Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Olmesartan to control your high blood pressure, or "pressure" as we all know it? So let's talk about this medicine, what it does to our bodies, and the things we need to be careful about when using it. Think of this as a conversation with your best friend.
What kind of medicine is Olmesartan?
Simply put, Olmesartan is a type of medication used to control high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of medications called Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers. That's what we call ``(ARB)`` for short.
Think of the blood vessels in our body as pipes that carry water. Sometimes, when these vessels narrow, the pressure inside them increases. Olmesartan relaxes the narrowed blood vessels. This allows the blood to flow more easily without getting clogged, and the pressure is controlled. In Sri Lanka, this medicine is also available under brand names such as `(Benicar)`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor will ask you some questions. However, if any of the following apply to you, you should definitely inform your doctor.
- If you are on a special low-salt diet.
- If you have any kidney or liver disease.
- If you have an allergic reaction to Olmesartan, any other medicine, food, food coloring, or preservatives.
- If you are expecting or think you are pregnant, this is very important.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is a pill that you take by mouth. It is very important to take it at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor prescribed. This will help maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.
You can take this with or without food. However, some people may experience a slight stomach upset if they take it without food. If this happens, it is best to take it with food.
The most important thing is, even if you feel better, never stop taking this medication suddenly unless your doctor tells you to.
When it comes to giving this medicine to children, it is sometimes prescribed in selected cases for children over the age of 6. However, this is a decision that should be made by your doctor.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, don't panic. But you should take immediate action. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) as soon as possible. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
When taking this medication, be aware of these points for your safety and to get the maximum benefit from the medication.
Be extremely careful during pregnancy!
This is the most important warning about this medicine. If you are planning to become pregnant, or if you think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Olmesartan, especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, can cause serious and permanent harm to an unborn baby. So don't think twice about taking it.
Dizziness and drowsiness
Some people may experience dizziness and drowsiness when first taking this medication. Therefore, you should avoid driving, working at heights, or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Especially if you are elderly, do not move from sitting to standing or from bed to sitting suddenly. Doing so can cause dizziness and you may fall. Wait a while and get up slowly. Avoid drinking alcohol, as it can make you feel more drowsy and dizzy.
Think about food and drink too.
Unless your doctor specifically tells you to, do not use store-bought salt substitutes, as many of them contain high levels of potassium, which can interact with this medication.
Also, if you have a cough, cold, or body ache, don't go to the pharmacy to get medicine without asking your doctor. Because some painkillers and decongestants can increase your blood pressure.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Olmesartan can cause some side effects, although not everybody gets them. Let's learn more about them in the table below.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe allergies | Difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or limbs, skin rash or itching. These are very serious, go to the ETU immediately. |
| Severe dizziness or lightheadedness | If you feel dizzy or faint to the point of being unable to stand. |
| Effect on the kidneys | The amount of urine produced is greatly reduced. |
| Severe diarrhea | If you have persistent diarrhea and accompanying weight loss. |
| Changes in heart rate | If your heart is beating fast, feels like chest pain or a throbbing sensation. |
| Things to tell your doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Cough | Some people may develop a dry cough. |
| Headache | A slight headache may occur. |
| Nasal congestion | The nose may be stuffy, like a cold. |
| Muscle pain | You may feel muscle soreness or pain in your body. |
If you notice anything unusual that isn't on this list, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it too.
Take-Home Message
- Olmesartan is a medicine that controls high blood pressure. As the doctor says, it is important to take it at the same time every day.
- This is the most important thing: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, tell your doctor right away. This medicine may harm your unborn baby.
- Even if you feel better, do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Be aware of things like dizziness. If you experience any serious side effects like facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe diarrhea, seek medical advice immediately.
- Be sure to talk to your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you take.
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