: acute renal failure, increased blood creatinine levels Skin and Appendages: alopecia, pruritus, urticaria Data from one controlled trial and an epidemiologic study have suggested that high-dose olmesartan may increase cardiovascular (CV) risk in diabetic patients, but the overall data are not conclusive. The randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind ROADMAP trial (Randomized Olmesartan And Diabetes MicroAlbuminuria Prevention trial, n=4447) examined the use of olmesartan, 40 mg daily, vs. placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, normoalbuminuria, and at least one additional risk factor for CV disease. The trial met its primary endpoint, delayed onset of microalbuminuria, but olmesartan had no beneficial effect on decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). There was a finding of increased CV mortality (adjudicated sudden cardiac death, fatal myocardial infarction, fatal stroke, revascularization death) in the olmesartan group compared to the placebo group (15 olmesartan vs. 3 placebo, HR 4.9, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4, 17), but the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction was lower with olmesartan (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.35, 1.18). The epidemiologic study included patients 65 years and older with overall exposure of > 300,000 patient-years. In the sub-group of diabetic patients receiving high-dose olmesartan (40 mg/d) for > 6 months, there appeared to be an increased risk of death (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1, 3.8) compared to similar patients taking other angiotensin receptor blockers. In contrast, high-dose olmesartan use in non-diabetic patients appeared to be associated with a decreased risk of death (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.24, 0.86) compared to similar patients taking other angiotensin receptor blockers. No differences were observed between the groups receiving lower doses of olmesartan compared to other angiotensin blockers or those receiving therapy for < 6 months. Overall, these data raise a concern of a possible increased CV risk associated with the use of high-dose olmesartan in diabetic patients. There are, however, concerns with the credibility of the finding of increased CV risk, notably the observation in the large epidemiologic study for a survival benefit in non-diabetics of a magnitude similar to the adverse finding in diabetics.
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets The data described below reflect exposure to amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets in more than 1600 patients including more than 1000 exposed for at least 6 months and more than 700 exposed for 1 year. Amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets were studied in one placebo-controlled factorial trial <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Trials ( 14.1 )]</span> . The population had a mean age of 54 years and included approximately 55% males. Seventy-one percent were Caucasian and 25% were Black. Patients received doses ranging from 5/20 mg to 10/40 mg orally once daily. The overall incidence of adverse reactions on therapy with amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets were similar to that seen with corresponding doses of the individual components of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets, and to placebo. The reported adverse reactions were generally mild and seldom led to discontinuation of treatment (2.6% for amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets and 6.8% for placebo).
Edema
Edema is a known, dose-dependent adverse effect of amlodipine but not of olmesartan medoxomil. The placebo-subtracted incidence of edema during the 8-week, randomized, double-blind treatment period was highest with amlodipine 10 mg monotherapy. The incidence was significantly reduced when 20 mg or 40 mg of olmesartan medoxomil was added to the 10 mg amlodipine dose. Placebo-Subtracted Incidence of Edema During the Double-Blind Treatment Period Olmesartan Medoxomil Placebo 20 mg 40 mg Amlodipine Placebo -* -2.4% 6.2% 5 mg 0.7% 5.7% 6.2% 10 mg 24.5% 13.3% 11.2% *12.3% = actual placebo incidence Across all treatment groups, the frequency of edema was generally higher in women than men, as has been observed in previous studies of amlodipine. There was a greater decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit in patients treated with amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets as compared to patients receiving either component. Adverse reactions seen at lower rates during the double-blind period also occurred in the patients treated with amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets at about the same or greater incidence as in patients receiving placebo. These included hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, rash, pruritus, palpitation, urinary frequency, and nocturia. The adverse event profile obtained from 44 weeks of open-label combination therapy with amlodipine plus olmesartan medoxomil was similar to that observed during the 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled period.
