Olmesartan Medication

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary benefit of treating high blood pressure with olmesartan?

Reducing the risk of future strokes and heart attacks (correct)

Increasing the heart's pumping ability

Improving kidney function

Lowering blood pressure to prevent hypertension

How long does it take for olmesartan to start reducing high blood pressure?

About a week (correct)

2 to 4 weeks

1 to 2 months

A few days

What is the main reason to stop taking olmesartan temporarily?

High blood pressure

Severe diarrhoea or vomiting due to a stomach bug or illness (correct)

Heart attack

Kidney problems

Why should you not use salt substitutes like Lo-Salt with olmesartan?

They are high in potassium Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum age for which olmesartan is approved?

6 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of olmesartan?

Mild flu-like symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What should you tell your doctor or dentist before an operation or dental procedure?

That you're taking olmesartan Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest strength of olmesartan tablets available?

40mg Signup and view all the answers

What is the usual starting dose of olmesartan for adults and children aged 6 years and over?

10mg taken once a day Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum daily dose of olmesartan for children weighing less than 35kg?

20mg Signup and view all the answers

Why may your doctor want to check your blood pressure and perform blood tests after a few weeks of taking olmesartan?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you forget to take a dose of olmesartan?

Skip the forgotten dose and take the next dose at the usual time Signup and view all the answers

What may happen if you stop taking olmesartan without consulting your doctor?

Your blood pressure may increase Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you take more than your prescribed dose of olmesartan?

Contact 111 for advice Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of olmesartan that can be managed with coping strategies?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Why may your doctor suggest taking your first dose of olmesartan before bedtime?

To reduce the risk of dizziness Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you are taking contraceptive pills and experience vomiting or severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours?

Check the pill packet for instructions Signup and view all the answers

What symptom requires immediate action, where you should call 999 now?

Chest pain that does not stop after a few minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is a rare but possible reaction to olmesartan?

Serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you experience a serious allergic reaction to olmesartan?

Call 999 immediately Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential long-term side effect of taking olmesartan?

Your kidneys not working as well as they should Signup and view all the answers

Why is olmesartan not recommended during pregnancy?

It can reduce the level of fluid around the baby Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you're already pregnant and taking olmesartan?

Stop taking olmesartan immediately Signup and view all the answers

Is it safe to take olmesartan while breastfeeding?

It may be OK, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist first Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you experience unexplained bruising and bleeding gums while taking olmesartan?

Call 111 for advice Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you experience severe diarrhoea that does not go away and causes noticeable weight loss?

Call 111 for advice Signup and view all the answers

How can you report any suspected side effect of olmesartan?

Using the Yellow Card safety scheme Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your baby looks much paler than normal?

Consult a pharmacist or doctor Signup and view all the answers

Why should you inform your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant?

Olmesartan has no effect on fertility in men or women Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid taking with olmesartan to prevent blood pressure issues?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and potassium supplements Signup and view all the answers

Why should you inform your doctor about taking herbal remedies or supplements?

They may interact with olmesartan and cause side effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when taking olmesartan during pregnancy?

Affecting the baby's development Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website?

To provide information on the safe use of angiotensin receptor blockers during pregnancy Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk of taking olmesartan with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?

Increasing the risk of blood pressure issues Signup and view all the answers

Why should you inform your doctor about taking spironolactone with olmesartan?

To avoid interactions with other medications Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Olmesartan?

Olmesartan is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension)
It lowers blood pressure and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body
Treating high blood pressure helps prevent future strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems

Key Facts

Only available on prescription and comes as tablets
Takes around a week to start reducing high blood pressure
May take 2-8 weeks to take full effect
Main side effects: feeling dizzy, headaches, and flu-like symptoms (usually mild and short-lived)

Who Can Take Olmesartan?

Most adults and children aged 6 years and over can take olmesartan
Not suitable for people with:
- Allergic reactions to olmesartan or other medicines
- Bile duct or gallbladder problems
- Diabetes
- Heart, liver, or kidney problems
- Recent kidney transplant
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Dosage and Strength

Comes in 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg tablets
Usual starting dose for adults and children aged 6 years and over: 10mg once a day
Dose may be increased to 20mg or 40mg, taken once a day
Children weighing less than 35kg should not take more than 20mg daily

How to Take Olmesartan

Take tablets once a day with a drink of water
Swallow tablets whole; do not crush or chew
Can be taken with or without food
First dose may be taken before bedtime to minimize dizziness
Try to take at the same time every day

Side Effects

Common side effects: feeling dizzy or tired, headaches, flu-like symptoms, and stomach problems
Serious side effects: blood in urine, severe diarrhoea, rash or tiny reddish-purple spots, and high levels of potassium in the blood
If experiencing serious side effects, call a doctor or 111 immediately

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Not recommended during pregnancy due to risk of kidney damage and lung problems in the baby
May be prescribed a different medicine during pregnancy
May be OK to take olmesartan while breastfeeding, but talk to a doctor or pharmacist first

Interactions with Other Medicines

Inform doctor before taking olmesartan if taking other medicines, especially:
- Medicines to help lower blood pressure
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Diuretics
- Lithium
- Heparin
- Spironolactone
- Colesevelam

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Quiz about Olmesartan, a medicine used to treat high blood pressure, its effects, and side effects.