Tekamlo

Tekamlo

Generic Name: aliskiren and amlodipine (AL is KYE ren and am LOE de peen)

Brand Names: Tekamlo

What is Tekamlo?

Tekamlo contains a combination of aliskiren and amlodipine. Aliskiren is an anti-hypertensive (blood pressure lowering) medication. It works by decreasing substances in the body that narrow blood vessels and raise blood pressure.

Amlodipine is in a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine relaxes (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow.

Tekamlo is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Tekamlo may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Tekamlo

Do not use Tekamlo if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. You should not take Tekamlo if you are allergic to aliskiren or amlodipine, or if you are also taking cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune).

Before you take Tekamlo, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, an electrolyte imbalance (such as low potassium or magnesium), if you are on a low-salt diet, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a blood pressure medication.

Keep using Tekamlo as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Before taking Tekamlo

You should not take Tekamlo if you are allergic to aliskiren or amlodipine, or if you are also taking cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune).

To make sure you can safely take Tekamlo, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

liver disease;

congestive heart failure;

coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);

an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);

if you are on a low-salt diet; or

if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a blood pressure medication, such as benazepril (Lotensin), candesartan (Atacand), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), losartan (Cozaar, Hyzaar), olmesartan (Benicar, Azor), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), telmisartan (Micardis, Twynsta), valsartan (Diovan, Exforge), and others.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Tekamlo if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Aliskiren and amlodipine can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take Tekamlo during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking Tekamlo. It is not known whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking Tekamlo.

See also: Tekamlo pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take Tekamlo?

Take Tekamlo exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your chest pain may become worse when you first start taking amlodipine or when your dose is increased. Call your doctor if your chest pain is severe or ongoing.

Tekamlo may be taken with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store Tekamlo at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include rapid heartbeats, severe dizziness, warmth or tingly feeling, and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Tekamlo?

Avoid taking Tekamlo with foods that are high in fat, which can make it harder for your body to absorb aliskiren.

Tekamlo side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Tekamlo: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;

feeling like you might pass out; or

chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling.

Less serious Tekamlo side effects may include:

diarrhea;

stomach pain, upset stomach; or

cough.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Tekamlo side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Tekamlo?

Tell your doctor about all other heart or blood pressure medications you are taking.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

atorvastatin (Lipitor, Caduet);

antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Extina, Ketozole, Nizoral, Xolegal), or voriconazole (Vfend);

a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con;

salt substitutes that contain potassium; or

a diuretic (water pill).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Tekamlo. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

More Tekamlo resources

Tekamlo Side Effects (in More Detail)

Tekamlo Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Tekamlo Drug Interactions

Tekamlo Support Group

0 Reviews for Tekamlo - Add your own review/rating

Tekamlo Prescribing Information (FDA)

Tekamlo Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Tekamlo MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Compare Tekamlo with other medications

High Blood Pressure

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Tekamlo.