Initial Therapy
Analyzing the data described above specifically for initial therapy, it was observed that higher doses of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets caused slightly more hypotension and orthostatic symptoms, but not at the recommended starting dose of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets 5/20 mg. No increase in the incidence of syncope or near syncope was observed. The incidences of discontinuation because of any treatment emergent adverse events in the double blind phase are summarized in the table below. Discontinuation for any Treatment Emergent Adverse Event 1 Olmesartan Medoxomil Placebo 10 mg 20 mg 40 mg Amlodipine Placebo 4.9% 4.3% 5.6% 3.1% 5 mg 3.7% 0.0% 1.2% 3.7% 10 mg 5.5% 6.8% 2.5% 5.6% 1 Hypertension is counted as treatment failure and not as treatment emergent adverse event. N=160-163 subjects per treatment group.
Amlodipine
Amlodipine has been evaluated for safety in more than 11,000 patients in U.S. and foreign clinical trials. Most adverse reactions reported during therapy with amlodipine were of mild or moderate severity. In controlled clinical trials directly comparing amlodipine (N=1730) in doses up to 10 mg to placebo (N=1250), discontinuation of amlodipine due to adverse reactions was required in only about 1.5% of amlodipine-treated patients and about 1% of placebo-treated patients. The most common side effects were headache and edema. The incidence (%) of dose-related side effects was as follows: Adverse Event Placebo N=520 2.5 mg N=275 5.0 mg N=296 10.0 mg N=268 Edema 0.6 1.8 3.0
10.8 Dizziness 1.5 1.1 3.4
3.4 Flushing 0.0 0.7 1.4
2.6 Palpitation 0.6 0.7 1.4
4.5 For several adverse experiences that appear to be drug- and dose-related, there was a greater incidence in women than men associated with amlodipine treatment as shown in the following table: Adverse Event Placebo Amlodipine Male=% (N=914) Female=% (N=336) Male=% (N=1218) Female=% (N=512)
Edema
1.4 5.1 5.6
14.6 Flushing 0.3 0.9 1.5
4.5 Palpitation 0.9 0.9 1.4
3.3 Somnolence 0.8 0.3 1.3
1.6 Olmesartan medoxomil. Olmesartan medoxomil has been evaluated for safety in more than 3825 patients/subjects, including more than 3275 patients treated for hypertension in controlled trials. This experience included about 900 patients treated for at least 6 months and more than 525 treated for at least 1 year. Treatment with olmesartan medoxomil was well tolerated, with an incidence of adverse events similar to that seen with placebo. Events were generally mild, transient, and without relationship to the dose of olmesartan medoxomil. The overall frequency of adverse events was not dose related. Analysis of gender, age, and race groups demonstrated no differences between olmesartan medoxomil- and placebo-treated patients. The rate of withdrawals due to adverse events in all trials of hypertensive patients was 2.4% (i.e., 79/3278) of patients treated with olmesartan medoxomil and 2.7% (i.e., 32/1179) of control patients. In placebo-controlled trials, the only adverse event that occurred in more than 1% of patients treated with olmesartan medoxomil and at a higher incidence in olmesartan medoxomil treated patients vs. placebo was dizziness (3% vs 1%).
