Openvas information
Olmesartan
Openvas, Benicar
Description
Olmesartan ( ohl-me-SAR-tan) belongs to the
class of medicines called angiotensin II inhibitor antihypertensives. It is
used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
High blood pressure adds to the workload of
the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and
arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the
brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney
failure. High blood pressure also may increase the risk of heart attacks.
These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.
Olmesartan works by blocking the action of a
substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result,
olmesartan relaxes blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure.
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of
taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a
decision you and your doctor will make. For olmesartan, the following should
be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to
olmesartan. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any
other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Diet
Make certain your health care professional
knows if you are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium diet.
Pregnancy
Use of olmesartan during pregnancy,
especially during the second and third trimesters (after the first 3
months), can cause low blood pressure, severe kidney failure, or even death
in the newborn. Therefore, it is important that you check with your doctor
immediately if you think that you may have become pregnant. Be sure that you
have discussed this with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether olmesartan passes
into breast milk. However, olmesartan passes into the milk of lactating
rats. Because this medicine may cause serious side effects, breast-feeding
is generally not recommended while you are taking olmesartan.
Children
Studies on this medicine have only been done
in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of
olmesartan in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults
This medicine has been tested in patients 65
years of age or older and has not been shown to cause different side effects
or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. Elderly patients
may have a greater sensitivity to olmesartan than younger adults.
Other medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking
olmesartan it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know
if you are taking any of the following:
• Diuretics (water pills)Effects on blood pressure may be increased
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of olmesartan.
Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems,
especially:
• Congestive heart failure, severeLowering of blood pressure by olmesartan
may make this condition worse
• DehydrationBlood pressure-lowering effects of olmesartan may be increased
• Kidney disease or
• Liver diseaseEffects of olmesartan may be increased because of slower
removal of medicine from the body.
Proper Use of This Medicine
To help you remember to take your medicine,
try to get into the habit of taking it at the same time each day.
In addition to the use of the medicine your doctor has prescribed, treatment
for your high blood pressure may include weight control and care in the
types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium. Your doctor will
tell you which of these are most important for you. You should check with
your doctor before changing your diet.
Many patients who have high blood pressure
will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It
is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that
you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.
Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure but it
does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to take it as directed if
you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to
take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life . If high blood
pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart
failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.
This medicine may be taken with or without
food.
Dosing
The dose of olmesartan will be different for
different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the
label. The following information includes only the average doses of
olmesartan. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor
tells you to do so.
The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
• For high blood pressure:
• Adults 20 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your
dose to 40 milligrams (mg) once a day if needed.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it
as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip
the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
To store this medicine:
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp
places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that
any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
It is important that your doctor checks your
progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working
properly and to check for unwanted effects.
Check with your doctor immediately if you think that you may be pregnant.
Olmesartan may cause birth defects or other problems in the baby if taken
during pregnancy.
Do not take other medicines unless they have
been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay
fever, or sinus problems, since they may tend to increase your blood
pressure.
Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur after the first dose of this
medicine, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Make
sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines,
or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy.
Check with your doctor right away if you become sick while taking this
medicine, especially with severe or continuing nausea and vomiting or
diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water and lead to
low blood pressure.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may
also occur if you exercise or if the weather is hot. Heavy sweating can
cause loss of too much water and result in low blood pressure. Use extra
care during exercise or hot weather.
Avoid alcoholic beverages until you have discussed their use with your
doctor. Alcohol may make the low blood pressure effect worse and/or increase
the possibility of dizziness or fainting.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may
cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may
occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of
the following side effects occur:
• Less common
• Body aches or pain; blood in urine ; chills; cough or cough producing
mucus; difficulty breathing; ear congestion; fever; headache; loss of voice;
nasal congestion; runny nose; shortness of breath; sneezing; sore throat;
tightness in chest; unusual tiredness or weakness; wheezing
Rare
• Bladder pain; bloody or cloudy urine ; difficult, burning, or
painful urination; fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse; frequent
urge to urinate; joint pain, stiffness, or swelling; large amount of fat in
the blood; lower back, side, or stomach pain; swelling of feet or lower legs
Symptoms of Overdose
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose
occur
• Blurred vision; chest pain or discomfort ; confusion; dizziness,
faintness, or lightheadedness; fast, pounding, slow, or irregular heartbeat
or pulse; shortness of breath ; sweating; unusual tiredness or weakness
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention.
These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the
medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side
effects continue or are bothersome.
Less common
• Abdominal pain; back pain; blurred vision; body aches or pain ; diarrhea;
dizziness; dry mouth; fatigue; flushed, dry skin; fruit-like breath odor;
general feeling of discomfort or illness; increased hunger; increased
thirst; increased urination; loss of appetite ; muscle aches and pains;
nausea; pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones ; shivering; sweating;
tender, swollen glands in neck; troubled breathing; trouble sleeping;
trouble in swallowing; unexplained weight loss; vomiting
Rare
• Acid or sour stomach; belching; bloating or swelling of face, arms,
hands, lower legs, or feet ; chest pain; difficulty in moving; feeling of
constant movement of self or surroundings; heartburn; indigestion; muscle
pains or stiffness; nausea; rash; rapid weight gain; sensation of spinning;
skeletal pain; sleeplessness; stomach pain; swelling or puffiness of face;
tingling of hands or feet; unusual weight gain or loss
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you
notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
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