Olmesartan Medoxomil
About Olmesartan Medoxomil
Olmesartan Medoxomil belongs to a group of medications called anti-hypertensives primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure is a chronic (long-term) condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently at higher-than-normal levels. If left untreated, this condition can increase the risk of heart-related diseases like heart attack, heart failure, stroke, irregular heartbeat, and other complications.
Olmesartan Medoxomil contains Olmesartan medoxomil, which is a prodrug hydrolysed to olmesartan during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. It is an angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB) that narrows the blood vessels, increasing the blood pressure; therefore, blocking angiotensin can result in the widening of the narrowed blood vessels. This effect allows the blood to flow more smoothly in the blood vessels.
Take Olmesartan Medoxomil as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take Olmesartan Medoxomil based on your medical condition. The common side effects of Olmesartan Medoxomil are dizziness, headache, nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and sore throat. Most of these side effects of Olmesartan Medoxomil do not require medical attention and typically resolve on their own over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Olmesartan Medoxomil if you are allergic to olmesartan medoxomil or any ingredients present in it. Olmesartan Medoxomil should not be used in pregnant women, patients suffering from jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) or gallbladder blockage, patients having diabetes or kidney failure, and those using blood pressure-lowering medicine containing aliskiren. Inform your doctor if you are taking potassium supplements or any other prescription or non-prescription drugs.
Uses of Olmesartan Medoxomil
Medicinal Benefits
- Olmesartan Medoxomil helps lower high blood pressure (hypertension), which reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.
- It works by blocking a hormone called angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow and raises blood pressure.
- By blocking angiotensin II, Olmesartan Medoxomil allows blood vessels to relax and widen, improving blood flow throughout the body.
- Better blood flow helps reduce the pressure on the heart and arteries, making it easier for the heart to pump blood effectively.
- When used regularly, Olmesartan Medoxomil helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels, protecting the heart, brain, and kidneys from long-term damage.
Directions for Use
- Olmesartan Medoxomil can be taken with or without food as advised by a doctor.
- Adhere to your doctor's guidance regarding the dosage and timing of this medication for optimal effectiveness.
- Swallow Olmesartan Medoxomil as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Olmesartan Medoxomil
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- stomach pain
- Sore throat
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Olmesartan Medoxomil if you are allergic to olmesartan medoxomil or any of the ingredients in the medication.
- Inform your doctor if you have any kidney problems, liver disease, heart conditions, or diabetes before starting this medicine.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other blood pressure-lowering medicines, especially those containing aliskiren.
- Always inform your doctor about any prescription or non-prescription drugs, vitamins, or nutritional supplements you are using.
- Seek medical attention if you develop severe, long-lasting diarrhoea or experience significant, unexplained weight loss during treatment.
- This medicine is not recommended for children under 2 years of age or during pregnancy and should be used with caution if you are breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-drug interactions: Olmesartan Medoxomil may interact with other antihypertensives (enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril, and aliskiren), potassium supplements, blood thinner (heparin), a medicine used to treat depression (lithium), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aceclofenac, and diclofenac), a lipid-lowering drug (colesevelam) and certain antacid (cimetidine, ranitidine).
Drug-food interactions: Olmesartan Medoxomil may interact with high potassium-containing food and drinks. Also, alcohol should not be consumed while taking Olmesartan Medoxomil.
Drug-disease interactions: Olmesartan Medoxomil should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, liver disease, heart failure or problems with your heart valves or heart muscle, diabetes, hyperkalemia (increased potassium levels in the blood), and adrenal gland problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol should not be taken while using Olmesartan Medoxomil. It may worsen the health condition.
Pregnancy
unsafeOlmesartan Medoxomil is not safe during pregnancy, as it can harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking it, stop the medicine immediately and consult your doctor.
Breast Feeding
cautionOlmesartan Medoxomil should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers. Consult your doctor before use.
Driving
cautionOlmesartan Medoxomil may cause dizziness and affect your ability to drive.
Liver
consult your doctorOlmesartan Medoxomil may be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment, usually at a lower dose and under close medical supervision. However, it is generally not recommended in patients with severe liver impairment, as reduced liver function can affect drug metabolism and lead to accumulation in the body.
Kidney
consult your doctorThe use of Olmesartan Medoxomil may be considered with caution in patients with mild to moderate kidney impairment, typically under close medical supervision. However, in patients with severe kidney dysfunction, its use is generally not recommended, as impaired kidney function can reduce drug elimination and increase the risk of side effects. Regular monitoring of kidney function is advised during treatment.
