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Olmesartan

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used to treat hypertension. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which lowers the pressure inside them. Tablets are swallowed, either alone or with other blood pressure medicines.

Medicine containing Olmesartan

Olmesartan

Hypertension

10 · 20 · 40mg

Olmesartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker used for hypertension. It comes as tablets in several strengths and pack sizes. Each option lists its price per tablet.

FromUS$0.67/ tabletView

Key points

  • Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, supplied as a film-coated tablet in 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg strengths.
  • A dose works for about 24 hours, and the full fall in blood pressure builds over one to two weeks.
  • Peak plasma levels appear one to two hours after an oral dose, and the terminal elimination half-life is around 13 hours.

What olmesartan is used for

It treats hypertension in adults and in children aged six and older, either alone or with other antihypertensive medicines. Lowering blood pressure with it reduces the risk of cardiovascular events that are fatal or nonfatal, mainly strokes and heart attacks. It belongs to the heart and blood pressure group.

How it works

Angiotensin II is a hormone that narrows blood vessels. Olmesartan blocks its action, so vessels relax and widen, blood meets less resistance and pressure falls.

Forms and strengths

Olmesartan is supplied as film-coated tablets in 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg strengths. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety

Olmesartan should not be used during pregnancy or by anyone with biliary obstruction. Blood pressure needs checking regularly, and dizziness can occur. It is used with caution in patients over 65. Dizziness and fatigue are the minor effects; hyperkalaemia and raised creatinine are moderate ones. Angioedema and renal failure are serious and need immediate medical attention. Potassium supplements, lithium and NSAIDs are the interactions to watch, and anyone taking one of these should have the combination reviewed.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication. Drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system reduce fetal kidney function in the second and third trimesters and increase fetal and neonatal illness and death; olmesartan should be stopped as soon as pregnancy is detected. Breastfeeding is not recommended.

What the sources say

  • The prescribing information gives the indication as hypertension in adults and children from six years of age, alone or with other antihypertensive agents, and states that the resulting fall in blood pressure lowers the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, mainly strokes and heart attacks. (DailyMed)
  • Olmesartan medoxomil is converted rapidly and completely to olmesartan by ester hydrolysis during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. (DailyMed)
  • Reduced amniotic fluid can be linked with fetal lung underdevelopment and skeletal deformity, and newborn effects can include skull underdevelopment, absent urine output, low blood pressure, kidney failure and death. (DailyMed)
  • Olmesartan may cause death or serious injury to the fetus when taken in the last six months of pregnancy. (MedlinePlus)

Further reading

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