What Is Amlodipine/Telmisartan?

Amlodipine/Telmisartan is a prescription combination tablet used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It contains two active ingredients — Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker (CCB), and Telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) — that work together through different mechanisms to lower blood pressure more effectively than either drug alone.

The brand-name version, Twynsta, was manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim but has since been discontinued. Generic versions of the combination are available from multiple manufacturers.

Amlodipine/Telmisartan is not a controlled substance and is taken once daily by mouth.

What Is Amlodipine/Telmisartan Used For?

Amlodipine/Telmisartan is FDA-approved for treating hypertension (high blood pressure). It's used in two main situations:

• When monotherapy isn't enough: If you've been taking a single blood pressure medication (like Amlodipine alone or Telmisartan alone) and your blood pressure still isn't at target, your doctor may switch you to this combination.
• As initial combination therapy: For patients whose blood pressure is high enough that a single drug is unlikely to get them to goal, doctors may start with a combination like Amlodipine/Telmisartan from the beginning.

While its primary use is blood pressure control, some of its components have additional benefits:

• Cardiovascular risk reduction in high-risk patients (Telmisartan has evidence for this)
• Kidney protection in patients with diabetic nephropathy (related to the Telmisartan component)
• Chronic kidney disease with hypertension — where blood pressure control is critical for slowing kidney damage

How Is Amlodipine/Telmisartan Taken?

Amlodipine/Telmisartan comes as an oral tablet in four strengths (listed as Telmisartan/Amlodipine):

• 40/5 mg (Telmisartan 40 mg + Amlodipine 5 mg)
• 40/10 mg (Telmisartan 40 mg + Amlodipine 10 mg)
• 80/5 mg (Telmisartan 80 mg + Amlodipine 5 mg)
• 80/10 mg (Telmisartan 80 mg + Amlodipine 10 mg)

Dosing Guidelines

• Take one tablet once daily
• Can be taken with or without food
• Take it at the same time each day for best results
• Swallow the tablet whole — do not break, crush, or chew it
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never double up.

Most doctors start at a lower strength and increase if needed. Your blood pressure response is typically evaluated after 2-4 weeks before adjusting the dose.

For a deeper look at how Amlodipine/Telmisartan works in your body, see our mechanism of action guide.

Who Should Not Take Amlodipine/Telmisartan?

Amlodipine/Telmisartan is not safe for everyone. You should not take this medication if you:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant — This medication carries a black box warning for fetal toxicity. Drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system can cause serious harm or death to a developing fetus. If you become pregnant, stop taking it immediately and contact your doctor.
• Are allergic to Amlodipine, Telmisartan, or any inactive ingredient in the tablet
• Have severe liver disease or biliary obstruction
• Are taking Aliskiren (Tekturna) and have diabetes — This combination is contraindicated due to increased risk of kidney failure, high potassium, and low blood pressure

Use with caution if you:

• Have kidney disease
• Are over 75 years old (not recommended as initial therapy)
• Are dehydrated or on a low-sodium diet
• Are taking diuretics, potassium supplements, or other medications that affect blood pressure

For a full list of medications to watch out for, see our guide on Amlodipine/Telmisartan drug interactions.

How Much Does Amlodipine/Telmisartan Cost?

Because the brand Twynsta has been discontinued, only generic versions are available. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Cash price (no insurance): $120 to $250 for a 30-day supply, depending on strength and pharmacy
• With GoodRx coupon: Starting around $123
• With SingleCare coupon: Around $141
• With insurance: Generic Amlodipine/Telmisartan is covered by most plans on Tier 2 or Tier 3 formularies. Your copay will depend on your plan, but many patients pay $10-$50 per month.

Some insurance plans may require step therapy, meaning they want you to try a single blood pressure medication first before approving the combination. If your doctor believes the combination is medically necessary from the start, they can submit a prior authorization.

For more ways to lower your cost, check out our full guide on how to save money on Amlodipine/Telmisartan.

What About Side Effects?

Like all blood pressure medications, Amlodipine/Telmisartan can cause side effects. The most common ones include swelling in the ankles or feet, dizziness, and flushing. Serious side effects are uncommon but include severely low blood pressure, high potassium, and allergic reactions.

For a detailed breakdown, read our guide on Amlodipine/Telmisartan side effects.

Final Thoughts

Amlodipine/Telmisartan is a well-established combination medication that makes it easier to manage high blood pressure with just one pill a day. It works through two complementary mechanisms, which means better blood pressure control for many patients compared to a single drug.

If your doctor has prescribed Amlodipine/Telmisartan, the most important things to remember are: take it consistently, monitor your blood pressure at home, keep up with lab work, and communicate with your doctor about how you're feeling.

Need to fill your prescription? Use Medfinder to find a pharmacy with Amlodipine/Telmisartan in stock near you, or check our guide on how to find it in stock.