Olmesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide are combined together in this medicine. This medicine helps keep your blood pressure under control.
Olmesartan helps your blood pressure to go down by relaxing the blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide removes excess water and salts from the body by passing them into the urine. This reduces the amount of water in the body and thus reduces blood pressure.
Take Olmesartan + Hydrochorothiazide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking it even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by your doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease
- unable to pass urine
- low level of sodium or potassium in your blood
- high level of calcium or uric acid in your blood
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Olmesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Olmesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Olmesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide.
Do not take Olmesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide with aliskiren (medicine used to treat high blood pressure) if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- diabetes
- gout
- heart disease e.g. narrowing of the heart valves, thickened heart muscle
- low blood pressure
- high cholesterol level in the blood
- kidney problems e.g. narrowing of the blood vessel in the kidney
- systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
- primary hyperaldosteronism (disorder of the adrenal glands)
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery or certain laboratory tests, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
For as long as you are taking Olmesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide, your doctor may need to monitor your blood pressure regularly to check your body’s response to the medicine. Certain tests (BUN, creatinine, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
What lifestyle changes I can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity (e.g. walking) at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to kick your smoking habit.
Try to keep stress levels under control as stress will cause your blood pressure to go up.
Olmesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, tiredness, nausea, sore throat, cough, sneezing and runny or stuffy nose.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- swelling of hands, legs, face, or mouth
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- palpitations or irregular heartbeat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
DO NOT take Olmesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide together with aliskiren (medicine to treat high blood pressure) especially if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines to treat depression e.g. lithium
- medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. diclofenac, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. colestyramine, colestipol
- medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin
- medicines or supplements containing potassium
- diuretics or “water pills” e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride
- blood-thinning medicine e.g. heparin
- medicines for cancer e.g. cyclophosphamide, methotrexate
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Olmesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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