Olmesartan is used on its own or together with other medicines to help keep your blood pressure under control.
Take Olmesartan 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.
Olmesartan must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the 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 blocked bile duct (a tube-like channel which carries bile from the liver through the duodenum, upper portion of the small intestine) as Olmesartan may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine 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 may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
DO NOT take Olmesartan together with aliskiren (medicine to treat high blood pressure) especially if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- other heart disease such as narrowing of the valves of the heart
- kidney disease
- primary hyperaldosteronism (disorder of the adrenal glands)
Let you doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. He may also need to do routine blood tests while you are being treated with Olmesartan.
What lifestyle changes 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 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, nausea, tiredness, weakness, indigestion, diarrhoea, stomach pain, back pain and flu-like symptoms (e.g. cough, sore throat, sneezing, 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
- chest pain
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- tight or swollen throat, or breathlessness
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness
- persistent and worsening of diarrhoea accompanied by unusual weight loss
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 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 to treat high blood pressure e.g. captopril, lisinopril, enalapril
- medicines for mood disorder e.g. lithium
- colosevelam (cholesterol-lowering medicine)
- potassium supplements (either as a medicine or as a salt substitute)
- medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. diclofenac, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen
- diuretics or “water pills” e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride
- heparin (blood-thinning medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Olmesartan.
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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