Olmesartan
Olmesartan belongs to the angiostensin II receptor blocker which also inludes telmisartan, candesartan, losartan, valsartan and irbesartan. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ARBs) bind to angiotensin receptor 1 (AT1) and prevent angiotensin II from binding and exerting its hypertensive effects. Adults with elevated blood pressure (hypertension) are treated with olmesartan. It's also prescribed in conjunction with other blood pressure drugs. Olmesartan is a medication that requires a prescription. It comes in the form of an oral tablet with a film coating. This belongs to the brand name drug called Benicar. The medication is also available as a generic drug.
Olmesartan Uses
To control high blood pressure, enalapril is used alone or in conjunction with other drugs. It's also used to treat heart failure in conjunction with other drugs. Enalapril belongs to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor class of drugs. It works by lowering certain chemicals that tighten blood vessels, allowing blood to circulate more freely and the heart to pump blood more efficiently. High blood pressure is a common disorder that can damage the brain, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and other body organs if left untreated. Heart disease, a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, renal failure, vision loss, and other complications may also be caused by damage to these organs. Making lifestyle changes, in addition to taking medicine, can help you regulate your blood pressure.
Olmesartan Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Olmesartan are:
- Back pain
- Bronchitis
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Blood in the urine
- High blood sugar
- High triglycerides
- Flu
- Sore throat
Some of the serious side effects of Olmesartan are:
- Serious allergic reactions
- Swelling on face, lips and throat
- Low blood pressure
- Faintness
- Dizziness
- Liver problems
- Nausea
- Itchy skin
- Kidney problems
- Swelling of feet
The medication can cause some serious side effects and lead to severe problems. Like all drugs, Olmesartan can cause side effects, but not everyone experiences them. When the body adjusts to the medication, the side effects usually fade.
Precautions
Before using Olmesartan talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using this medication talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as Kidney disease, Liver disease, severe loss of body water and dehydration.
How to take Olmesartan?
Olmesartan is available as a tablet to be swallowed. It's taken once a day, with or without food. Take olmesartan at the same time every day to make you continue to take it. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if your child is unable to swallow a pill. This drug can be prepared in a liquid form for your child by the pharmacist. Olmesartan is a blood pressure medication that lowers blood pressure but does not cure it. While the blood pressure can drop within the first week of treatment, the full effect of olmesartan can take up to two weeks to become apparent. Even if you feel fine, keep taking olmesartan. Do not avoid taking olmesartan without first consulting your physician.
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Dosage for high blood pressure
Generic: Olmesartan
Form: Oral tablet
Strengths: 5 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
Brand:Benicar
Form: oral tablet
Strengths: 5 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
Adult dosage (ages 17–64 years)
Typical starting dosage: 20 mg taken once per day
Missed Dose
Take the drug as soon as possible, but if your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. Do not combine two doses at once.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Olmesartan tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some serious Health conditions
For people with an active renin-angiotensin system
The renin-angiotensin system is activated by this drug. Your renin-angiotensin pathway is still involved if you have heart failure, renal artery stenosis, or low blood pressure (hypotension). You risk severe kidney damage if you take olmesartan while your renin-angiotensin system is active.
For people with Diabetes
According to some studies, high doses of olmesartan raise the risk of heart attacks and death in diabetics. Furthermore, if you have diabetes and are still taking aliskiren, you should avoid taking this medication.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
In most cases, olmesartan is not indicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, if your doctor believes the medicine's benefits outweigh the risks, they can prescribe it. Speak to your doctor about the advantages and risks of taking this medication if you're trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant. Other therapies might be a better fit for you and your child.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Olmesartan vs Losartan
Olmesartan |
Losartan |
|---|---|
| Olmesartan belongs to the angiostensin II receptor blocker which also inludes telmisartan, candesartan, losartan, valsartan and irbesartan. | Losartan is a prescribed drug that comes in an oral tablet. This tablet is available in the brand name Cozaar. |
| Olmesartan is a drug that is used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children aged 6 and up. It may be taken alone or in conjunction with other drugs. | Losartan can be used for many purposes:
|
Some of the common side effects of Olmesartan are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Losartan are:
|
