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Olmesartan: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Olmesartan Medoxomil

Olmesartan is an FDI-approved drug belonging to the class of angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). The drug is used solely in hypertensive patients or in combination with diuretics or ca2+ channel blockers for patients having comorbidities like atherosclerosis or stage II hypertension.

This anti-hypertensive drug is available in 5 mg, 20mg, 40 mg tablets, and it can be administered orally once daily without any adjustments in food. The titration of drug dosage should be based on the physician’s opinion.

Mechanism of Action

Olmesartan competitively binds and inhibits the angiotensin I & II receptor at the adrenal gland and vascular smooth muscles. This competitive inhibition prevents the release of a chemical that constricts the blood vessel (aldosterone), leading to vasodilation & a decrease in blood pressure. Hence the heart will pump more efficiently.

Uses of Olmesartan

Olmesartan is used to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients, improve the heart’s performance, and prevent heart failure. It is also used for the prevention of stroke.

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Side Effects

The side effects of olmesartan are not very common. However, in some patients, it can produce a constellation of events affecting various human organs.

Headache, which may be associated with dizziness.
Respiratory complaints including sinusitis, influenza, and upper respiratory tract distress,
Endocrine disorders lead to increased serum glucose and triglycerides levels.
Gastrointestinal abnormalities include abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Long-term use may lead to significant weight loss and osmotic diarrhea.
Musculoskeletal complaints include back pain, bone, and joint pain.

What is Olmesartan

Uses of Olmesartan

Side effects of Olmesartan

References

Bangalore S, Kumar S, Wetterslev J, Messerli FH. Angiotensin receptor blockers and risk of myocardial infarction: meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses of 147 020 patients from randomised trials. BMJ. 2011 Apr 26;342:d2234.
Theodorakis MJ, Coleman RL, Feng H, Chan J, Chiasson JL, Ge J, Gerstein HC, Huo Y, Lang Z, McMurray JJ, Rydén L, Schröder S, Tendera M, Tuomilehto J, Yang W, Hu D, Pan C, Holman RR., ACE Study Group. Baseline characteristics and temporal differences in Acarbose Cardiovascular Evaluation (ACE) trial participants. Am Heart J. 2018 May;199:170-175.
Al-Majed AA, Bakheit AHH, Abdel Aziz HA, Al-Jallal AAM. Olmesartan. Profiles Drug Subst Excip Relat Methodol. 2017;42:241-286.
Zhang X, Zhang H, Ma Y, Che W, Hamblin MR. Management of Hypertension Using Olmesartan Alone or in Combination. Cardiol Ther. 2017 Jun;6(1):13-32.
.Li KY, Qiu Y, Jiang Y, Luo CH, Lin XP, Wang J, Yang N. Effect of probenecid on pharmacokinetics and tolerability of olmesartan in healthy chinese volunteers. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2014 Dec;76:7-10
.Laurent S. Antihypertensive drugs. Pharmacol Res. 2017 Oct;124:116-125
van Gelder MM, Van Bennekom CM, Louik C, Werler MM, Roeleveld N, Mitchell AA. Maternal hypertensive disorders, antihypertensive medication use, and the risk of birth defects: a case-control study. BJOG. 2015 Jun;122(7):1002-9
Martinovic J, Benachi A, Laurent N, Daikha-Dahmane F, Gubler MC. Fetal toxic effects and angiotensin-II-receptor antagonists. Lancet. 2001 Jul 21;358(9277):241-2.
https://www.drugs.com/mtm/olmesartan.html assessed on 12/11/21,10.30pm

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Olmesartan

Serious side effects are very rare, including a decrease in blood pressure, syncope, acute renal failure, itching, shortness of breath & chest tightness, angioedema, increased blood potassium level, causing nausea and diarrhea. Weak and aching muscles, tender joints are also noticed.

The doctor most commonly prescribes olmesartan at bedtime due to the chance of developing dizziness after taking this medication.

No, Olmesartan cannot be given in pregnant patients since it can cause serious teratogenic effects, especially in the second and third trimester manifesting as anuria and oligohydramnios causing deformity of the limbs, underdeveloped lungs, head and face abnormalities in the newborn.

Patients with a history of allergy while using this drug, pregnant patients, diabetic patients due to the risk of cardiovascular and renal problems. It should be avoided in patients taking concurrent ACE inhibitors and patients with a history of hypotension and increased blood potassium levels.

The therapeutic index of the drug should be indirectly monitored through the decrease in blood pressure and side effects. On long-term use of this drug, renal and liver function tests, serum electrolytes, and the metabolic panel should be assessed for any potential side effects of the drug.

Smoking must be avoided while taking this drug since smoking increases the risk of heart attack and causes a stroke. Mild and regular exercise can boost cardiac health and decrease the risk of a heart attack.

Yes, food intake does not alter the efficacy of the drug.

A decrease in blood pressure is often noticed after two weeks. The full benefit of this medicine is usually noticed in 8 weeks.

Olmezest, Olmat, Olmin, Olvance are the commonly available brands of Olmesartan.

Olmesartan cannot be used for children under one-year-old age as the underdeveloped kidneys may suffer damage from the medication. Children less than 5 years of age can be given a dosage 0f 0.3mg/kg. In adolescents weighing 25-30 kg, an initial dose of 10 mg can be given, and further dose adjustments are made based on the physician's advice.

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