6.2 Post-Marketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of the individual components of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Amlodipine. The following post-marketing event has been reported infrequently where a causal relationship is uncertain: gynecomastia. In post-marketing experience, jaundice and hepatic enzyme elevations (mostly consistent with cholestasis or hepatitis), in some cases severe enough to require hospitalization, have been reported in association with use of amlodipine. Postmarketing reporting has also revealed a possible association between extrapyramidal disorder and amlodipine. Olmesartan medoxomil. The following adverse reactions have been reported in post-marketing experience: Body as a Whole: asthenia, angioedema, anaphylactic reactions, peripheral edema Gastrointestinal: vomiting, diarrhea, sprue-like enteropathy <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]</span> Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: hyperkalemia Musculoskeletal: rhabdomyolysis Urogenital System: acute renal failure, increased blood creatinine levels Skin and Appendages: alopecia, pruritus, urticaria Data from one controlled trial and an epidemiologic study have suggested that high-dose olmesartan may increase cardiovascular (CV) risk in diabetic patients, but the overall data are not conclusive. The randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind ROADMAP trial (Randomized Olmesartan And Diabetes MicroAlbuminuria Prevention trial, n=4447) examined the use of olmesartan, 40 mg daily, vs. placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, normoalbuminuria, and at least one additional risk factor for CV disease. The trial met its primary endpoint, delayed onset of microalbuminuria, but olmesartan had no beneficial effect on decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). There was a finding of increased CV mortality (adjudicated sudden cardiac death, fatal myocardial infarction, fatal stroke, revascularization death) in the olmesartan group compared to the placebo group (15 olmesartan vs. 3 placebo, HR 4.9, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4, 17), but the risk of non-fatal myocardial infarction was lower with olmesartan (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.35, 1.18). The epidemiologic study included patients 65 years and older with overall exposure of > 300,000 patient-years. In the sub-group of diabetic patients receiving high-dose olmesartan (40 mg/d) for > 6 months, there appeared to be an increased risk of death (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1, 3.8) compared to similar patients taking other angiotensin receptor blockers. In contrast, high-dose olmesartan use in non-diabetic patients appeared to be associated with a decreased risk of death (HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.24, 0.86) compared to similar patients taking other angiotensin receptor blockers. No differences were observed between the groups receiving lower doses of olmesartan compared to other angiotensin blockers or those receiving therapy for < 6 months. Overall, these data raise a concern of a possible increased CV risk associated with the use of high-dose olmesartan in diabetic patients. There are, however, concerns with the credibility of the finding of increased CV risk, notably the observation in the large epidemiologic study for a survival benefit in non-diabetics of a magnitude similar to the adverse finding in diabetics.
FDA Boxed Warning
WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY When pregnancy is detected, discontinue olmesartan medoxomil, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide tablets as soon as possible. ( 5.1 , 8.1 ) Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. ( 5.1 , 8.1 ) WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning . When pregnancy is detected, discontinue olmesartan medoxomil, amlodipine, and hydrochlorothiazide tablets as soon as possible ( 5.1 , 8.1 ). Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus ( 5.1 , 8.1 ).
Warnings
AND PRECAUTIONS Anticipate hypotension in volume-or salt-depleted patients with treatment initiation. Start treatment under close supervision ( 5.2 ). Increased angina or myocardial infarction may occur upon dosage initiation or increase ( 5.3 ). Impaired renal function: changes in renal function may occur ( 5.4 ). Sprue-like enteropathy has been reported. Consider discontinuation of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets in cases where no other etiology is found ( 5.6 ).
5.1 Fetal Toxicity Amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. Resulting oligohydramnios can be associated with fetal lung hypoplasia and skeletal deformations. Potential neonatal adverse effects include skull hypoplasia, anuria, hypotension, renal failure, and death. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets as soon as possible [ see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )].
5.2 Hypotension in Volume- or Salt-Depleted Patients Olmesartan medoxomil. In patients with an activated renin-angiotensin system, such as volume-and/or salt-depleted patients (e.g., those being treated with high doses of diuretics) symptomatic hypotension may be anticipated after initiation of treatment with olmesartan medoxomil. Initiate treatment with amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets under close medical supervision. If hypotension does occur, place the patient in the supine position and, if necessary, give an intravenous infusion of normal saline. A transient hypotensive response is not a contraindication to further treatment, which usually can be continued without difficulty once the blood pressure has stabilized. Amlodipine. Symptomatic hypotension is possible, particularly in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Because of the gradual onset of action, acute hypotension is unlikely.
5.3 Increased Angina or Myocardial Infarction Patients, particularly those with severe obstructive coronary artery disease, may develop increased frequency, duration, or severity of angina or acute myocardial infarction on starting calcium channel blocker therapy or at the time of dosage increase. The mechanism of this effect has not been elucidated.
5.4 Impaired Renal Function Changes in renal function may be anticipated in susceptible individuals treated with olmesartan medoxomil as a consequence of inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In patients whose renal function may depend upon the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (e.g., patients with severe congestive heart failure), treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists has been associated with oliguria or progressive azotemia and (rarely) with acute renal failure and/or death. Similar effects may occur in patients treated with amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets because of the olmesartan medoxomil component <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> . In studies of ACE inhibitors in patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, increases in serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen (BUN) have been reported. There has been no long-term use of olmesartan medoxomil in patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, but similar effects would be expected with olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets.
