Olmesartan

Olmesartan is a drug to lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. A more controlled blood pressure will help reduce the risk of hypertension complications, such as stroke, heart disease and kidney disorders.

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker ( ARB ). Olmesartan works by inhibiting angiotensin II which causes blood vessels to narrow. Thus, blood vessels will widen, blood flow will be smooth, and blood pressure can decrease.

Brand names of olmesartan: Losatec, Normetec, Olmetec, Olmetec Plus, Oloduo

What Is Olmesartan

Warnings Before Consuming Olmesartan

Olmesartan should not be consumed casually. Before consuming this medicine, you need to pay attention to the following things:

• Do not consume olmesartan if you have an allergy to this drug. Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergy to other ARB drugs, such as azilsartan medoxomil , candesartan, losartan , telmisartan, or valsartan .
• Do not use olmesartan if you are taking aliskiren.
• Tell your doctor if you have had or are currently suffering from liver disease, kidney disease, high levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia), heart disease, low blood pressure, diabetes, or gall bladder disease, such as gallstones .
• Tell your doctor if you experience dehydration or conditions that increase the risk of dehydration, such as vomiting or severe diarrhea, both before and during treatment with olmesartan.
• Inform the doctor if you have just undergone a kidney transplant.
• Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet and are consuming salt substitutes that contain potassium, or if you are taking potassium supplements .
• Tell your doctor if you are taking other drugs, including herbal products or supplements, to anticipate drug interactions.
• Tell the doctor that you are taking olmesartan before undergoing surgery, including dental surgery.
• Inform the doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• Use contraception to prevent pregnancy during treatment with olmesartan. Consult your doctor about the most effective contraceptive for you.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages during treatment with olmesartan, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
• Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness during treatment with olmesartan, because in some people this drug can cause dizziness.
• See a doctor immediately if you experience a serious drug allergic reaction or side effect after taking olmesartan.

Dosage and Administration of Olmesartan

The dose prescribed by the doctor will be adjusted to the condition, age, and body weight (BB) of the patient. Here are the details of the general dose of olmesartan:

Condition: Hypertension

• Adults: 20 mg, 1 time a day. After 2 weeks the dose can be increased to 40 mg, 1 time a day.
• Children aged 6–16 years with a body weight > 35 kg: 20 mg, 1 time per day. If necessary, after 2 weeks the dose can be increased to a maximum of 40 mg, 1 time per day.
• Children aged 6-16 years with a body weight of 20-35 kg : 10 mg, 1 time a day . If necessary, after 2 weeks the dose can be increased to 20 mg, 1 time per day

How to Consume Olmesartan Correctly

Follow the doctor's advice and read the information on the olmesartan packaging before starting to consume it. Do not change the dose without first consulting a doctor. Olmesartan can be consumed directly or consumed with food.

Consume olmesartan regularly at the same time every day for optimal treatment results. Do not stop taking olmesartan even if you feel well, unless your doctor recommends it.

If you are taking medicine to lower cholesterol, such as cholestyramine , colesevelam, or colestipol, make sure there is a 4-hour gap after taking olmesartan.

If you forget to take olmesartan, take it immediately if the break with the next schedule is not too close. When it is close, ignore the dose and do not double the next dose.

During treatment with olmesartan, do routine check-ups with the doctor according to schedule. At the control time, the doctor will check blood pressure and kidney function to anticipate side effects.

You are also advised to measure blood pressure using a tensimeter independently. Consult your doctor if your blood pressure remains high after using olmesartan.

Store olmesartan in a dry and cool place away from direct sunlight. Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.

Olmesartan Interactions with Other Drugs

Drug interaction effects that can occur if olmesartan is used with certain drugs include:

• Increased risk of hyperkalemia if used with ACE inhibitors , potassium supplements, ciclosporin , or potassium-sparing diuretics
• Increased blood pressure lowering effect if used with other antihypertensive drugs
• Increased risk of acute kidney failure if used with aliskiren or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Increased risk of side effects from lithium

Side Effects and Dangers of Olmesartan

In some people, the consumption of olmesartan can cause side effects. Some of the side effects are:

• Turn
• Feeling of floating after standing up from a sitting or lying position ( orthostatic hypotension )
• Drowsy
• Headache, feeling unwell, tired or weak, runny or stuffy nose, and cough
• Stomachache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in the back, joints, or bones

Contact a doctor if the side effects do not improve or worsen. Immediately check yourself with a doctor if you have a serious drug allergic reaction or side effect, such as:

• Diarrhea that does not stop
• High levels of potassium in the blood, which can be marked by muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, or a slow ( bradycardia ) or irregular ( arrhythmia ) heartbeat
• Kidney disorders, which can be marked by a decrease in the amount of urine or the frequency of urination
• Abnormal bruising or bleeding, which can be marked by a skin rash, purple spots on the skin, more menstrual bleeding than usual, or bleeding gums or nosebleeds for no apparent reason
• Pass out