35 Questions
What is the primary benefit of treating high blood pressure with olmesartan?
Reducing the risk of future strokes and heart attacks
How long does it take for olmesartan to start reducing high blood pressure?
About a week
What is the main reason to stop taking olmesartan temporarily?
Severe diarrhoea or vomiting due to a stomach bug or illness
Why should you not use salt substitutes like Lo-Salt with olmesartan?
They are high in potassium
What is the minimum age for which olmesartan is approved?
6 years old
What is a common side effect of olmesartan?
Mild flu-like symptoms
What should you tell your doctor or dentist before an operation or dental procedure?
That you're taking olmesartan
What is the highest strength of olmesartan tablets available?
40mg
What is the usual starting dose of olmesartan for adults and children aged 6 years and over?
10mg taken once a day
What is the maximum daily dose of olmesartan for children weighing less than 35kg?
20mg
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
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
What may happen if you stop taking olmesartan without consulting your doctor?
Your blood pressure may increase
What should you do if you take more than your prescribed dose of olmesartan?
Contact 111 for advice
What is a common side effect of olmesartan that can be managed with coping strategies?
All of the above
Why may your doctor suggest taking your first dose of olmesartan before bedtime?
To reduce the risk of dizziness
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
What symptom requires immediate action, where you should call 999 now?
Chest pain that does not stop after a few minutes
What is a rare but possible reaction to olmesartan?
Serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
What should you do if you experience a serious allergic reaction to olmesartan?
Call 999 immediately
What is a potential long-term side effect of taking olmesartan?
Your kidneys not working as well as they should
Why is olmesartan not recommended during pregnancy?
It can reduce the level of fluid around the baby
What should you do if you're already pregnant and taking olmesartan?
Stop taking olmesartan immediately
Is it safe to take olmesartan while breastfeeding?
It may be OK, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist first
What should you do if you experience unexplained bruising and bleeding gums while taking olmesartan?
Call 111 for advice
What should you do if you experience severe diarrhoea that does not go away and causes noticeable weight loss?
Call 111 for advice
How can you report any suspected side effect of olmesartan?
Using the Yellow Card safety scheme
What should you do if your baby looks much paler than normal?
Consult a pharmacist or doctor
Why should you inform your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant?
Olmesartan has no effect on fertility in men or women
What should you avoid taking with olmesartan to prevent blood pressure issues?
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and potassium supplements
Why should you inform your doctor about taking herbal remedies or supplements?
They may interact with olmesartan and cause side effects
What is the primary concern when taking olmesartan during pregnancy?
Affecting the baby's development
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
What is the risk of taking olmesartan with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?
Increasing the risk of blood pressure issues
Why should you inform your doctor about taking spironolactone with olmesartan?
To avoid interactions with other medications
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
Quiz about Olmesartan, a medicine used to treat high blood pressure, its effects, and side effects.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
