Olsertain H 20 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET

Name

• Brand Name: OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET
• Common Name: Olmesartan medoxomil and Hydrochlorothiazide

Composition OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET is a combination medication containing two active ingredients:

• Olmesartan Medoxomil (20 mg)
• Hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg)

Uses This medicine is primarily prescribed for:

• Management of high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Reducing the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.
• Preventing complications related to high blood pressure, including kidney damage.

Dosage and Administration

• OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET is typically taken once daily.
• It can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew it.
• Follow your doctor's instructions precisely regarding dosage and timing. Do not adjust the dose without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Due to its diuretic effect, it is often advised to avoid taking this medicine within four hours of going to bed.
• It is crucial to continue taking this medication as prescribed, even if you feel well, until your doctor advises you to stop.

Side Effects Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Increased urination
• Fatigue or weakness
• Nausea, upset stomach, or diarrhea
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Decreased blood pressure
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Cough, runny nose, or sore throat
• Swelling of hands, arms, ankles, feet, or legs (edema)

Serious Side Effects:

• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Severe allergic reactions (e.g., rash, swelling of the face, mouth, or throat, difficulty breathing)
• Kidney issues or kidney failure
• Electrolyte depletion symptoms (e.g., thirst, dry mouth, muscle pain, rapid heart rate)
• High potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia)

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take if you are allergic to Olmesartan, Hydrochlorothiazide, sulfonamide-derived medicines, or any other components of the tablet.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy as it may harm the fetus, nor is it recommended while breastfeeding.
• Kidney and Liver Conditions: Use with caution in patients with mild to moderate kidney or liver impairment. It is contraindicated in severe kidney problems (especially diabetes-related kidney disease), severe liver disease (such as jaundice or biliary obstruction), and anuria.
• Drug Interactions:
  • Avoid co-administration with aliskiren, particularly in diabetic patients or those with moderate to severe kidney impairment.
  • Caution is advised with potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium, and other medications that can increase potassium levels (e.g., heparin).
  • Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially other blood pressure medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, other ARBs), lithium, bile acid sequestrants, and NSAIDs, to prevent potential interactions.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET may cause dizziness or fatigue. Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
• Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption, as it can increase dizziness and further lower blood pressure.
• Surgery: Inform your doctor if you are taking this medicine before any surgery, as it may need to be stopped due to potential interactions with anesthesia.
• Sun Exposure: Long-term use may increase the risk of certain skin and lip cancers; protect your skin from sun exposure and UV rays.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, kidney function, and electrolyte balance may be conducted by your doctor during treatment.
• Fluid Intake: Maintain proper fluid intake while on this medication.

Storage

• Store OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET below 30°C.

Here are frequently asked questions about OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET:

What is OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET used for?

OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET is a combination medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). By effectively lowering blood pressure, it helps reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, and prevents complications related to high blood pressure like kidney damage.

How does OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET work?

This medicine contains two active ingredients: Olmesartan Medoxomil and Hydrochlorothiazide. Olmesartan Medoxomil is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that works by blocking a hormone called angiotensin II, which normally narrows blood vessels. By blocking it, Olmesartan helps relax and widen blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more freely. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (often called a "water pill") that helps the body eliminate excess salt and water through increased urine production, thereby reducing fluid volume and lowering blood pressure. The combined action of these two ingredients provides a more effective approach to managing hypertension.

What is the usual dosage for OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET?

The typical dosage is one OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET (20 mg Olmesartan Medoxomil and 12.5 mg Hydrochlorothiazide) taken once daily, with or without food. It is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions regarding the correct dosage and not to adjust it without consulting your healthcare provider. This medication is not for initial therapy and the dose may be adjusted by your doctor after 2 to 4 weeks if your blood pressure is not adequately controlled.

What are the possible side effects of OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET?

Common side effects may include dizziness, headache, nausea, fatigue, muscle weakness, and electrolyte imbalances. Some individuals might also experience cold symptoms like a stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat. More serious, though less common, side effects can include severe, chronic diarrhea with weight loss, kidney problems (such as little or no urination, painful urination, or swelling in feet/ankles), severe allergic reactions (swelling of face, lips, throat), eye pain or vision problems (potential signs of angle-closure glaucoma), and significant electrolyte disturbances (like high or low potassium, or low sodium). It is important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious or worsening side effects.

Is OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, as it can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. During breastfeeding, its use is also generally not recommended. Hydrochlorothiazide can pass into breast milk, and it's not known how much olmesartan gets into breast milk. There is a small risk that it could lower your baby's blood pressure, so your doctor may recommend a safer alternative.

Can OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET can interact with several other medications. It should generally not be used with lithium, certain other blood pressure medicines like ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren-containing products (especially if you have diabetes). Caution is also advised with potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), cholestyramine, colestipol, and corticosteroids. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET?

Regular monitoring of your blood pressure, kidney function, and electrolyte levels (like potassium and sodium) is important while taking this medication. You should be cautious of potential dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly; rise slowly from a sitting or lying position. Due to the hydrochlorothiazide component, this medicine may increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, so protect your skin from sun exposure. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, diabetes, gout, or a history of allergies (including to sulfonamides or penicillin). Report any severe, chronic diarrhea or changes in your vision to your doctor immediately.

What happens if a dose of OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

How should OLSERTAIN H 20 MG TABLET be stored?

Store the medicine in its original closed container at room temperature, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. It should be protected from freezing. Keep the tablets in the blister pack until you are ready to take a dose. Always keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.