5.5 Patients with Hepatic Impairment Patients with hepatic impairment have decreased clearance of amlodipine. Starting amlodipine or adding amlodipine at 2.5 mg in hepatically impaired patients is recommended. The lowest dose of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets is 5/20 mg; therefore, initial therapy with amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets is not recommended in hepatically impaired patients <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )]</span> . Since amlodipine is extensively metabolized by the liver and the plasma elimination half-life (t ½ ) is 56 hours in patients with severely impaired hepatic function, titrate slowly when administering to patients with severe hepatic impairment.
5.6 Sprue-like Enteropathy Severe, chronic diarrhea with substantial weight loss has been reported in patients taking olmesartan months to years after drug initiation. Intestinal biopsies of patients often demonstrated villous atrophy. If a patient develops these symptoms during treatment with olmesartan, exclude other etiologies. Consider discontinuation of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets in cases where no other etiology is identified.
5.7 Electrolyte Imbalances Amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets contain olmesartan, a drug that inhibits the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Drugs that inhibit the RAS can cause hyperkalemia. Monitor serum electrolytes periodically.
5.1 Fetal Toxicity Amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. Resulting oligohydramnios can be associated with fetal lung hypoplasia and skeletal deformations. Potential neonatal adverse effects include skull hypoplasia, anuria, hypotension, renal failure, and death. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets as soon as possible [ see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.1 )].
5.2 Hypotension in Volume- or Salt-Depleted Patients Olmesartan medoxomil. In patients with an activated renin-angiotensin system, such as volume-and/or salt-depleted patients (e.g., those being treated with high doses of diuretics) symptomatic hypotension may be anticipated after initiation of treatment with olmesartan medoxomil. Initiate treatment with amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets under close medical supervision. If hypotension does occur, place the patient in the supine position and, if necessary, give an intravenous infusion of normal saline. A transient hypotensive response is not a contraindication to further treatment, which usually can be continued without difficulty once the blood pressure has stabilized. Amlodipine. Symptomatic hypotension is possible, particularly in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Because of the gradual onset of action, acute hypotension is unlikely.
5.3 Increased Angina or Myocardial Infarction Patients, particularly those with severe obstructive coronary artery disease, may develop increased frequency, duration, or severity of angina or acute myocardial infarction on starting calcium channel blocker therapy or at the time of dosage increase. The mechanism of this effect has not been elucidated.
5.4 Impaired Renal Function Changes in renal function may be anticipated in susceptible individuals treated with olmesartan medoxomil as a consequence of inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In patients whose renal function may depend upon the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (e.g., patients with severe congestive heart failure), treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists has been associated with oliguria or progressive azotemia and (rarely) with acute renal failure and/or death. Similar effects may occur in patients treated with amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets because of the olmesartan medoxomil component <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions ( 7 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]</span> . In studies of ACE inhibitors in patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, increases in serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen (BUN) have been reported. There has been no long-term use of olmesartan medoxomil in patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, but similar effects would be expected with olmesartan medoxomil and amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets.
5.5 Patients with Hepatic Impairment Patients with hepatic impairment have decreased clearance of amlodipine. Starting amlodipine or adding amlodipine at 2.5 mg in hepatically impaired patients is recommended. The lowest dose of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets is 5/20 mg; therefore, initial therapy with amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets is not recommended in hepatically impaired patients <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 )]</span> . Since amlodipine is extensively metabolized by the liver and the plasma elimination half-life (t ½ ) is 56 hours in patients with severely impaired hepatic function, titrate slowly when administering to patients with severe hepatic impairment.
5.6 Sprue-like Enteropathy Severe, chronic diarrhea with substantial weight loss has been reported in patients taking olmesartan months to years after drug initiation. Intestinal biopsies of patients often demonstrated villous atrophy. If a patient develops these symptoms during treatment with olmesartan, exclude other etiologies. Consider discontinuation of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets in cases where no other etiology is identified.
