Aliskiren and amlodipine (Oral)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 14, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Tekamlo

Pharmacologic Class: Renin Inhibitor

Chemical Class: Amlodipine

Uses for aliskiren and amlodipine

Aliskiren and amlodipine is a combination of medicines that may be used alone or with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure will reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Aliskiren is a renin inhibitor. It works by blocking an enzyme in the body that is necessary to produce a substance that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, the blood vessels relax and this decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen that go to the heart is increased.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). It affects the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels. As a result, amlodipine relaxes the blood vessels and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while reducing its workload.

Aliskiren and amlodipine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using aliskiren and amlodipine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For aliskiren and amlodipine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to aliskiren and amlodipine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of aliskiren and amlodipine combination in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of aliskiren and amlodipine combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have liver problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving aliskiren and amlodipine.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or othe..