Fimasartan
About Fimasartan
Fimasartan is an oral prescription medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). By keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range, it helps prevent serious heart and blood vessel problems such as strokes and heart attacks. It is designed for long-term management of high blood pressure rather than immediate, temporary relief.
To get the best results, you must take Fimasartan consistently at the same time every day. You can take this tablet with or without food, as eating does not affect how the medicine is absorbed. Combining this medication with a low-salt diet and regular physical activity can significantly improve your blood pressure control.
While taking Fimasartan, some people may experience mild side effects like dizziness, headache, or fatigue. These symptoms often improve as your body adjusts to the medicine, but you should contact your doctor if they persist. If you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, seek immediate medical attention.
Do not take this if you are pregnant, as it can cause serious harm or death to an unborn baby. Before starting Fimasartan, you must tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver damage or if you are severely dehydrated. This medicine is also not recommended for children or teenagers under the age of 18.
Certain medications, including potassium supplements and some pain relievers, can interact negatively with Fimasartan. You should also limit alcohol consumption while taking this medicine, as it can worsen dizziness. If you are breastfeeding or are an elderly individual, consult your healthcare provider to discuss whether this medication is safe for you.
Uses of Fimasartan
Medicinal Benefits
Fimasartan provides reliable, long-term protection against the complications associated with high blood pressure. Since high blood pressure often has no visible symptoms, the primary benefit of this medication is preventing future cardiovascular damage that you might not otherwise notice. Key benefits of taking Fimasartan include:
- Lower risk of stroke and heart attack: By maintaining a stable, healthy blood pressure, Fimasartan significantly reduces the strain on your arteries and heart muscle.
- Once-daily convenience: The medicine remains active in your body for a full 24 hours, meaning you only need to take it once a day to maintain consistent blood pressure control.
- Preservation of kidney function: By lowering blood pressure throughout your body, it can help protect delicate blood vessels in your kidneys from long-term damage.
Directions for Use
- Fimasartan can be taken with or without food as advised by a doctor.
- It is advised to take Fimasartan once daily, or as directed by your doctor, at the same time each day for best results.
- Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Fimasartan
Like all prescription medications, Fimasartan can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them. Most side effects are mild and temporary.
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly
- Headache
- Feeling unusually tired or weak
- Mild stomach upset or diarrhoea
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away)
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Severe, persistent dizziness or fainting
- Muscle weakness, chest pain, or an irregular heartbeat (which may indicate high potassium levels in your blood)
- Signs of kidney problems, such as a significant decrease in how much urine you pass
Drug Warnings
- Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to give your body time to adjust and prevent dizziness or fainting.
- Do not start taking any over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or naproxen without consulting your pharmacist first, as they can raise blood pressure and strain your kidneys.
- Keep all your scheduled appointments for blood tests, as your doctor will need to check your kidney function and blood potassium levels regularly.
- Stop taking this medication immediately if you suspect you are pregnant, and contact your doctor right away.
- Inform any doctor or dentist treating you that you are taking Fimasartan, especially before undergoing any surgical procedures.
Drug Interactions
- Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing water pills: Taking these alongside Fimasartan can cause dangerously high potassium levels in your blood.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen: These pain relievers can reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect of Fimasartan and increase the risk of kidney damage.
- Lithium: Fimasartan can increase the levels of lithium in your body, raising the risk of lithium toxicity.
- Other blood pressure medications: Combining this medicine with other blood pressure drugs can increase the risk of excessively low blood pressure and kidney issues.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Fimasartan. as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure and cause side effects such as dizziness, fainting, light-headedness or headache.
Pregnancy
unsafeFimasartan is not for pregnant women as its use during your pregnancy can cause injury and even death to your unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
cautionThe safe use of Fimasartan in breastfeeding mothers has not yet been established. So, it should be used in breastfeeding women only when prescribed by a doctor.
Driving
cautionFimasartan may cause dizziness or tiredness in some people. So, make sure you are not affected before driving or operating machinery.
Liver
cautionTake Fimasartan with caution, especially if you have a history of liver disease. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. Fimasartan is not recommended for patients with severe liver disease.
Kidney
cautionTake Fimasartan with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required. Fimasartan is not recommended for patients with severe kidney disease.
Children
unsafeIt is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness in children are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Managing high blood pressure requires a combination of medication and healthy daily habits. Here are practical steps to support the effectiveness of Fimasartan:
- Reduce salt intake: Eat less sodium by avoiding processed foods and limiting the amount of table salt you add to your meals.
- Avoid potassium-rich salt substitutes: Many salt alternatives contain potassium instead of sodium. Since Fimasartan can increase potassium levels in your blood, using these substitutes can cause dangerously high potassium levels.
- Stay physically active: Engage in moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, after consulting your doctor.
- Limit alcohol: Minimise alcohol consumption, as combining it with this medication can cause your blood pressure to drop too low, making you feel dizzy or faint.
- Monitor your blood pressure: Keep a daily log of your blood pressure readings at home and share these results with your doctor during your checkups.
Special Advise
Monitor your blood pressure regularly, and if you notice any fluctuations, please consult a doctor.