5.7 Electrolyte Imbalances Amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil tablets contain olmesartan, a drug that inhibits the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Drugs that inhibit the RAS can cause hyperkalemia. Monitor serum electrolytes periodically.
Drug Interactions
INTERACTIONS Data from a drug-drug interaction study involving 10 mg of amlodipine and 80 mg of atorvastatin in healthy subjects indicate that the pharmacokinetics of amlodipine are not altered when the drugs are co-administered. The effect of amlodipine on the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin showed no effect on the C max : 91% (90% confidence interval: 80 to 103%), but the AUC of atorvastatin increased by 18% (90% confidence interval: 109 to 127%) in the presence of amlodipine, which is not clinically meaningful. No drug interaction studies have been conducted with amlodipine besylate and atorvastatin calcium and other drugs, although studies have been conducted in the individual amlodipine and atorvastatin components, as described below: Amlodipine Increased Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis ( 2 , 5.1 , 7.3 , 12.3 ) Cyclosporine, tipranavir plus ritonavir, glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir Avoid atorvastatin Clarithromycin, itraconazole, saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, elbasvir plus grazoprevir,letermovir Do not exceed 20 mg atorvastatin daily Nelfinavir Do not exceed 40 mg atorvastatin daily Lopinavir plus ritonavir, simeprevir, fibric acid derivatives, erythromycin, azole antifungals, lipid-modifying doses of niacin, colchicine Consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use with atorvastatin Other Lipid-Lowering Medications: Increased risk of myopathy (7) . Rifampin should be simultaneously co-administered with atorvastatin ( 7.4 ).
Oral
Contraceptives: Norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol may be increased ( 7.5 ). Digoxin: Patients should be monitored appropriately ( 7.5 ).
7.1 Impact of Other Drugs on Amlodipine CYP3A Inhibitors Co-administration with CYP3A inhibitors (moderate and strong) results in increased systemic exposure to amlodipine and may require dose reduction. Monitor for symptoms of hypotension and edema when amlodipine is co-administered with CYP3A inhibitors to determine the need for dose adjustment <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]</span>. CYP3A Inducers No information is available on the quantitative effects of CYP3A inducers on amlodipine. Blood pressure should be closely monitored when amlodipine is co-administered with CYP3A inducers.
Sildenafil
Monitor for hypotension when sildenafil is co-administered with amlodipine [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 ) ].
7.2 Impact of Amlodipine on Other Drugs Immunosuppressants Amlodipine may increase the systemic exposure of cyclosporine or tacrolimus when co-administered. Frequent monitoring of trough blood levels of cyclosporine and tacrolimus is recommended and adjust the dose when appropriate <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]</span>.
Atorvastatin
The risk of myopathy during treatment with statins is increased with concurrent administration of fibric acid derivatives, lipid-modifying doses of niacin, cyclosporine, or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, HIV and HCV protease inhibitors, and itraconazole) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ].
7.3 Drug Interactions that may Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with Atorvastatin Atorvastatin is a substrate of CYP3A4 and transporters (e.g., OATP1B1/1B3, P-gp, or BCRP). Atorvastatin plasma levels can be significantly increased with concomitant administration of inhibitors of CYP3A4 and transporters.
