Description
Olmesartan medoxomil is an angiotensin II receptor blocker. It blocks the action of a hormone that narrows blood vessels, so the vessels relax and blood pressure falls. It is licensed for essential high blood pressure in adults. The tablet is taken once daily, with or without food, at about the same time each day. Unlike ACE inhibitors, this class does not usually cause a dry cough.
Dizziness, headache and tiredness are recognised effects, particularly when you first start or after a dose increase. Olmesartan has rarely been linked with a severe, ongoing diarrhoea and weight loss that can begin months or years after starting; tell your prescriber if that happens rather than waiting. Your prescriber will check your kidney function and blood salts with a blood test, and will ask about potassium supplements and salt substitutes. This medicine must not be taken in pregnancy.
- Angiotensin II receptor blocker for essential high blood pressure
- Available in 10mg, 20mg and 40mg tablets, taken once daily
- This class does not usually cause the dry cough seen with ACE inhibitors
- Rarely linked with severe ongoing diarrhoea and weight loss
- Blood tests check kidney function and blood salts
- Not for use in pregnancy; tell your prescriber if you may be pregnant
