What Happens If You Take Amlodipine and Losartan Together?

October 10, 2025 •

5 min read

With nearly half of U.S. adults affected by hypertension, effective treatment is critical [1.7.2]. This article explains what happens if you take amlodipine and losartan together, a common and effective doctor-prescribed combination therapy for managing high blood pressure [1.2.1, 1.2.3].

Quick Summary

Taking amlodipine and losartan together is a frequently prescribed, safe, and effective strategy for lowering high blood pressure. This dual-action approach often yields better results than monotherapy but requires medical supervision.

Key Points

Dual-Action Therapy: Combining amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) and losartan (an ARB) tackles high blood pressure from two different angles for greater effectiveness [1.5.1, 1.5.2].
Increased Efficacy: Clinical studies show that combination therapy lowers blood pressure more significantly than taking either amlodipine or losartan alone [1.5.3, 1.5.4].
Primary Risk: The main risk is the potential for blood pressure to drop too low (hypotension), which can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting [1.2.1].
Key Side Effects: Amlodipine's most common side effect is swelling (edema), while losartan can increase potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia) [1.2.1, 1.10.4].
Medical Supervision is Essential: This combination should only be used under a doctor's prescription with regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels [1.2.1, 1.3.2].
Single-Pill Convenience: Fixed-dose combination pills containing both amlodipine and losartan are available, which can help improve patient adherence to the treatment plan [1.4.3].
Complementary Benefits: The combination may mitigate certain side effects; for instance, losartan can sometimes reduce the leg swelling caused by amlodipine [1.2.2].

Important Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Never combine medications without a doctor's prescription and guidance.

The Dual-Front Approach to Hypertension

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition affecting almost half of the adult population in the United States [1.7.2]. When a single medication doesn't adequately control a patient's blood pressure, doctors often turn to combination therapy [1.5.1]. Prescribing amlodipine and losartan together is a common and effective strategy that tackles hypertension from two different angles [1.5.1]. Research shows this combination is not only safe for most people when taken as directed but also more effective at lowering blood pressure than using either drug on its own [1.2.1, 1.5.4]. In fact, the two are paired so often they are sometimes available in a single combination pill [1.4.3].

Understanding Amlodipine

Amlodipine is a medication classified as a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB) [1.8.1, 1.8.2]. Its primary function is to treat high blood pressure and certain types of chest pain (angina) [1.8.1].

How Amlodipine Works

Amlodipine works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels [1.4.5, 1.8.3]. It does this by blocking calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the heart and arteries [1.4.2, 1.8.3]. Since these muscles require calcium to contract, blocking it causes them to relax. This makes it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body, thereby lowering blood pressure and, in cases of angina, increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart [1.8.3].

Common Side Effects of Amlodipine

While effective, amlodipine can have side effects. The most common side effect is swelling in the hands, feet, and lower legs, known as peripheral edema [1.2.1, 1.10.4]. Other potential side effects include:

Dizziness [1.3.1]
Headache [1.3.1]
Flushing (a sense of warmth in the face) [1.5.2]
Fatigue [1.2.1]
Heart palpitations [1.2.1]
Nausea or stomach pain [1.2.1]

Understanding Losartan

Losartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs [1.9.2, 1.9.3]. It is widely used to treat high blood pressure, and it also offers kidney protection for people with type 2 diabetes and can reduce the risk of stroke in certain patients with an enlarged heart [1.9.1, 1.9.2].

How Losartan Works

Losartan functions by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a natural hormone in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten and narrow [1.4.2, 1.9.3]. By blocking this hormone's effects, losartan allows the blood vessels to relax and widen [1.4.5]. This process lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood more efficiently [1.9.2].

Common Side Effects of Losartan

Like all medications, losartan comes with potential side effects. A key consideration is its potential to increase potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia) [1.4.2]. Other common side effects include:

Dizziness [1.2.1]
Upper respiratory infections [1.2.1]
Stuffy nose [1.2.1]
Back pain [1.2.1]
Fatigue [1.4.4]

Benefits of Taking Amlodipine and Losartan Together

Combining amlodipine and losartan is a powerful strategy because their mechanisms are complementary [1.5.1].

