High blood pressure, or as we all know it, "pressure," is a health problem that many people face. Sometimes it can be difficult to control your blood pressure with just one medication. In such cases, your doctor may recommend using two or three medications together. So, to reduce the hassle of taking multiple pills, several medications have been combined into one pill. Today, we are going to talk about a special medicine that is made by combining three such medications.
What is the combination of these three medicines?
Simply put, this is a combination of three medications used to control high blood pressure. The three medications are Olmesartan , Amlodipine , and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) . Let's see what happens with each of these.
- Olmesartan: This belongs to the class of drugs called ``Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker''. Think of your blood vessels as a pipe that carries water. What this medicine does is widen and relax those blood vessels a little. Then the blood can move more easily without getting stuck. This lowers blood pressure.
- Amlodipine: This is a medicine in the class of drugs called ``Calcium Channel Blocker''. This also does the same thing as mentioned above. That is, it relaxes the walls of the blood vessels and the heart muscle, making it easier for blood to flow.
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): This is a ``Diuretic''. We usually call it a "water pill." It works by removing excess salt and water from the body through urine. This reduces fluid retention in the body and controls blood pressure.
When these three medications work together, high blood pressure can be controlled very effectively. `(Tribenzor)` is a popular brand name for this medication.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before prescribing this medication, it is important for your doctor to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding (this is very important). |
| Kidney or liver disease | If you have any kidney or liver disease, or if you have decreased urine output. |
| Heart disease | If you have recently had a heart attack, heart failure, or other heart conditions. |
| Diabetes | If you are diabetic. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to these medications, especially those containing sulfa, or to any other substance. |
| Other situations | If you have severe vomiting or diarrhea, are on a low-salt diet, or have an immune system disease such as lupus. |
How should I use the medicine?
The way to use this is very simple.
- On time: Make a habit of taking this medicine at the same time every day. Take it exactly as your doctor prescribes.
- Before or after food?: This can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Don't stop: Don't stop taking your medication until your doctor tells you to. If you stop taking it on purpose because your blood pressure has gone down, it could suddenly increase.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose of medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Remember, this medicine is prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But 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 to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
When you take this medicine, it may interact with other things you are taking. So tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements.
- Alcohol
- Painkillers (e.g. `NSAIDS` such as `Ibuprofen`, `Naproxen`)
- Other blood pressure medications
- Medicines for diabetes
- Potassium supplements
- Some cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g., `Cholestyramine`)
- Steroids such as Prednisone
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to consider when taking medication
- Medical Checkups: See your doctor regularly to check your progress. Measure your blood pressure at home. Find out what your normal blood pressure is and if it's higher than that, ask your doctor .
- Drink water: Be careful not to become dehydrated while taking this medicine. Ask your doctor how much water you should drink per day. Seek medical advice if you have diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating.
- Pregnancy: Women should be especially careful. If you are planning to become pregnant or suspect you are pregnant, tell your doctor right away. This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby.
- Dizziness and drowsiness: This medicine may make you feel a little drowsy and dizzy. So avoid dangerous activities like driving or operating machinery until you know how this affects you. Especially if you are an elderly person, do not stand up or sit up suddenly. Do these things slowly.
- Sunlight: This medicine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). Therefore, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when going out in the sun. Also talk to your doctor about the risk of skin cancer while taking this medicine.
- Other medications: Do not take over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, or pain. Some medications contain ingredients that can increase your blood pressure. Ask your doctor before taking anything.
Side effects of the medicine
| If you experience these symptoms, report them to your doctor ASAP. | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Heart and pressure | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting. |
| Body changes | Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, severe diarrhea or vomiting, muscle pain. |
| Other serious symptoms | Changes in vision, eye pain, difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine, symptoms of high blood sugar (excessive thirst, hunger, extreme fatigue). |
| Less serious side effects, usually not serious, but tell your doctor if they persist. | |
| Minor inconveniences | Headache, dizziness, nausea, stuffy or runny nose, swollen joints, body weakness. |
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time every day.
- Do not stop taking the medication or change the dosage on your own.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- Be aware of possible dizziness and dehydration when taking the medication.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant, inform your doctor immediately .
- If you experience any serious side effects, seek medical advice without delay.
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