Table
3 includes a list of drugs that may increase exposure to atorvastatin and may increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis when used concomitantly and instructions for preventing or managing them [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Table
3: Drug Interactions that may Increase the Risk of Myopathy and Rhabdomyolysis with Atorvastatin Cyclosporine or Gemfibrozil Clinical Impact: Atorvastatin plasma levels were significantly increased with concomitant administration of atorvastatin and cyclosporine, an inhibitor of CYP3A4 and OATP1B1 [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3) ]. Gemfibrozil may cause myopathy when given alone. The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant use of cyclosporine or gemfibrozil with atorvastatin. Intervention : Concomitant use of cyclosporine or gemfibrozil with atorvastatin calcium is not recommended Anti-Viral Medications Clinical Impact: Atorvastatin plasma levels were significantly increased with concomitant administration of atorvastatin with many anti-viral medications, which are inhibitors of CYP3A4 and/or transporters (e.g., BCRP, OATP1B1/1B3, P-gp, MRP2, and/or OAT2) [ see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 )]. Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported with concomitant use of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir with atorvastatin. Intervention : Concomitant use of tipranavir plus ritonavir or glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir with atorvastatin is not recommended. In patients taking lopinavir plus ritonavir, or simeprevir, consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use with atorvastatin. In patients taking saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir,fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, elbasvir plus grazoprevir or letermovir, do not exceed atorvastatin 20 mg. In patients taking nelfinavir, do not exceed atorvastatin 40 mg [see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )].Consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir with atorvastatin. Monitor all patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug. Examples: Tipranavir plus ritonavir, glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir, lopinavir plus ritonavir, simeprevir, saquinavir plus ritonavir, darunavir plus ritonavir, fosamprenavir, fosamprenavir plus ritonavir, elbasvir plus grazoprevir, letermovir, nelfinavir, and ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir.
Select Azole
Antifungals or Macrolide Antibiotics Clinical Impact: Atorvastatin plasma levels were significantly increased with concomitant administration of atorvastatin with select azole antifungals or macrolide antibiotics, due to inhibition of CYP3A4 and/or transporters [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Intervention: In patients taking clarithromycin or itraconazole, do not exceed atorvastatin 20 mg [ see Dosage and Administration ( 2 )]. Consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use of other azole antifungals or macrolide antibiotics with atorvastatin. Monitor all patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug. Examples: Erythromycin, clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole.
Niacin Clinical
Impact: Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been observed with concomitant use of lipid modifying dosages of niacin (>1 gram/day niacin) with atorvastatin. Intervention: Consider if the benefit of using lipid modifying dosages of niacin concomitantly with atorvastatin outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. If concomitant use is decided, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug. Fibrates (other than Gemfibrozil)
Clinical
Impact: Fibrates may cause myopathy when given alone. The risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis is increased with concomitant use of fibrates with atorvastatin. Intervention: Consider if the benefit of using fibrates concomitantly with atorvastatin outweighs the increased risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. If concomitant use is decided, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug.
Colchicine Clinical
Impact: Cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis have been reported with concomitant use of colchicine with atorvastatin. Intervention : Consider the risk/benefit of concomitant use of colchicine with atorvastatin. If concomitant use is decided, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of myopathy particularly during initiation of therapy and during upward dose titration of either drug.
Grapefruit Juice Clinical
Impact: Grapefruit juice consumption, especially excessive consumption, more than 1.2 liters/daily, can raise the plasma levels of atorvastatin and may increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Intervention: Avoid intake of large quantities of grapefruit juice, more than 1.2 liters daily, when taking atorvastatin.
7.4 Drug Interactions that may Decrease Exposure to Atorvastatin Table 4 presents drug interactions that may decrease exposure to atorvastatin and instructions for preventing or managing them.
Table
4: Drug Interactions that may Decrease Exposure to Atorvastatin Rifampin Clinical Impact: Concomitant administration of atorvastatin with rifampin, an inducer of cytochrome P450 3A4 and inhibitor of OATP1B1, can lead to variable reductions in plasma concentrations of atorvastatin. Due to the dual interaction mechanism of rifampin, delayed administration of atorvastatin after administration of rifampin has been associated with a significant reduction in atorvastatin plasma concentrations. Intervention : Administer atorvastatin and rifampin simultaneously.
7.5 Atorvastatin Effects on Other Drugs Table 5 presents atorvastatin effect on other drugs and instructions for preventing or managing them.
Table
5: Atorvastatin Effects on Other Drugs Oral Contraceptives Clinical Impact: Co-administration of atorvastatin and an oral contraceptive increased plasma concentrations of norethindrone and ethinyl estradiol [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Intervention: Consider this when selecting an oral contraceptive for patients taking atorvastatin.
Digoxin Clinical
Impact : When multiple doses of atorvastatin and digoxin were co-administered, steady state plasma digoxin concentrations increased [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Intervention: Monitor patients taking digoxin appropriately.