Olmesartan (By mouth)
ol-me-SAR-tan me-DOX-oh-mil
Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).
Drug classes
Cardiovascular Agent, Renal Protective Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Olmesartan is used alone or together 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 can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten. As a result, olmesartan relaxes the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medicine after 4 weeks.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren.
Some medicines can affect how olmesartan works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Lithium An ACE inhibitor blood pressure medicine An NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen A diuretic (water pill)If you also use colesevelam, take it at least 4 hours after you take olmesartan.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to olmesartan, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or heart failure.
This medicine may cause severe chronic diarrhea with weight loss. This could occur months to years after you start taking this medicine.
This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting while you are using this medicine.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Severe diarrhea with weight loss
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Benicar
There may be other brand names for this medicine.