Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary benefit of treating high blood pressure with olmesartan?
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?
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?
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?
Why should you not use salt substitutes like Lo-Salt with olmesartan?
What is the minimum age for which olmesartan is approved?
What is the minimum age for which olmesartan is approved?
What is a common side effect of olmesartan?
What is a common side effect of olmesartan?
What should you tell your doctor or dentist before an operation or dental procedure?
What should you tell your doctor or dentist before an operation or dental procedure?
What is the highest strength of olmesartan tablets available?
What is the highest strength of olmesartan tablets available?
What is the usual starting dose of olmesartan for adults and children aged 6 years and over?
What is the usual starting dose of olmesartan for adults and children aged 6 years and over?
What is the maximum daily dose of olmesartan for children weighing less than 35kg?
What is the maximum daily dose of olmesartan for children weighing less than 35kg?
Why may your doctor want to check your blood pressure and perform blood tests after a few weeks of taking olmesartan?
Why may your doctor want to check your blood pressure and perform blood tests after a few weeks of taking olmesartan?
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of olmesartan?
What should you do if you forget to take a dose of olmesartan?
What may happen if you stop taking olmesartan without consulting your doctor?
What may happen if you stop taking olmesartan without consulting your doctor?
What should you do if you take more than your prescribed dose of olmesartan?
What should you do if you take more than your prescribed dose of olmesartan?
What is a common side effect of olmesartan that can be managed with coping strategies?
What is a common side effect of olmesartan that can be managed with coping strategies?
Why may your doctor suggest taking your first dose of olmesartan before bedtime?
Why may your doctor suggest taking your first dose of olmesartan before bedtime?
What should you do if you are taking contraceptive pills and experience vomiting or severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours?
What should you do if you are taking contraceptive pills and experience vomiting or severe diarrhoea for more than 24 hours?
What symptom requires immediate action, where you should call 999 now?
What symptom requires immediate action, where you should call 999 now?
What is a rare but possible reaction to olmesartan?
What is a rare but possible reaction to olmesartan?
What should you do if you experience a serious allergic reaction to olmesartan?
What should you do if you experience a serious allergic reaction to olmesartan?
What is a potential long-term side effect of taking olmesartan?
What is a potential long-term side effect of taking olmesartan?
Why is olmesartan not recommended during pregnancy?
Why is olmesartan not recommended during pregnancy?
What should you do if you're already pregnant and taking olmesartan?
What should you do if you're already pregnant and taking olmesartan?
Is it safe to take olmesartan while breastfeeding?
Is it safe to take olmesartan while breastfeeding?
What should you do if you experience unexplained bruising and bleeding gums while taking olmesartan?
What should you do if you experience unexplained bruising and bleeding gums while taking olmesartan?
What should you do if you experience severe diarrhoea that does not go away and causes noticeable weight loss?
What should you do if you experience severe diarrhoea that does not go away and causes noticeable weight loss?
How can you report any suspected side effect of olmesartan?
How can you report any suspected side effect of olmesartan?
What should you do if your baby looks much paler than normal?
What should you do if your baby looks much paler than normal?
Why should you inform your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant?
Why should you inform your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant?
What should you avoid taking with olmesartan to prevent blood pressure issues?
What should you avoid taking with olmesartan to prevent blood pressure issues?
Why should you inform your doctor about taking herbal remedies or supplements?
Why should you inform your doctor about taking herbal remedies or supplements?
What is the primary concern when taking olmesartan during pregnancy?
What is the primary concern when taking olmesartan during pregnancy?
What is the purpose of the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website?
What is the purpose of the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website?
What is the risk of taking olmesartan with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?
What is the risk of taking olmesartan with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?
Why should you inform your doctor about taking spironolactone with olmesartan?
Why should you inform your doctor about taking spironolactone with olmesartan?
Flashcards are hidden until you start studying
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
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
