Product Description

Indications: Duoblock is indicated for the management of hypertension, either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents, to reduce blood pressure. It may be used as initial therapy in patients who are likely to require multiple drugs to achieve target blood pressure levels. The choice of combination therapy should be individualized based on baseline blood pressure, target goals, and patient-specific cardiovascular risk factors.

Pharmacology: Duoblock contains Amlodipine and Olmesartan Medoxomil. Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker that inhibits calcium ion influx into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, leading to vasodilation and reduced peripheral resistance. Olmesartan Medoxomil is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that selectively inhibits the binding of angiotensin II to AT1 receptors, thereby reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion. This dual mechanism results in effective blood pressure reduction.

Dosage & Administration: Patients may be switched from individual components to the fixed-dose combination. The usual starting dose is 5 mg Amlodipine / 20 mg Olmesartan once daily, which may be adjusted after 1–2 weeks depending on response, up to a maximum of 10/40 mg once daily. In elderly patients (≥75 years), lower doses of Amlodipine are recommended; therefore, initial therapy with this fixed combination is generally not advised.

Interaction: The antihypertensive effect of Olmesartan may be reduced when used with NSAIDs, including COX-2 inhibitors. Concomitant use with other drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system requires monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and electrolytes.

Contraindications: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to any component. It should not be co-administered with Aliskiren in patients with diabetes due to increased risk of renal impairment, hypotension, and hyperkalemia.

Side Effects: Common adverse effects include peripheral edema, headache, flushing, and dizziness. Rarely, it may cause gastrointestinal disorders such as sprue-like enteropathy.

Pregnancy & Lactation: Classified as pregnancy category D. Use during the second and third trimesters is contraindicated due to risk of fetal injury or death. Therapy should be discontinued immediately if pregnancy is detected. It is not known whether the components are excreted in breast milk; therefore, a decision should be made to discontinue either breastfeeding or the drug.

Precautions & Warnings: Use with caution in patients with volume or salt depletion due to risk of hypotension. Care is required in patients with severe aortic stenosis or obstructive coronary artery disease, as it may worsen angina or precipitate myocardial infarction.

Use in Special Populations: Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients. No significant differences in safety have been observed in elderly patients, although dose adjustment may be necessary. There are limited data in renal impairment, and initial therapy is not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment.

Overdose Effects: There is no specific data available on overdose in humans. Management should be supportive and symptomatic.

Therapeutic Class: Combined antihypertensive preparations

Storage Conditions: Store below 30°C in a dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.