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Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1- To treat high blood pressure 2- To treat heart failure |
| Common Side Effects | 1- Cough 2- Diarrhea 3- Dizziness 4- Flu-like symptoms 5- Headache |
| Additional Information | Alcohol should be avoided both before and after taking the medicine. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Olmesartan Summary
Olmesartan 40 mg is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used to lower high blood pressure and manage heart failure. It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a protein that causes blood vessels to constrict, thereby helping blood vessels relax and lowering blood pressure. This medicine should be taken exactly as prescribed, ideally at the same time daily. Missing doses or stopping it suddenly without medical advice can lead to complications.Common side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, and flu-like symptoms, while rare cases may experience swelling, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. Olmesartan is not recommended during pregnancy and should be used with caution in people with liver conditions. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, reduced salt intake, and good sleep can enhance its effectiveness in managing blood pressure.
Olmesartan Uses
Olmesartan 40 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of angiotensinogen receptor blocker (ARB) medicines. It is used for the following indications:
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Heart failure
Direction for Use
- Take Olmesartan exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking Olmesartan without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Olmesartan Side Effects
More Common
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
- Blood in urine
- Chest pain
Less Common
- Blood in the urine
- Body aches or pain
- Chills
- Cough or cough-producing mucus
- Difficulty with breathing
- Ear congestion
- Fever
- Headache
- Loss of voice
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Tightness in the chest
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
How Olmesartan Works
Olmesartan reduces blood pressure by blocking a protein called angiotensin II from binding to the AT1 receptor. By preventing this binding, Olmesartan reduces vessel contraction, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
Safety Measure and Warning
📌 1- Allergy/Hypersensitivity
If you are allergic to Olmesartan, inform your doctor immediately before it is prescribed to you.
📌 2- Pregnancy
Olmesartan is contraindicated in pregnant women, as it can cross the placenta and harm the fetus.
📌 3- Liver Disease
If you have moderate to severe liver disease, inform your doctor so that the dose of Olmesartan can be adjusted accordingly.
Olmesartan Interaction with Other Medicine
Avoid taking olmesartan 40 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Olmesartan Interaction with Food Products
Alcohol and tobacco should not be taken with this medicine, as they can either decrease or increase its effects.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Olmesartan Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
5-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-2-propyl-3-[[4-[2-(2H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl]phenyl]methyl]imidazole-4-carboxylic acid.
Intake Routine/Cycle
📌 Daily Dose
Take Olmesartan exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
Currently, there is no data on the exact dose that can cause an overdose, but symptoms may include low blood pressure, dizziness, sleepiness, and a fast heartbeat (palpitations). If you know someone who takes Olmesartan and experiences these symptoms, take them to a doctor immediately.
Dietary and Lifestyle Management
A few modifications in your diet and lifestyle can significantly help manage your blood pressure, to the point where your doctor may determine that medication is no longer necessary. Here are some dietary changes and lifestyle practices that can help you manage your blood pressure:
Lose Weight
Weight gain is directly linked to higher blood pressure. If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower your blood pressure. Pay attention to the weight around your waistline as well, excess weight in this area can be a significant risk factor for high blood pressure.
Regular Exercise
Exercise can lower your blood pressure by 5 to 8 mm Hg. Engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity daily can significantly help reduce your blood pressure. Activities like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and dancing are all effective in keeping your blood pressure under control.
Eat Healthy
Choosing a healthy diet not only helps lower your blood pressure but also offers numerous other health benefits. Incorporate the following foods into your diet to help reduce your blood pressure:
Quit or limit alcohol consumption
Alcohol can cause blood vessels to narrow, increasing the heart’s pumping workload. Therefore, it is best to quit or limit alcohol consumption.
Quit Smoking
Cigarettes contain nicotine, an addictive substance that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it’s crucial to avoid smoking to protect your heart and overall health.
Increase your Sleep Duration
Lack of sleep forces your heart to work harder, causing your blood vessels to constrict, which can lead to high blood pressure. Aiming for 7 to 8 hours of sleep is ideal for those with elevated blood pressure.
FAQ’s
1. Is Olmesartan more effective than telmisartan?
➡️ A study conducted with 60 patients who had high blood pressure divided them into three groups. One group was given Olmesartan, another was given telmisartan, and the last group was given losartan. It was found that the patients treated with Olmesartan experienced a significant decrease in blood pressure.
2. Why was Olmesartan discontinued?
➡️ Olmesartan was discontinued because it was observed that patients who took the medication developed swelling in the intestine, a condition called sprue-like enteropathy, which resulted in weight loss, abdominal pain, and bloating.
3. Can Olmesartan cause kidney problems?
➡️ Yes, taking Olmesartan for a long time can cause kidney problems.
4. When should Olmesartan be taken?
➡️ Olmesartan is prescribed by your doctor for high blood pressure. You can take the medicine with or without food, as instructed by your doctor, depending on the severity of your condition.
Reference
- Kalikar M, Nivangune KS, Dakhale GN, Bajait CS, Sontakke SD, Motghare VM, Budania R. Efficacy and Tolerability of Olmesartan, Telmisartan, and Losartan in Patients of Stage I Hypertension: A Randomized, Open-label Study. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2017 Jul-Sep;8(3):106-111. doi: 10.4103/jpp.JPP_39_17. PMID: 29081617; PMCID: PMC5642122. Available from.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA approves label changes to include intestinal problems (sprue-like enteropathy) with olmesartan. [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2024 Dec 12]. Available from.
- National Health Service (NHS). Side effects of olmesartan. [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Dec 12]. Available from.
- National Health Service (NHS). How and when to take olmesartan. [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Dec 12]. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Olmesartan (oral route): Description. [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Dec 12]. Available from.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Olmesartan. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 [cited 2024 Dec 12]. Available from.
