What is the most important information I should know about olmesartan?
Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away. Olmesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
If you have diabetes, do not use olmesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo).
What is olmesartan?
Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Olmesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Olmesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.
Olmesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking olmesartan?
You should not take olmesartan if you are allergic to it.
If you have diabetes, do not use olmesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo).
You may also need to avoid taking olmesartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
To make sure olmesartan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease;
- congestive heart failure; or
- if you are dehydrated.
Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away. Olmesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
It is not known whether olmesartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking olmesartan.
How should I take olmesartan?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take olmesartan with or without food.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medication. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual.
Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking olmesartan?
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of olmesartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking olmesartan, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
What are the possible side effects of olmesartan?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- little or no urination;
- severe or ongoing diarrhea with weight loss;
- chest pain, fast heart rate;
- swelling in your hands or feet; or
-
high potassium --nausea, slow or unusual heart rate, weakness, loss of movement.
Common side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect olmesartan?
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
- colesevelam;
- lithium;
-
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with olmesartan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about olmesartan.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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