Product introduction
Olmetor 10mg contains olmesartan medoxomil, a blood pressure medicine from the angiotensin receptor blocker family. It is prescribed to bring raised blood pressure down to a safer range and is usually taken once a day for the long term.
Storage: Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight, and keep out of reach of children.
Uses of Olmetor 10mg Tablet
- Hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Benefits of Olmetor 10mg Tablet
Keeping blood pressure under control lowers the strain on the heart, blood vessels, kidneys and brain, which in turn reduces the chances of a heart attack or stroke. Olmetor starts reducing blood pressure within about a week, with the full effect typically seen in around two weeks.
Side effects of Olmetor 10mg Tablet
Most side effects do not require medical attention and go away as your body adjusts. Consult your doctor if they persist.
- Dizziness.
- Cough.
- Diarrhoea.
- Indigestion.
- Nausea.
- Runny nose.
How to use Olmetor 10mg Tablet
Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not chew, crush or break it. It can be taken with or without food. Take it at the same time every day and do not stop it suddenly, even if your readings improve, unless your doctor tells you to.
How Olmetor 10mg Tablet works
Olmesartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker. It stops angiotensin II, a natural chemical that tightens blood vessels, from acting on its receptors. The vessels stay relaxed and wider, blood flows more easily and blood pressure falls.
Substitutes for Olmetor 10mg Tablet
No other medicine with the same composition is listed in our catalogue yet. Message us on WhatsApp and our pharmacist will help you find a suitable alternative.
Safety advice
Alcohol can add to the blood pressure lowering effect and cause dizziness. Ask your doctor what is safe for you.
This medicine can seriously harm an unborn baby and must not be used in pregnancy. Tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant or are planning to.
It may pass into breast milk and could harm the baby, so it is not recommended while breastfeeding.
It may cause dizziness or weakness because of changes in blood pressure. Take care until you know how it affects you.
Use with caution in kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose and monitor kidney function.
Use with caution in liver disease. A dose adjustment may be needed.
Quick tips
- Take the tablet at the same time every day so that the blood pressure effect stays steady.
- Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down, especially in the first few days, to avoid dizziness.
- Avoid potassium supplements and very potassium-rich foods or salt substitutes unless your doctor approves.
- Do not use painkillers such as ibuprofen regularly without checking with your doctor, as they can reduce the effect and strain the kidneys.
- Regular exercise, less salt and weight control work alongside the tablet to keep blood pressure down.
Fact box
| Chemical class | Biphenyl derivative |
|---|---|
| Habit forming | No |
| Therapeutic class | Cardiac |
| Action class | Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) |
Frequently asked questions
How soon will Olmetor 10mg lower my blood pressure?
A drop in blood pressure is usually seen within about a week, and the full benefit generally develops over around two weeks.
Can I stop it once my blood pressure is normal?
No. Normal readings are a result of the medicine working, and stopping suddenly can let blood pressure rise again. Speak to your doctor before making any change.
Is it a water tablet (diuretic)?
No, it is not a diuretic. Doctors sometimes combine it with a diuretic for a stronger effect.
Do I need to tell the doctor before surgery?
Yes. Let your surgeon or anaesthetist know you are taking it, ideally about a day before, as it can interact with blood pressure effects of anaesthetics.