What is Olmesartan? Uses, warnings & side effects

Take this medicine as directed. The dose may change several times at the beginning of therapy.

Do not stop taking olmesartan medoxomil until talking to the prescriber.

Take doses without regard to meals.

Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.

If a pharmacist prepares an oral suspension, always shake the bottle before measuring a dose. Measure doses with a calibrated oral syringe or similar measuring device provided by the pharmacist.

Store the tablets at room temperature.

Ask the prescriber what to do in case a dose is missed. Instructions may vary between healthcare providers.

Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you are pregnant.

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to olmesartan.

It is not safe to take olmesartan during pregnancy because it could harm an unborn baby. Immediately inform the doctor if you become pregnant or think you’re pregnant.

Tell the doctor if you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. 

Before starting olmesartan, tell the prescriber if you have:

• Kidney problems

• Heart failure

• Coronary artery disease

• Recent strokes

• Diabetes

• High potassium

Olmesartan medoxomil can cause serious problems, including:

• Low blood pressure

• High potassium levels

• Kidney problems

• Elevated blood sugar

• Severe allergic reactions

This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Talk to the doctor if you feel dizzy or faint while taking this drug.

To avoid low blood pressure, drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause severe chronic diarrhea with weight loss. This could occur months to years after you start taking this medicine.

Keep all appointments with healthcare providers. Regular doctor’s visits and blood tests can help prevent serious side effects.

To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take, especially:

• The blood pressure drug aliskiren (contraindicated in people with diabetes)

• Blood pressure drugs called ACE inhibitors

• Drugs that make you pee (diuretics), particularly potassium-sparing diuretics

• NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen

• The bipolar drug lithium

People taking the cholesterol drug colesevelam should take the day’s olmesartan dose at least four hours before or four hours after taking the colesevelam dose.

Ask your doctor before you use medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Tell all other doctors that you’re taking olmesartan before they prescribe new medications.