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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Olmesartan

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Olmesartan

  • Olmesartan is an angiotensin-II receptor antagonist.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor to have your blood pressure measured.

About olmesartan

Type of medicineAngiotensin-II receptor antagonist
Used forHypertension (high blood pressure)
Also calledOlmesartan medoxomil
Olmetec®
Sevikar® (olmesartan with amlodipine)
Olmetec Plus® (olmesartan with hydrochlorothiazide)
Sevikar® HCT(olmesartan with amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide)
Available asTablets

Olmesartan is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

It works by preventing the action of a hormone called angiotensin-II. Angiotensin-II causes blood vessels to narrow and leads to production of another hormone called aldosterone which increases the amount of fluid in the blood. By preventing the action of angiotensin-II, olmesartan widens blood vessels and reduces fluid in the blood, lowering the blood pressure.

Olmesartan may also be used in combination with other medicines used to reduce blood pressure, such as amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide.

Before taking olmesartan

Before taking olmesartan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have gall-bladder, liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from renal artery stenosis (a narrowing or blockage of the artery supplying the kidney).
  • If you have problems with your heart valves or heart muscle.
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take olmesartan

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take olmesartan exactly as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken once daily.
  • Try to take olmesartan at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. You will have regular blood tests to check your kidney function. Your doctor will also measure your blood pressure.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can olmesartan cause problems?

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

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Light-headedness, especially when moving from a sitting or lying position to a standing oneMoving more slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down for a few moments so that you do not faint, then sit for a while before standing. This usually improves as your body gets used to olmesartan but if it continues to trouble you let your doctor know
Feeling sick, abdominal pain, indigestionEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
Cough and flu-like symptoms, aches and pains, urine infections, tirednessIf any of these become troublesome, discuss them with your doctor

Important: if you develop an allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store olmesartan

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Olmetec® Tablets, Daiichi Sankyo UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2008, accessed August 2009.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Olmetec Plus®, Daiichi Sankyo UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2006, accessed August 2009.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Sevikar®, Daiichi Sankyo UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2008, accessed August 2009.
  • British National Formulary; 57th Edition (March 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2011DocID: 3862DocRef: dils3891Last Reviewed: 15 Sep 2009Version: 24
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.
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