Olmy 20

OLMY 20 by ZYDUS CADILA

Name

• Brand Name: OLMY 20
• Common Name: Olmesartan Medoxomil

Composition

OLMY 20 Tablet contains Olmesartan Medoxomil 20 mg as its active ingredient. It is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).

Uses

OLMY 20 is primarily used for the treatment of:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure): It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more smoothly and lowers blood pressure.
• Prevention of heart attack and stroke: By controlling blood pressure, it helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications such as heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage.
• Management of heart failure: It assists the heart in functioning more efficiently.
• Preserving kidney function: Especially beneficial in patients with diabetes.

Dosage and Administration

• OLMY 20 Tablet should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
• It is typically taken once daily, with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew or crush it.
• For adults, the initial dose is usually 10-20 mg once daily, which may be increased up to 40 mg once daily as per condition.
• For children aged 6-16 years, the dose varies by weight.
• It is important to take the medicine regularly at about the same time each day for maximum benefit and not to stop taking it without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Common side effects of OLMY 20 include:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain
• Sore throat
• Tiredness/Fatigue
• Flu-like symptoms
• Muscle, joint, and back pain
• Cough

Most side effects are temporary and resolve over time. If they persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Precautions

• Allergy: Do not take OLMY 20 if you are allergic to Olmesartan medoxomil or any of its ingredients.
• Pregnancy: It is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and not recommended in early pregnancy due to potential harm to the baby.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended for breastfeeding women.
• Kidney/Liver Problems: Use with caution and inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease; close monitoring may be required.
• Diabetes: Contraindicated in diabetic patients also taking blood pressure-lowering medicine containing aliskiren.
• Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): May cause symptomatic low blood pressure, especially in dehydrated patients or those on high-dose diuretics.
• Hyperkalaemia: May cause high potassium levels in the blood. Avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without consulting your doctor.
• Alcohol: Caution is advised as alcohol may enhance some side effects like dizziness.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: May cause dizziness or tiredness, so caution is advised.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, including herbal supplements, vitamins, and other blood pressure-lowering medicines, especially those containing aliskiren, lithium, or NSAIDs.
• Children: Not recommended for children below 6 years of age.

Storage

• Store in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight.
• Keep out of sight and reach of children.
• Store at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C, or below 30°C.
• Retain in its original packaging and check the expiry date.

OLMY 20 by ZYDUS CADILA is a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It contains Olmesartan Medoxomil (20 mg) as its active ingredient.

What is Olmy 20 used for?

Olmy 20 is used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). By lowering blood pressure, it helps reduce the risk of serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems. It can be prescribed alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

How does Olmy 20 work?

Olmy 20 contains Olmesartan Medoxomil, which is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to its receptors in the blood vessels. Angiotensin II is a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow, increasing blood pressure. By blocking this action, Olmesartan causes blood vessels to relax and widen, which decreases the resistance the heart needs to pump against, thereby reducing blood pressure and improving blood flow.

What is the usual dosage of Olmy 20?

The usual starting dose for adults and children aged 6 years and over is 10mg once a day, which may be increased to 20mg or 40mg once daily as directed by your doctor. For children weighing less than 35kg, the dose should not exceed 20mg daily. Olmy 20 tablets should be swallowed whole with water, and can be taken with or without food. It's often recommended to take the first dose before bedtime due to potential dizziness, but subsequent doses can be taken at any time, preferably at the same time each day for maximum benefit.

What are the possible side effects of Olmy 20?

Most people tolerate Olmy 20 well with few side effects. Common side effects can include dizziness, headache, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, stomach pain, sore throat, cough, and flu-like symptoms. If these side effects persist or worsen, it's important to consult your doctor.

Is Olmy 20 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, Olmy 20 is not safe during pregnancy. It is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters as it can cause harm or even death to the unborn child. It is also generally not recommended for breastfeeding mothers, and caution is advised.

Can Olmy 20 be taken with other medications?

Olmy 20 can interact with certain medications.

• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide): May increase the risk of low blood pressure and kidney dysfunction.
• Potassium Supplements: Taking these with Olmy 20 can lead to high potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia). Avoid potassium-rich foods like bananas, fruit juice, coconut water, and broccoli, as well as potassium supplements, unless advised by a doctor.
• Antimanic Medications (e.g., lithium): Concurrent use can increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
• Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin): May reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Aliskiren: Combined use is not recommended, especially in patients with diabetes or kidney impairment, due to an increased risk of kidney damage, low blood pressure, and high potassium levels.
• Colesevelam: If you are also using colesevelam, take Olmy 20 at least 4 hours before it.

Always inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

What precautions should be taken?

• Alcohol: Caution is advised with alcohol consumption as it may enhance some side effects like dizziness and a drop in blood pressure.
• Kidney or Liver Problems: Use with caution if you have kidney or liver problems, as dose adjustments or close monitoring may be necessary.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: Olmy 20 may cause dizziness or tiredness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Sudden Cessation: Do not stop taking Olmy 20 suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can cause your blood pressure to spike.
• Monitoring: Your doctor may regularly check your kidney function, blood pressure, and potassium levels in your blood while you are taking this medicine.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Olmy 20, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one.

How should it be stored?

Store Olmy 20 tablets at room temperature, ideally between 20°C to 25°C, and below 30°C. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and heat, and out of the sight and reach of children and pets.