Olkem 20 Ct

Composition of Olkem 20 Ct

Olkem 20 Ct contains Olmesartan Medoxomil (20mg) + Chlorthalidone (12.5mg). It belongs to the Angiotensin receptor blocker / ACE inhibitor and Water tablet class of medicines.

Uses of Olkem 20 Ct

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Key benefits

• In Hypertension (high blood pressure) Olkem 20 CT Tablet is a combination of two medicines namely Olmesartan and chlorthalidone. It is generally used when one medicine alone is not controlling your blood pressure effectively. Olmesartan works by relaxing and widening your blood vessels so your blood can flow more easily. This will lower your blood pressure. Chlorthalidone is known as a diuretic (water pill) which increases urine output thereby lowering blood pressure. If your blood pressure is controlled you are less at risk of having a heart attack
• stroke
• or kidney problems. The medicine 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 Olkem 20 Ct works

Olkem 20 CT Tablet is a combination of olmesartan medoxomil and chlorthalidone. Olmesartan medoxomil works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a substance that causes blood vessels to narrow, thereby relaxing and widening the blood vessels to lower blood pressure. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic that helps remove excess salt and water from the body through urine, reducing fluid volume and easing the workload on the heart. Together, they help lower and control blood pressure effectively.

How to take Olkem 20 Ct

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 CT Tablet may be taken with or without food.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

If you miss a dose of Olkem 20 CT 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.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause a severe fall in blood pressure, with dizziness, fainting and a fast or slow pulse. It can cause severe dehydration, a sharp fall in blood pressure and dangerous salt imbalances. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Olkem 20 Ct

Most side effects of Olkem are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• 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

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Olkem 20 Ct

Warnings and precautions

Stand up slowly for the first few days — dizziness on rising is common when you start or your dose goes up. Stop and seek urgent care if your lips, tongue, face or throat swell, or you have difficulty breathing. A persistent dry, tickly cough can be caused by the ACE inhibitor group; tell your doctor rather than stopping on your own, as an alternative exists. Your doctor will check your kidney function and potassium after starting and after any dose change. Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium without asking your doctor. Take it in the morning so that passing urine does not disturb your sleep. Your doctor will check your salts and kidney function with blood tests — do not skip them. Report muscle cramps, marked weakness, confusion or an irregular heartbeat; these can be signs your potassium or sodium has fallen. In hot weather or during an illness with vomiting or loose motions, tell your doctor — you may become dehydrated quickly.

Do not take Olkem if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Must not be used in pregnancy — it can seriously harm the developing baby. Not for people with narrowing of both kidney arteries, or a history of swelling of the face and throat caused by this group of medicines. Not for people who are unable to pass urine, or who are severely dehydrated.

Interactions with other medicines

Anti-inflammatory painkillers reduce the effect and can harm the kidneys when combined. Potassium supplements, potassium-sparing water tablets and salt substitutes can push potassium too high. Lithium levels rise when taken with these medicines. Anti-inflammatory painkillers blunt the effect and can strain the kidneys. Lithium and digoxin levels are affected; tell your doctor if you take either. Potassium-sparing types must not be combined with potassium supplements without supervision.

How to store Olkem 20 Ct

Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Olkem 20 Ct

You have been prescribed Olkem 20 CT Tablet for the treatment of high blood pressure. It can be taken with or without food. Olkem 20 CT 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 20 CT Tablet during pregnancy or breastfeeding is unsafe. It may also decrease the risk of stroke and heart attacks.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

ALKEM LAB

Therapeutic class:

CARDIAC

Drug class:

Angiotensin receptor blocker / ACE inhibitor and Water tablet