- Low salt diet and regular exercise are recommended along with Fimasartan for effective results.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: It is a chronic condition when blood pressure is too high. Blood pressure is the amount of blood pumped by the heart and the amount of resistance exerted by the arteries against the blood flow. If the heart pumps more blood, then arteries become narrower, and in turn, blood pressure becomes high. If blood pressure becomes uncontrolled, it may cause serious heart disease, including stroke and heart attack. High blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. Blood pressure is expressed by systolic and diastolic. Systolic blood pressure represents the contraction and relaxation of the heart. Diastolic represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart beats and is in a resting state. Ideal blood pressure should be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg. Hypertension is detected when systolic blood pressure is more than 140mmHg, and diastolic pressure is higher than 90mmHg. Some symptoms of hypertension include headache, nosebleeds, vomiting, and chest pain.
Cardiovascular risk: It is usually diagnosed in patients older than 55 and is characterized by blood vessel disease in the heart, brain, or legs (coronary, peripheral, or cerebral vascular disease) or diabetes with organ damage.
FAQs
Fimasartan is used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). Additionally, it is used to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke and kidney problems.
You need to know that this Fimasartan can lead to harm or death to your unborn baby. Therefore, if you are planning a pregnancy or have become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine to treat your high blood pressure.
Yes. You can keep hypertension if you are in the high-risk group. It is advisable to you can take some steps like limiting your salt intake, eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, managing stress efficiently, etc., to prevent hypertension even when you have increased risk factors. And do not forget your routine health check-ups.
Fimasartan may interact with potassium supplements resulting in hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood). It may cause severe adverse effects such as irregular heartbeat, muscle paralysis, and kidney failure.
Both Fimasartan and telmisartan are blood pressure-lowering medicines. Fimasartan is a relatively new medicine. It is as effective as telmisartan in lowering blood pressure. It can be safely used in patients as it has some side effects.
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.
Fimasartan belongs to a class of drugs called Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs). It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Fimasartan is a more potent and longer-acting ARB, with effects lasting for over 24 hours.
Fimasartan contains Fimasartan, which works by blocking a hormone called angiotensin. This hormone normally makes blood vessels tighten, but by blocking it, Fimasartan helps relax the blood vessels. This allows blood to flow more easily, making it easier for the heart to pump and lowering high blood pressure.
Take Fimasartan exactly as directed by your doctor, with or without food. It is an oral medication that needs to be taken by mouth. Swallow the medication as a whole with a glass of water daily at the same time for effective results.
An overdose of Fimasartan can cause symptoms such as low blood pressure (hypotension), leading to dizziness, fainting, and a fast or irregular heartbeat. It may also cause electrolyte imbalances, such as high potassium levels, leading to muscle weakness or cramps. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.
Fimasartan is not recommended for individuals with severe kidney or liver disease, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with potassium-related issues or a history of angioedema. Additionally, anyone allergic to Fimasartan or its components should avoid this medication. It's essential to consult your doctor or healthcare provider to determine if Fimasartan is safe for you, considering your unique medical circumstances.
While taking Fimasartan, it is important to maintain a low-salt diet and avoid processed foods, as they tend to be high in sodium. Try using herbs and spices to flavour your food instead of salt. Regular exercise, such as walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing for at least 30 minutes a day, is also recommended. Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, so it is helpful to manage stress by adjusting expectations and reactions, and taking time for activities you enjoy. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Also, avoid smoking and alcohol. Monitor your blood pressure regularly while on this medication, and if you notice any changes, consult your doctor.
The common side effects of Fimasartan include dizziness, sinus inflammation (cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed), back pain, and increased potassium levels in the blood. Most of these side effects of Fimasartan do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, please reach out to your doctor.
No, you must not take Fimasartan if you are pregnant. This medication can cause severe injury or death to an unborn baby, especially when taken during the second and third trimesters. If you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant, stop taking the medicine immediately and talk to your doctor.
It is highly recommended to limit or avoid alcohol while taking Fimasartan. Alcohol can cause your blood pressure to drop further, which increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting, especially when standing up. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about safe alcohol limits.
If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down immediately to prevent fainting or falling. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing dangerous tasks until the feeling passes. If the dizziness is severe, frequent, or does not go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
You should avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking Fimasartan. This medication can naturally raise the level of potassium in your blood, and combining it with potassium-based salt substitutes can lead to dangerously high blood potassium levels. Talk to your doctor before changing your diet.
No, Fimasartan belongs to a class of medications called ARBs, which are much less likely to cause a dry, hacking cough compared to another class of blood pressure drugs known as ACE inhibitors. If you develop a persistent cough, talk to your doctor to determine its cause.
Yes, your doctor will likely request routine blood tests to monitor your kidney function and check the potassium levels in your blood. This is a standard safety measure to ensure the medication is not causing silent changes in your body. Talk to your doctor for more details.
No, you should not stop taking Fimasartan without consulting your healthcare provider. High blood pressure is a chronic condition, and your normal readings are likely a direct result of the medication working. Stopping it suddenly can cause your blood pressure to surge back up. Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
