Olmezest Ch 20 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET (10 TAB) by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD.

Name

• Brand Name: Olmezest CH 20 Tablet
• Common Name: Olmesartan Medoxomil and Chlorthalidone Tablets

Composition

Olmezest CH 20 Tablet contains a combination of two active ingredients:

• Olmesartan medoxomil: 20 mg
• Chlorthalidone: 12.5 mg

Uses

Olmezest CH 20 Tablet is primarily used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). This combination medication is generally prescribed when a single medicine is not effective in controlling blood pressure. By effectively managing blood pressure, it helps to reduce the risk of serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

Dosage and Administration

This medicine should be taken orally, exactly as directed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food. To achieve optimal benefits, it is important to take it at the same time each day. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Since Chlorthalidone is a diuretic and increases urine output, it is often advised to avoid taking this medicine within four hours of going to bed. The dosage depends on the patient's condition and response to the medicine. It is crucial not to stop taking this medicine suddenly, as it can lead to a rise in blood pressure.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue/Weakness
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Increased urination (due to diuretic component)
• Increased blood uric acid (Hyperuricemia)
• Electrolyte imbalance (e.g., Hypokalaemia, Hyponatraemia, Hypochloremia)

Serious Side Effects:

• Skin rash or itchiness
• Painful joints
• Fast heartbeat
• Shortness of breath or tightness in the chest
• Aching, tender, or weak muscles not caused by exercise
• Swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles
• Symptoms indicating high potassium levels (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, muscle weakness, change in heart rhythm)

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Olmezest CH 20 Tablet is not recommended during pregnancy due to definite evidence of risk to the developing baby, and it is probably unsafe during breastfeeding.
• Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, gout, low blood pressure (hypotension), and electrolyte imbalances. Your doctor may adjust the dosage or monitor you closely.
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the blood pressure-lowering effect and the risk of dizziness.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness or fatigue, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies. Interactions can occur with lithium, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), other blood pressure medications (e.g., benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril), and potassium supplements.
• Dehydration: This medicine may cause dehydration; drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if you experience extreme thirst or very dry mouth.

Storage

Store Olmezest CH 20 Tablet in a cool and dry place below 30°C. Protect it from light and moisture. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

What is OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET used for?

OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It is a combination medication prescribed when a single medicine is not enough to control blood pressure effectively. By managing high blood pressure, it helps reduce the risk of serious health issues like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

How does OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET work?

OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET combines two active ingredients: Olmesartan medoxomil and Chlorthalidone. Olmesartan medoxomil is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that works by blocking the hormone angiotensin, which causes blood vessels to narrow. By blocking its action, olmesartan relaxes and widens the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump more efficiently. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic, or "water pill," that increases the excretion of extra water and certain electrolytes, such as sodium, from the body through urine. This action reduces fluid overload and further helps in lowering blood pressure.

What is the usual dosage of OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET?

OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is typically taken once daily, with or without food, and swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your condition and response to the medicine. It is advisable to take it at the same time each day for optimal benefits and to avoid frequent urination at night, as it contains a diuretic, it's best to avoid taking it within four hours of going to bed.

What are the possible side effects of OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET?

Common side effects of OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET include dizziness, headache, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, and fatigue. Other possible side effects may include increased urination (due to the diuretic component), taste changes, weakness, increased blood uric acid levels (hyperuricemia), increased blood lipid levels, electrolyte imbalance (such as low potassium or sodium levels), and decreased blood pressure. Serious side effects, though rare, can include skin rash, itchiness, painful joints, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest tightness, aching/tender/weak muscles, and swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles. If any side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Is OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET is considered unsafe during pregnancy and is not recommended. There is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby, especially in the latter half of pregnancy. If pregnancy is detected, stop taking this medicine immediately and contact your doctor for safer alternatives. For breastfeeding mothers, OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET is generally not recommended as it may pass into human breast milk, and its effects on the baby are not fully known. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Can OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

Yes, but caution is advised, as OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET can interact with several medications. Key interactions include:

• Lithium: May increase lithium levels in the blood, leading to toxicity.
• Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen: Can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Other blood pressure medications, especially those that block the Renin-Angiotensin system (e.g., ramipril, enalapril, lisinopril, aliskiren): May increase the risk of low blood pressure, kidney problems, and high potassium levels. Co-administration with aliskiren is generally not recommended if you have diabetes or moderate to severe kidney impairment.
• Potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements: Can lead to high potassium levels in the blood.
• Corticosteroids and ACTH: Can intensify potassium loss from the body.
• Alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics: Can boost the blood pressure-lowering effect and increase dizziness. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal preparations you are currently taking to avoid possible interactions.

What precautions should be taken?

Several precautions should be observed while taking OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET:

• Allergies: Avoid if you are allergic to Olmesartan, Chlorthalidone, or any other ingredients.
• Kidney or Liver Disease: Use with caution, and dosage adjustments may be needed. It is not recommended for severe liver disease or conditions like anuria (inability of kidneys to produce urine).
• Diabetes: Use with caution as it may alter blood sugar levels.
• Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) or Dehydration: Caution is advised, especially if you have excess fluid and salt loss from the body.
• Gout: May increase uric acid levels.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness or fatigue, so it is advisable to avoid these activities if affected.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid alcohol as it can further lower blood pressure and worsen side effects like dizziness.
• Stopping Medication: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it can cause a sudden rise in blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. 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 compensate for a missed one, as this can lead to low blood pressure.

How should it be stored?

Store OLMEZEST CH 20 MG TABLET in a cool and dry place, preferably below 30°C. Protect it from light and moisture. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.