Olkem-40 H Tablet (15'S)

Prescription
Prescription Required: Consult the Doctor & Get Your ePrescription

You can take Olkem 40 H Tablet with or without food. The dose will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. Try to take it at the same time each day. It is important to keep taking this medicine until your doctor tells you not to. It contains a diuretic (water pill) and will make you urinate more so, it is best to avoid taking this medicine within four hours of going to bed. Use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit from it even if you feel well. High blood pressure does not usually have symptoms and if you stop taking it your risk of heart attack or stroke may increase.

The most common side effect is dizziness. Other side effects include weakness, headache, tiredness, chest pain, and edema. Frequent urination is not a side effect of this drug. You may experience other possible side effects, but most are rare. It may occasionally lead to an increase in pressure in your eye and lead to permanent eye damage if not treated. Make sure you read the leaflet that comes with your medicines and tell your doctor if you are bothered by side effects or they do not go away. It may be possible to adjust your dose or try a different medicine.

This drug is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding and you should ask your doctor before taking it if you have kidney or liver disease, heart trouble or diabetes. Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may cause side effects.


Basic Information

Mechanism Of Action

Olmesartan blocks the vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor in vascular smooth muscle. Its action is, therefore, independent of the pathways for angiotensin II synthesis.

Pharmacokinets

Hydrochlorothiazide inhibits sodium chloride transport in the distal convoluted tubule. More sodium is then excreted in the kidney with accompanying fluid. Pharmacological effects begin in about 2 hours after an oral dose, peak in 4 hours, and lasts for about 6 to 12 hours.

Olmesartan appears to be eliminated in a biphasic manner with a terminal elimination half-life of approximately 13 hours. Olmesartan shows linear pharmacokinetics following single oral doses of up to 320 mg and multiple oral doses of up to 80 mg.

Side Effects

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Olkem H

Dizziness

Weakness

Headache

Tiredness

Edema (swelling)

Chest pain


Contra Indications

Olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide tablets are contraindicated: • In patients with hypersensitivity to any component of olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide tablets ... For coadministration with aliskiren in patients with diabetes

Pregnancy Related Information

Olkem 40 H 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.


Product And Alcohol Interaction

Olkem 40 H Tablet may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.


Breast Feeding Related Information

Olkem 40 H Tablet is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.


Indications

Olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly.


Interactions

Some products that may interact with this drug include: aliskiren, dofetilide, lithium, drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as sparsentan, ACE inhibitors including benazepril/lisinopril, birth control pills containing drospirenone).


Typical Dosage

Do not chew, crush or break it. Olkem 40 H Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Storage Requirements

Store below 30°C


Effects Of Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Olkem 40 H 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.


Effects Of Overdose

Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.


Expert Advice

You have been prescribed Olkem 40 H Tablet for the treatment of high blood pressure.

It can be taken with or without food.

Olkem 40 H Tablet may cause dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and inform your doctor if you develop extreme thirst, very dry mouth or muscle weakness.

It may cause dizziness. Get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Use of Olkem 40 H Tablet during pregnancy or breastfeeding is unsafe.

It may also decrease the risk of stroke and heart attacks.


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 40 H Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.


FAQs

Q. How long does it take for Olkem 40 H Tablet to work?

You may notice a decrease in your blood pressure effectively within 2 weeks of starting Olkem 40 H Tablet. However, it may take about 8 weeks to see the full benefits of this medicine.

Q. At what time of the day should you take Olkem 40 H 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 40 H Tablet at any time of the day. It is important to take this medicine at the same time every day.

Q. Can I feel dizzy after taking Olkem 40 H Tablet?

Yes, the use of Olkem 40 H 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.

Q. What are the other lifestyle changes I should make while using Olkem 40 H Tablet?

Lifestyle changes play a major role in keeping you healthy if you are taking Olkem 40 H Tablet. Avoid taking excess salt in your diet and find ways to reduce or manage stress in your life. Practice yoga or meditation or take up a hobby. Ensure that you have a sound sleep every night as this also helps to reduce stress levels and helps to keep your blood pressure normal. Stop smoking and alcohol consumption as this helps in lowering your blood pressure and preventing heart problems. Exercise regularly and take a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables and fat-free products. Consult your doctor if you need any further guidance to get the maximum benefit of Olkem 40 H Tablet and to keep yourself healthy.