OLMESARTAN

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Benicar

GENERIC NAME(S): OLMESARTAN MEDOXOMIL

Description: Olmesartan is a selective and competitive angiotensin II Type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist that relaxes blood vessels, thereby lowering BP and increasing blood supply and oxygen to the heart.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Bioavailability: Approx 26%. Time to peak plasma concentration: Approx 1-2 hr.

Distribution: Volume of distribution: 17 L. Plasma protein binding: ≤99%.

Metabolism: Olmesartan medoxomil undergoes ester hydrolysis in the GI tract to active form olmesartan.

Excretion: Mostly via faeces (50-65%) and urine (35-50%) both as olmesartan. Terminal half-life: Approx 10-15 hr.

Uses

For high blood pressure (hypertension) treatment
It is an angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) that relexes blood vessels so that blood can flow better
Also used as heart failure treatment

How to use olmesartan

Always refer to your doctors instructions before taking this medication. Duration and dosage will be determined by your medical condition and its response to the medication. Make sure to take this mediciation in the prescribed amount and time period even after symptoms disappear. Discontinuing the medication before completion of treatment may cause incomplete treatment of condition. If Symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Taken by mouth; With or without food; usually once a day
If medication comes in a liquid form, shake the bottle well before intak. Use a special measuring device/spoon for every dosage and not household spoon to avoid incorrect dose.
Some drugs to lower your cholesterol such as bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine, colesevelam, and colestipol
- Take olmesartan at least 4 hours prior to taking any of these medications.

Warnings

- Can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more information.

Side effects

- - Minor side effects (if these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor)
    - Dizziness or lightheadedness
  - Serious side effects (inform your doctor immediately)
    - Fainting
    - Symptoms of a high potassium blood level (muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat)
    - Unusual decrease in the amount of urine
    - Severe/persistent diarrhea
  - Severe allergic reactions are rare. Get immediate medical help if you notice the following:
  Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions

- - Precautions:
    - Inform your doctor if you
      - Are allergic to the medication
      - Have a history of kidney disease, liver disease, severe loss of body water and minerals (dehydration)
    - May cause dizziness
    - May increase your potassium levels
      - Consult your physician before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium
    - Not recommended for use during pregnancy. For more information, consult your doctor
    Interactions:
    
    Taking multiple drugs may affect how medications work and/or cause unwanted side effects. List down all the medications you are taking and inform your physician and pharmacist. Do not take, discontinue, or alter any dose of medications without prior approval of your physician.
    - Products that may interact with this medication Include:
      - Aliskiren
      - Lithium
    Drugs that increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as ACE inhibitors including benazepril/lisinopril, birth control pills containing drospirenone)

Overdose & Brands

- - Overdose:
  - If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.Notes
    Do not take this medication unless prescribed by your physician
    
    Consult your doctor on Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, and dietary changes may increase the effectiveness of this medication.
    
    Missed Dose
    
    If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and As soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next dose is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.
    
    Storage
    - Room temperature
    - Do not expose to light and moisture
    - Do not store in the bathroom
    - Keep all medications away from pets and children
    - For Supension
      - Store in a refrigerator at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C)
      - Do not freeze
      - Discard any unused suspension after 4 weeks
    Brands:
    
    Available Brands:
    
    Alzor [ Ajanta Pharma Phil ]
  - Cresart [ Sandoz ]Olmat [ Brown & Burk Phils ]
  - Olmetec [ Pfizer ]Olmezar [ OEP Phils ]
  - RiteMED Olmesartan [ RiteMED ]Also marketed as:Olesta [ Searle ]