Key facts about Olmesartan
What dosages is Olmesartan available in?
Olmesartan is available as a 5 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg oral tablet.
What is Olmesartan used for?
Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that is used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older.
How does Olmesartan work?
Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Angiotensin II is a hormone that acts on multiple areas in the body. By blocking angiotensin II in the blood vessels, this medication tells the blood vessels to relax, which helps to lower blood pressure.
How do I take Olmesartan?
Olmesartan is typically taken by mouth once daily.
Is it safe for me to take Olmesartan?
Olmesartan is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not take this medication along with aliskiren if you have diabetes.
Olmesartan Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Olmesartan include:
- Dizziness
- Facial swelling
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Hair loss
- Rash
- Diarrhea
Olmesartan Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Olmesartan. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious kidney problems: urinating less often than usual, swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands, unexplained weight gain
- Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
- High blood potassium levels: nausea, muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeat
- Severe diarrhea: having watery bowel movements 10-20 times daily, nausea, weight loss
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Olmesartan
The following medications may interact with Olmesartan:
- Agents increasing potassium levels may lead to increase in serum potassium
- • NSAID use may lead to increased risk of renal impairment and loss of antihypertensive effect
- • Dual inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system: Increased risk of renal impairment, hypotension, and hyperkalemia
- • Lithium: Increases in serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity
- • Colesevelam hydrochloride: Consider administering Olmesartan at least 4 hours before colesevelam hydrochloride dose
Who makes Olmesartan?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Olmesartan safe in pregnancy?
Olmesartan may cause harm to your unborn baby. You should discontinue this medication immediately if you become pregnant.
