Olmesartan

About Olmesartan

This belongs to the group of medicines known as angiotensin-II receptor antagonists.

Olmesartan is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It works by causing blood vessels to relax, which in turn lowers blood pressure. It can also be used to treat diabetic nephropathy (kidney problems in people with diabetes).

Olmesartan is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Olmetec. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Olmesartan

Before taking Olmesartan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you suffer from liver, heart, gall bladder or kidney problems
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Olmesartan

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will have to undergo regular blood tests to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor first.
• Try to take this medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and continue taking it at the usual times. If it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose, never take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Olmesartan contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Olmesartan.
• Before having any kind of treatment, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking Olmesartan.
• Occasionally, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting may occur. Make sure that you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machinery or do other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• You may feel dizzy when standing up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.
• Alcohol can also affect your blood pressure. You should try to avoid alcohol whilst taking this medicine, or if you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.

Can Olmesartan cause problems?

Along with their needed effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your pharmacist or doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Stomach pain, diarrhoea, indigestion, flu-like symptoms, stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, joint or muscle pain, urine (water) infection, blood in the urine, swollen ankles, feeling sick, dizziness, skin rashes or chest pain.

If you experience any other worrying side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store Olmesartan

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS 2005   Updated: 28/01/2005