Olmesar (olmesartan medoxomil) is used to lower high blood pressure, which in turn prevents blood vessel and heart damage while reducing risk of heart attack and stroke. The medication relaxes and widens blood vessels, reducing blood pressure and strain on the heart.

Olmesar is used on its own or with other blood pressure-reducing medications. It should not be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding; it is known to cause serious birth defects, particularly if taken in the latter two trimesters.

This product is also known as Benicar, Olmetec, and several other names depending on location. The active ingredient in this product is also found in combination pills, such as Benicar HCT, which contains both olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic.

Patients with high blood pressure are strongly encouraged to treat the condition; even if lifestyle changes are made to address the issue, damage to the body's blood vessels can be prevented in the interim and risk of major medical events---such as heart attack or stroke---will be greatly reduced. Lifestyle changes are the best way to manage blood pressure but they can take some time to produce significant effects.

Taking Olmesar

Olmesar comes in tablets, typically taken once per day. Food is optional, and tablets may be split if needed.

Dosage depends on a number of factors, including age, weight, the severity of the hypertension, and other major medical conditions.

Guidelines for otherwise healthy patients age 16 and up:

• The standard starting dose is 20 mg once per day.
• Dosage may be increased to 40 mg per day after 2 weeks, if needed.
• Lower doses of 10 mg may be given when other medications or medical conditions are involved.
• Take each daily dose at the same time each day.
• There is no benefit to taking more than 40 mg per day; adding another antihypertensive medication will have much greater effect.

And for patients age 6 to 15 years:

• Patients weighing 20 to 35 kg (44 to 77 lbs) are typically started on 10 mg per day. This may be increased to 20 mg per day after 2 weeks if needed.
• Patients weighing greater than 35 kg (77 lbs) may be started on 20 mg per day, increased to 40 mg after 2 weeks if needed.

It takes about two weeks of treatment or following dosage adjustments for full effects to be measurable, though blood pressure may drop to some extent sooner.

Treatment is typically long term, spanning a few years if lifestyle changes are made, and indefinitely if lifestyle changes are not made or are not particularly effective. Many patients will take Olmesar or a similar antihypertensive treatment for the remainder of life.

Drug Interactions

While Olmesar is often given along with other medications to further lower blood pressure or treat high blood pressure-related complications, these combinations can also be dangerous. Patients taking multiple medications are strongly advised to double-check safety of mixing them with a doctor or pharmacist. Of particular concern are:

• Diuretics
• Other antihypertensive medications
• Medications for heart problems
• Potassium supplements
• Painkillers, including over-the-counter NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen
• Cholesterol-lowering medications

Other unrelated medications can also cause problems. Again, double-check with a doctor prior to taking any other medication---including seemingly innocuous over-the-counter varieties---with Olmesar.

Side Effects

Used as directed, concerning side effects from Olmesar are quite rare.

The most commonly reported side effects are related to lower blood pressure; this can happen even if blood pressure drops from high to normal ranges, though it is possible that blood pressure will drop too low. Symptoms are strikingly similar, usually varying only in degree, including:

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Clammy skin
• Blurry vision
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

Excluding confusion and loss of consciousness---which are always concerning---the above aren't cause for alarm unless severe; mild dizziness or mild nausea are relatively normal and should stop occurring after a few days of treatment. If they're severe, however, a doctor should be consulted, and if possible blood pressure should be checked. If blood pressure is below normal ranges medical attention should be sought. Low blood pressure is just as dangerous as high blood pressure.

Some patients are at greater risk of experiencing more severe side effects from Olmesar, however, namely those who:

• Have difficulty urinating
• Are allergic to sulfonamide medications
• Have kidney disease

Patients who have kidney problems or diabetes and are taking aliskiren (another antihypertensive medication) should not take Olmesar.

As mentioned above, this product should not be used while pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breast feeding.