Olsertain 40 Tablet (Olmesartan Medoxomil 40mg)

INTRODUCTION

OLSERTAIN contains Olmesartan which belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin-II receptor antagonists. It is used to treat blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. High blood pressure is a condition in which the blood vessels have persistently raised pressure. It can increase the risk of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases. When your heart pumps into the narrowed arteries blood pressure gets increased and it is determined by both, the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries.

Angiotensin II has vasoconstrictor effect which increases blood pressure and water and sodium content in the body. OLSERTAIN blocks the vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II thereby reducing the blood pressure. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems. Your doctor will monitor your kidney function, blood pressure, and potassium levels in your blood at regular intervals while you are taking this medicine.

Take OLSERTAIN according to the dose and frequency as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break the medicine. Your doctor decides upon the dose you take depending on your age, other medications you are taking and whether you have any kidney or liver problems. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine, since it may cause sleepiness or dizziness. It is not recommended for children from 1 year to less than 6 years of age. The common side effects are dizziness, headache, diarrhea and indigestion.

USES OF OLSERTAIN

Treats high blood pressure (hypertension)

HOW OLSERTAIN WORKS

OLSERTAIN blocks the effect of a substance called angiotensin II in our body. Angiotensin II causes narrowing of blood vessels. Olmesartan by blocking its action allows your blood vessels to relax and thus reduces blood pressure.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take this medicine according to the dose and frequency as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break the medicine. It may be taken with or without food.

SIDE EFFECTS OF OLSERTAIN

COMMON
Dizziness, headache
Feeling sick or indigestion
Diarrhea
Stomach ache, gastroenteritis
Tiredness
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Flu-like symptoms
Cough
Pain
Urinary tract infection
Blood in the urine
Swelling of ankles, feet, legs, hands, or arms
RARE
Swelling of the face, mouth or larynx with itching and rash
Low blood pressure
Severe lightheadedness or fainting
Difficulty or pain when urinating
Low back pain
Kidney problems

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Diarrhea:

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. ORS should be used to prevent dehydration.

Drowsiness or dizziness:

Get up and move around to feel awake, take small naps to edge off the sleepiness. Give your eyes a break to avoid fatigue and eat a healthy food to boost energy.

Feeling sick (nausea) or indigestion:

Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy foods.

Stomach ache:

Place a warm bottle or heated bag on your abdomen. Soak in a warm bath. Drink plenty of clear fluids and water. Soak in a warm bath. Drink plenty of clear fluids and water.

Cough:

Drink sufficient quantity of fluids which helps to thin the mucus in your throat. Suck on cough drops or hard candies.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

PREGNANCY
OLSERTAIN should be used with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

BREASTFEEDING
OLSERTAIN is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
Do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine, since it may cause sleepiness or dizziness.

KIDNEY
OLSERTAIN should be used with caution in patients suffering from active kidney diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.

LIVER
OLSERTAIN should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver function impairment or active liver diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.

ALLERGY
Do not take if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to Olmesartan or any ingredients of this medicine.

HEART DISEASE
OLSERTAIN should be used with caution in patients suffering from active heart diseases. Consult your doctor for advice.

OTHERS

Tell your doctor if you had or have a condition such as:

Jaundice
Gallstones
Diabetes
Increased sodium levels
Problems with your adrenal glands

INTERACTIONS

Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription or the following:

Enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril
Aliskiren
Potassium supplements
Heparin
Lithium
Ibuprofen, aceclofenac
Colesevelam hydrochloride
Antacids