Olkem 20 Tablet
Olmesartan Medoxomil (20mg)
by Alkem Laboratories Ltd
strip of 15 tablets
About this medicine
Olkem 20 Tablet is a medicine used in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). Lowering blood pressure helps to prevent future heart attacks and stroke. This medicine is also effective in preserving kidney function in patients with diabetes. Olkem 20 Tablet may be prescribed either alone or in combination with other medicines. It may be taken with or without food during the day or at night. However, try to take it at about the same time each day to get the maximum benefit. It is important to continue taking it regularly even if you feel well or if your blood pressure is controlled. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel ill, but if you stop taking this medicine, your condition could get worse. Making some changes in your lifestyle will also help lower your blood pressure. These may include regular exercise, losing weight, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol intake, and reducing the amount of salt in your diet as advised by your doctor. This medicine is tolerated well by most patients and has few side effects. However, some may experience side effects like dizziness, cough, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and runny nose, particularly after the first dose. Let your doctor know if this bothers you or does not go away. Before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have any kidney or liver problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should not take this medicine. Your doctor may check your kidney function, blood pressure, and potassium levels in your blood at regular intervals while you are taking this medicine.
Uses
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Heart failure
- Prevention of heart attack and stroke
Benefits
In Hypertension (high blood pressure) Olkem 20 Tablet lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and making it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. You do not usually feel any direct benefit from taking this medicine, but it works in the long term to keep you well.
How it works
Olkem 20 Tablet is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It relaxes the blood vessel by blocking the action of a chemical that usually makes blood vessels tighter. This lowers the blood pressure, allowing the blood to flow more smoothly to different organs and the heart to pump more efficiently.
How to use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Olkem 20 Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Common side effects
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Stomach pain
- Blood in urine
- Chest pain
Safety advice
- AlcoholUNSAFE
- Olkem 20 Tablet may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
- PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
- Olkem 20 Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
- Breast feedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
- Olkem 20 Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
- DrivingUNSAFE
- Olkem 20 Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
- KidneyCAUTION
- Olkem 20 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Olkem 20 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is advisable for dose adjustment. Use of Olkem 20 Tablet is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease.
- LiverCAUTION
- Olkem 20 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Olkem 20 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor. No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose of Olkem 20 Tablet, 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 schedule. Do not double the dose.
Quick facts
- Chemical Class
- Synthetic imidazole derivative
- Habit Forming
- No
- Therapeutic Class
- Cardiac
- Action Class
- Angiotensin receptor blockers(ARB)
Frequently asked questions
Can I feel dizzy after taking Olkem 20 Tablet?
Yes, the use of Olkem 20 Tablet can make you feel dizzy. This may occur when you suddenly get up from a lying or sitting position. To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
How long does it take for Olkem 20 Tablet to work?
You may notice a decrease in your blood pressure effectively within 1 weeks of starting Olkem 20 Tablet. However, it may take about 2 weeks to see the full benefits of this medicine.
What are some lifestyle changes to make while using Olkem 20 Tablet?
Making lifestyle changes while taking Olkem 20 Tablet can boost your health. Avoid smoking, as smoking increases your risk of having a heart attack and stroke. If you are overweight or obese, try to lose weight. You should maintain a healthy diet by including fruits and vegetables in your meals. Regular exercise can make your heart strong and reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Does Olkem 20 Tablet have a diuretic?
Olkem 20 Tablet does not have a diuretic. Olkem 20 Tablet is a medicine used to lower high blood pressure. It belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). These medicines lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. When prescribed by a doctor, Olkem 20 Tablet can also be combined with a diuretic for providing additional benefit in the reduction of blood pressure.
At what time of the day should you take Olkem 20 Tablet?
Your doctor may suggest to take your first dose before bedtime, considering that this medicine can make you feel dizzy. After the very first dose you can take Olkem 20 Tablet at any time of the day. It is important to take this medicine at the same time every day.
For how long do I need to take Olkem 20 Tablet? Is it safe to take long term?
You may have to take Olkem 20 Tablet life long. Olkem 20 Tablet controls high blood pressure but does not cure it. Do not stop taking it even if your blood pressure is well controlled. Olkem 20 Tablet is generally considered safe to be taken for long term. In some cases, long-term use may adversely affect the kidneys and the kidneys may not function as they should. Therefore, to keep a track of how well your kidneys are working, your doctor may prescribe regular blood tests to check urea, creatinine and potassium levels.
Can Olkem 20 Tablet cause weight gain?
No, Olkem 20 Tablet does not cause weight gain. However, in very rare cases, chronic diarrhea with substantial weight loss may occur. If a patient develops diarrhea while taking Olkem 20 Tablet and no other cause of diarrhea can be deduced, then the doctor may advise the patient to discontinue it immediately and recommend another medicine.
Can I take Olkem 20 Tablet before surgery?
Your doctor may advise you to stop taking Olkem 20 Tablet 24 hours before surgery. This is because Olkem 20 Tablet can further reduce your blood pressure when used with anesthetics. So, tell your doctor that you are taking Olkem 20 Tablet if you will be given general anesthetics (medicines that put you to sleep) or are scheduled to have any surgery.
Product details
- Manufacturer
- Alkem Laboratories Ltd
- Salt composition
- Olmesartan Medoxomil (20mg)
- Pack
- strip of 15 tablets
- Dosage form
- Tablet
- Storage
- Store below 30°C
Same salt, other brands
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The content above is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a registered medical practitioner before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.