Olmetor-H

Composition of Olmetor-H

Olmetor-H contains Hydrochlorothiazide (12.5mg) + Olmesartan (40mg). It belongs to the Water tablet and Angiotensin receptor blocker / ACE inhibitor class of medicines.

Uses of Olmetor-H

Olmetor-H 40 Tablet is used in the treatment of high blood pressure.

Key benefits

• Relieves swelling and breathlessness caused by fluid
• Long-established blood pressure treatment
• Inexpensive and once daily
• Protects the kidneys in diabetes
• Reduces the long-term risk of stroke and heart attack
• Usually taken once a day

How Olmetor-H works

Olmetor-H 40 Tablet is a combination of two medicines: Hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan which lower blood pressure effectively. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that removes extra water and certain electrolytes from the body. Over time it also relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. Olmesartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels. This allows the blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump more efficiently.

How to take Olmetor-H

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

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

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

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

Side effects of Olmetor-H

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

• Nausea Taste change Stomach upset Diarrhea Headache Dizziness Weakness Electrolyte imbalance Glucose intolerance Increased blood lipid level Increased blood uric acid Decreased blood pressure

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 Olmetor-H

Warnings and precautions

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. 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.

Do not take Olmetor-H if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Not for people who are unable to pass urine, or who are severely dehydrated. 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.

Interactions with other 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. 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.

How to store Olmetor-H

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

Expert advice for Olmetor-H

Weigh yourself at the same time each day if you have heart failure, and report a rapid gain. Do not add extra salt, and ask before using a potassium-based salt substitute. Blood pressure medicines work only while you take them — do not stop because you feel well. Tell your doctor at once if you become pregnant or are planning a pregnancy. Keep a home blood-pressure record if your doctor has asked for one.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

TORRENT PHARMACEUTICALS

Therapeutic class:

Diuretic and Anti-hypertensive

Drug class:

Water tablet and Angiotensin receptor blocker / ACE inhibitor