Sevikar (amlodipine, olmesartan) is a combination hypertension medication used in patients with high blood pressure. While each of its ingredients are effective hypertension treatments on their own, for those who need more than one medication Sevikar offers a convenient solution.

This product's active ingredients are:

• Amlodipine is a a calcium channel blocker that relaxes muscles that tighten and narrow blood vessels; and
• Olmesartan is an angiotensin-2 receptor antagonist that blocks the naturally-occurring angiotensin II. Angiotensin II further encourages blood vessels to narrow and tighten.

Combined the two ingredients offer a potent hypertension treatment. Patients can buy Sevikar for the convenience of combining two separate medications, or may be prescribed Sevikar from the start when multiple medications are likely needed.

Sevikar is also available as Sevikar HCT, which contains the first two ingredients plus hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), a diuretic which even further lowers blood pressure.

One can also buy amlodipine and olmesartan on their own.

Treatment Overview

Sevikar comes in tablets, which are taken just once per day with or without food as desired. A glass of fluid is recommended with each dose. It takes about two weeks of use to see full benefit, and treatment may continue indefinitely.

In most cases:

• Start with 5/20 mg of amlodipine/olmesartan.
• After one or two weeks, dosage may be increased to 10/40 mg of amlodipine/olmesartan.
• Do not exceed 10/40 mg of amlodipine/olmesartan.

Treatment may continue indefinitely, often for the remainder of life if lifestyle changes are not made or are not sufficient to control blood pressure. Such changes include exercise and dietary modifications, stopping smoking, controlling cholesterol and blood sugar, and so forth. A small percentage of patients have high blood pressure despite otherwise being in great health, in which case there's not a lot that can be done other than medicate.

Black patients are typically more resistant to hypertension medications than other races, experiencing minimal results. These patients are more likely to initially start treatment with multiple medications, such as Sevikar or Sevikar HCT, and should take care to periodically monitor blood pressure to ensure the medications are working adequately.

Lowering blood pressure is critical to prevent a wide range of complications, including stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular issues. Hypertension often doesn't produce any symptoms until a severe event happens; it's important to continue taking the medication even if feeling fine.

Should treatment with Sevikar end, dosage should be gradually reduced. Abruptly ending treatment can cause blood pressure to become very elevated, putting patients at risk of a medical emergency.

Adverse Reactions

Not everyone is a good candidate for Sevikar. Patients should be sure to speak with a doctor about the risks and warning signs if there is a history of:

• Kidney or liver disease
• Heart or coronary artery disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Angina
• Heart attack

Sevikar will lower blood pressure to some extent, and can produce a range of related symptoms. Patients may feel weak, and may feel especially lightheaded if rising from a sitting or laying position quickly. These symptoms aren't cause for concern unless severe, and should pass with the first week or two of treatment.

Used as directed, side effects from Sevikar are relatively rare. Most commonly reported are:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Flushing
• Hair loss
• Mild rash or itching

More rarely serious side effects develop, which call for medical attention:

• Passing out
• Pounding or fluttering heartbeat
• Rapid weight gain
• Edema in hands or feet
• Urinating less than usual
• Jaundice

Very rarely Sevikar can cause a breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, which can ultimately lead to kidney failure. Patients should be alert for muscle tenderness, pain, or weakness, particularly if unexplained and accompanied by fever and dark-colored urine. If this happens, seek medical attention.