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Olmesartan Medoxomil: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Hypertension (Established Use) Olmesartan Medoxomil is indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults, to lower blood pressure.

Forms:Tablet

About Olmesartan Medoxomil

Indications of Olmesartan Medoxomil

Hypertension (Established Use)

Olmesartan Medoxomil is indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure with Olmesartan Medoxomil reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and heart attacks. Olmesartan Medoxomil may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive medicines.

Hypertension in Children (Established Use, Age 6–16 Years)

Olmesartan Medoxomil is indicated for the treatment of hypertension in children aged 6 to 16 years. Olmesartan Medoxomil has not been shown to be effective for lowering blood pressure in children younger than 6 years, and Olmesartan Medoxomil must not be given to infants younger than 1 year of age.

Guideline Positioning

The 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline lists angiotensin II receptor blockers such as Olmesartan Medoxomil among the first-line drug classes for initial antihypertensive therapy, alongside thiazide-type diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. Whether Olmesartan Medoxomil or another first-line agent is most appropriate for a given patient is decided by the treating physician.

Dosage & Administration of Olmesartan Medoxomil

The dosage of Olmesartan Medoxomil is determined by a qualified healthcare professional based on the patient's age, indication, blood pressure response, and other individual factors; the following information is a general guide and is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. Olmesartan Medoxomil is given by mouth, generally once daily, and doses are adjusted gradually over time as needed.

Side Effects of Olmesartan Medoxomil

Common Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effect of Olmesartan Medoxomil in clinical trials was dizziness. Other side effects reported with Olmesartan Medoxomil at rates similar to placebo included headache, back pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and upper respiratory symptoms such as bronchitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, and flu-like symptoms.

Serious Side Effects – Seek Medical Attention

  • Signs of an allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing, may indicate angioedema or an anaphylactic reaction to Olmesartan Medoxomil and require emergency care.
  • Signs of high potassium (hyperkalemia): muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or tingling can occur with Olmesartan Medoxomil, especially when combined with certain other medicines.
  • Signs of kidney problems: a marked decrease in urination or swelling can indicate acute kidney injury related to Olmesartan Medoxomil, particularly in patients with pre-existing kidney disease, heart failure, or dehydration.
  • Severe, chronic diarrhea with significant weight loss: this may indicate sprue-like enteropathy associated with Olmesartan Medoxomil; see Precautions and Warnings for full details.
  • Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness: rare cases of rhabdomyolysis have been reported with Olmesartan Medoxomil.

Contraindications of Olmesartan Medoxomil

Olmesartan Medoxomil is absolutely contraindicated in the following situations:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Olmesartan Medoxomil or to any component of the formulation.
  • Pregnancy: Olmesartan Medoxomil must not be used in pregnant women; see Pregnancy and Lactation for the fetal-toxicity rationale.
  • Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes: Aliskiren must not be co-administered with Olmesartan Medoxomil in diabetic patients because of the increased risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment from dual renin-angiotensin system blockade.

Frequently Asked Questions about Olmesartan Medoxomil

What is Olmesartan Medoxomil used for?

Olmesartan Medoxomil is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and in children aged 6 years and older. By lowering blood pressure, Olmesartan Medoxomil also helps reduce the long-term risk of stroke and heart attack.

How should Olmesartan Medoxomil be taken?

Olmesartan Medoxomil is usually taken once daily, by mouth, with or without food, at about the same time each day, exactly as prescribed by a doctor. The dose of Olmesartan Medoxomil should never be adjusted by the patient without medical advice.

What is the usual starting dose of Olmesartan Medoxomil for adults?

In adults, the usual starting dose of Olmesartan Medoxomil is 20 mg once daily, which a doctor may increase to 40 mg once daily after about 2 weeks if blood pressure is not adequately controlled. The exact dose of Olmesartan Medoxomil depends on individual patient factors and should always be set by a healthcare professional.

Can Olmesartan Medoxomil be taken during pregnancy?

No. Olmesartan Medoxomil is contraindicated in pregnancy because it can cause serious injury or death to the developing fetus, particularly when used in the second or third trimester. Anyone who becomes pregnant while taking Olmesartan Medoxomil should contact her doctor immediately so that Olmesartan Medoxomil can be discontinued and switched to a safer alternative.

Can children take Olmesartan Medoxomil?

Yes, Olmesartan Medoxomil is approved for treating hypertension in children aged 6 to 16 years, with the dose based on body weight. Olmesartan Medoxomil must not be given to infants younger than 1 year of age, and its effectiveness has not been established in children younger than 6 years.

What medicines can interact with Olmesartan Medoxomil?

Olmesartan Medoxomil can interact with ACE inhibitors, aliskiren, lithium, NSAIDs (including COX-2 inhibitors), and potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements. Anyone taking Olmesartan Medoxomil should tell their doctor about all other medicines they are using before starting or continuing Olmesartan Medoxomil.

What serious side effects of Olmesartan Medoxomil need urgent medical attention?

Seek urgent medical attention if Olmesartan Medoxomil causes signs of an allergic reaction (facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing), severe or persistent diarrhea with unexplained weight loss, a marked decrease in urination, or symptoms of high potassium such as muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat.

Is severe diarrhea a known side effect of Olmesartan Medoxomil?

Yes. Olmesartan Medoxomil has been specifically linked to a condition called sprue-like enteropathy, involving severe, chronic diarrhea and significant weight loss that can develop months to years after starting Olmesartan Medoxomil. Anyone experiencing these symptoms while taking Olmesartan Medoxomil should contact their doctor promptly, as symptoms typically improve once Olmesartan Medoxomil is stopped.

Can Olmesartan Medoxomil be stopped suddenly?

Olmesartan Medoxomil should not be stopped suddenly without consulting a doctor, since untreated high blood pressure often has no warning symptoms but can still cause harm. Any change to Olmesartan Medoxomil treatment, including stopping it, should be guided by a healthcare professional.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

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