Information About Olmesartan

Olmesartan is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten. As a result, olmesartan relaxes the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.

Olmesartan controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Your blood pressure may decrease during the first week of your treatment, but it may take up to 2 weeks before you notice the full benefit of olmesartan. Continue to take olmesartan even if you feel well. Do not stop taking olmesartan without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

Olmesartan is also sometimes used to treat heart failure (condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the rest of the body) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease in people with diabetes and high blood pressure).

What side effects can this medication cause?

• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• severe diarrhea
• weight loss
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• hoarseness
• Olmesartan may cause other side effects.

Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.