A health problem that many people in our country have is high blood pressure, or "pressure" as we all know it. So your doctor may have prescribed medicine for this condition for you too. Sometimes doctors may give you a pill that is made by combining two types of medicine together. One such medicine is the pill that is made by combining two types of medicine, Amlodipine and Olmesartan. So today, let's talk about this medicine in a very simple way, what it does to the body, and things to be careful about.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. Together, these two help control your blood pressure. Let's see what happens with these two medications separately.
1. Amlodipine: This belongs to a class of drugs called calcium channel blockers . Think of the blood vessels in our body as water pipes. What this medicine does is "relax" those blood vessels a little, meaning they widen them a little. Then the blood is allowed to flow more easily without getting stuck. Just as when you make a water pipe a little bigger, the water pressure decreases, when the blood vessels widen, the blood pressure, that is, the pressure, decreases.
2. Olmesartan: This belongs to the group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers . Our bodies naturally produce a chemical called "angiotensin II." This chemical causes the blood vessels to constrict (tighten). Olmesartan blocks that chemical from doing its job. This allows the blood vessels to relax and widen, which helps control blood pressure.
Because these two medications work together, they are very effective in controlling high blood pressure.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before prescribing this medication, your doctor will ask you a few questions. You should definitely tell him about these things at that time.
- If you have heart disease, such as heart failure or aortic stenosis.
- If you have any liver or kidney disease.
- If you have previously had an allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, this is very important. This medicine can have serious effects on your unborn baby. So talk to your doctor about this.
How to use the medicine correctly?
To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- At the same time every day: Take this medicine at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor. This will help maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.
- Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, some people experience stomach upset when taking it without food. In that case, take it with a meal.
- Don't stop: Don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to. Even if you feel better, your blood pressure may be under control because of the medication.
- What if you take too much medicine?: If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- What if you miss a dose?: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
If you are taking any other medications, vitamins, or Ayurvedic remedies while taking this medicine, it is very important to tell your doctor about all of them, as some things may interact with this medicine.
| Things that can collide | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Grapefruit (Jambola) | Taking medication with this fruit may increase the medication's effects unnecessarily. |
| Potassium supplements | Potassium levels in the body may change while taking this medicine. Therefore, ask your doctor about taking extra potassium. |
| Salt substitutes | Some foods are high in potassium, so talk to your doctor about using these. |
| Herbal medicines such as St. John's Wort | Some herbal medicines may affect the effectiveness of this medicine. |
| Some other medications | Examples: eplerenone, rifampin, and some diuretics. |
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But most people don't. Let's break these down into two categories.
| Side effects and what to do | |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergy symptoms | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue. |
| Liver problems | Dark urine, light-colored stools, yellowing of the eyes or skin (like in yellow fever), pain in the upper right part of the stomach, loss of appetite. |
| Other serious symptoms | Fast or irregular heartbeat, swelling of the legs or ankles, difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine, diarrhea, vomiting, and feeling weak. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Minor side effects | Dizziness , flushing, nausea, insomnia, and fatigue. |
What else should you be careful about when taking the medicine?
- Dizziness: Some people may feel dizzy while taking this medication. Therefore, stay away from dangerous activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't get up suddenly: Especially if you are an elderly person, getting up suddenly from a sitting position or getting out of bed can make you feel dizzy. This increases the risk of falling. So always change positions frequently.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can affect the way this medicine works and can also increase dizziness. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol.
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the same time every day. Do not stop taking it until your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) and any other medical conditions you have.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Be aware of possible dizziness during the initial period of taking the medication. Change positions frequently.
- Seek immediate medical attention if serious side effects occur (such as facial swelling, rapid heartbeat, yellowing of the skin).
- Measure your blood pressure regularly and maintain regular contact with your doctor.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න