Synergistic Efficacy: The primary benefit is superior blood pressure control. Studies have shown that the combination of amlodipine and losartan leads to a significantly greater reduction in blood pressure compared to using either drug alone (monotherapy) [1.5.3, 1.5.4]. This allows patients to reach their target blood pressure goals more effectively.
Potential for Fewer Side Effects: Using lower doses of two different drugs can sometimes achieve the same or better results than a high dose of one drug, potentially minimizing dose-related side effects [1.5.1]. For example, the swelling (edema) caused by amlodipine can sometimes be lessened by the addition of an ARB like losartan [1.2.2].
Comprehensive Cardiovascular Protection: Lowering blood pressure is a major factor in reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure [1.5.1]. Both medications contribute to this protection. Losartan has also been shown to slow the progression of renal disease in certain patients [1.5.1].
Improved Patient Adherence: For some, a single-pill combination containing both medications can make the treatment regimen simpler, leading to better adherence [1.4.3].

Amlodipine vs. Losartan: A Comparison


Feature	Amlodipine	Losartan
Drug Class	Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB) [1.8.1]	Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) [1.9.2]
Mechanism of Action	Relaxes blood vessels by blocking calcium entry [1.4.2]	Blocks the vessel-constricting hormone angiotensin II [1.4.2]
Primary Uses	High blood pressure, angina [1.8.1]	High blood pressure, diabetic kidney disease, stroke risk reduction [1.9.2]
Most Common Side Effect	Swelling (edema) in ankles and feet [1.10.4]	Dizziness, upper respiratory infections [1.10.1]
Key Precaution	Can worsen chest pain initially in some patients [1.6.1]	Can cause high potassium levels (hyperkalemia) [1.4.2]

Risks and Patient Monitoring

While the combination is generally safe and well-tolerated, it requires medical supervision [1.2.1].

Hypotension: The most direct risk is the blood pressure falling too low (hypotension), especially in elderly patients or those who are dehydrated [1.2.1]. Symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
Kidney and Liver Function: Patients with a history of kidney or liver problems require careful monitoring, as these conditions can affect how the body processes the drugs [1.3.2, 1.6.1].
Potassium Levels: Since losartan can increase potassium levels, regular blood tests to monitor serum potassium are often necessary [1.3.2, 1.6.1]. Patients are typically advised to avoid potassium supplements and potassium-containing salt substitutes unless directed by their doctor [1.6.3].
Drug Interactions: It's crucial to inform your doctor of all other medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), which can interact with losartan and potentially harm the kidneys [1.2.5].

Conclusion

Taking amlodipine and losartan together is a well-established, safe, and highly effective therapeutic strategy for managing hypertension when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional [1.2.1, 1.2.2]. By utilizing two distinct and complementary mechanisms of action, this combination offers superior blood pressure reduction, which is vital for long-term cardiovascular health and the prevention of serious events like heart attacks and strokes [1.5.1, 1.5.5]. While the risk of side effects like hypotension and changes in potassium levels exists, these can be managed with regular medical follow-up [1.2.1, 1.3.2]. The decision to use this combination therapy must always be made by a qualified doctor who can tailor the treatment to the individual patient's needs.

For more information from an authoritative source, you may refer to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) page on a study regarding this combination: Efficacy of fixed-dose amlodipine and losartan combination [1.2.2]

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for most people it is safe and often recommended by doctors. The combination is typically more effective at controlling high blood pressure than either drug alone, but it must be taken under medical supervision [1.2.1, 1.2.3].

A doctor would prescribe both if a single drug (monotherapy) is not adequately controlling your blood pressure. The two drugs work in different ways to relax blood vessels, providing a more powerful, synergistic effect [1.5.1].

The main risk is hypotension, or blood pressure dropping too low, which can cause dizziness and lightheadedness [1.2.1]. Other common side effects include swelling in the ankles from amlodipine and the potential for high potassium from losartan [1.2.1, 1.10.4].

While some studies suggest benefits to taking blood pressure medication in the evening, the most important factor is consistency. Take them at the same time each day as prescribed by your doctor to maintain stable levels in your body [1.2.1, 1.3.3].

It is generally recommended to limit or avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol can enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect of these medications, which may increase dizziness or the risk of fainting [1.2.5, 1.11.4].

Both drugs can affect the kidneys. Losartan is often used to protect the kidneys in patients with diabetes, but long-term use requires monitoring of kidney function through blood tests [1.5.1, 1.11.4]. You should inform your doctor of any pre-existing kidney conditions [1.3.2].

You should avoid taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen with losartan, as the combination can increase the risk of kidney damage and reduce the effectiveness of the blood pressure medication. Always consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter pain relievers [1.2.1, 1.2.5].