Children
cautionOlmesartan Medoxomil is not recommended for use in children under 2 years of age. In children over 2, it should be used with caution and may require dose adjustments.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a DASH or Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (like fish and legumes), and healthy fats (like olive oil and nuts).
- Limit salt (sodium) intake to less than 2,300 mg per day, ideally under 1,500 mg — to help lower and maintain blood pressure.
- Avoid processed and packaged foods, which are often high in hidden sodium and unhealthy fats.
- Stay physically active, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming) most days of the week.
- Maintain a healthy weight, as even a modest reduction in weight can significantly lower blood pressure.
- Limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men, as excess alcohol can raise blood pressure.
- Quit smoking, as tobacco use damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Manage stress effectively through practices such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or regular relaxation time.
- Avoid high-potassium salt substitutes unless approved by your doctor, as ARBs like Olmesartan can raise potassium levels.
- Take your medication regularly as prescribed, and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your blood pressure and kidney function.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may check your kidney function, blood pressure and electrolyte levels in your blood at regular intervals while using Olmesartan Medoxomil.
- Olmesartan Medoxomil may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: It is a chronic (long-term) condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently at higher than normal levels. It occurs when the blood’s force against the wall of blood vessels is too high. This condition can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes damage to the brain, kidneys, and eyes. The risk of high blood pressure complications increases with the following: obesity, smoking, diabetes, alcohol intake, lack of physical activity, stress and kidney diseases.
FAQs
Olmesartan Medoxomil is used to treat Hypertension (high blood pressure), a chronic (long-term) condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently at higher-than-normal levels.
Olmesartan Medoxomil contains Olmesartan Medoxomil, which works by blocking the hormone angiotensin II, allowing blood vessels to relax and widen, thereby lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow.
You should not discontinue using Olmesartan Medoxomil without consulting your doctor. The doctor may monitor your blood pressure for at least two weeks before reducing the dose and gradually stopping the medicine.
Please inform your doctor before surgery if you are taking Olmesartan Medoxomil as it needs to be stopped because it might lower the blood pressure further if taken along with general anaesthesia.
Olmesartan Medoxomil is not safe during pregnancy, as it can harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking it, stop the medicine immediately and consult your doctor.
If it is less than 2 hours since the missed dose, take the medicine. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not double the dose. Take the next dose as usual at a fixed time.
Olmesartan Medoxomil can be safely taken as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. High blood pressure is a life-long condition, and you should not abruptly stop taking the medicine. Discontinuing Olmesartan Medoxomil may lead to increased blood pressure with a high risk of heart attack and stroke in the future.
Eat a well-balanced diet and get regular exercise. Cut down on salt and unhealthy foods. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Manage stress by doing meditation.
Olmesartan Medoxomil contains Olmesartan medoxomil, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist which belongs to the class of antihypertensives medicines.
Olmesartan Medoxomil can be taken with or without food.
No, Olmesartan Medoxomil is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that helps treat high blood pressure.
The common side effects of Olmesartan Medoxomil are dizziness, headache, nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and sore throat. If the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Olmesartan Medoxomil may cause dizziness as a side effect. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
It usually takes about a week for Olmesartan Medoxomil to start lowering high blood pressure. It may take 2-8 weeks to notice full benefits of Olmesartan Medoxomil.
No, Olmesartan Medoxomil does not have a diuretic. It contains Olmesartan medoxomil, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist.
Take Olmesartan Medoxomil as prescribed by the doctor. It is usually taken in the morning.
Olmesartan Medoxomil should be taken for as long as it has been prescribed by the doctor. The doctor will determine the duration of the treatment based on your condition.
Yes, it is safe to take Olmesartan Medoxomil for the long term if prescribed by the doctor.
No, Olmesartan Medoxomil does not cause weight gain. Maintain proper weight by eating healthy food and exercising regularly.
Olmesartan Medoxomil should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers. Please consult the doctor before starting Olmesartan Medoxomil if you are breastfeeding.
Olmesartan Medoxomil should be used with other blood pressure medicines only if prescribed by the doctor. Taking Olmesartan Medoxomil with aliskiren or ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril, captopril, lisinopril or ramipril may cause interactions. Therefore, consult the doctor if you are taking these medicines.
Stopping Olmesartan Medoxomil may lead to increased blood pressure with a risk of heart attack and stroke in the future. Therefore, do not discontinue Olmesartan Medoxomil without consulting your doctor.
Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an overdose of Olmesartan Medoxomil. Symptoms of overdose are dizziness, fainting and fast heartbeat.
