olmesartan

Before taking olmesartan, tell your doctor if you

• have kidney disease;

• have liver disease;

• are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood; or

• are taking a potassium supplement (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others), or a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).

You may not be able to take olmesartan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Olmesartan is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, olmesartan can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Do not take olmesartan if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether olmesartan passes into breast milk. Do not take olmesartan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take olmesartan exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Olmesartan can be taken with or without food.

Do not stop taking olmesartan without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.

Store olmesartan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking olmesartan and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

• little or no urine.

Other side effects are less serious and may be more likely to occur. Continue to take olmesartan and talk to your doctor if you experience

• diarrhea or upset stomach;

• dizziness;

• headache;

• insomnia; or

• congestion or cough (very unlikely).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Do not take olmesartan if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, olmesartan can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Olmesartan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking olmesartan.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Olmesartan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking olmesartan.

Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. Olmesartan can affect potassium levels in the body.

Before taking olmesartan, tell your doctor if you

• take a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others;

• take a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide); or

• use a salt substitute.

Olmesartan can affect potassium levels in the body. You may not be able to take olmesartan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the products listed above.

Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take to treat high blood pressure or other heart conditions. Olmesartan may cause very low blood pressure if it is taken with other heart medications.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with olmesartan or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an olmesartan overdose are not well known, but might include dizziness, weakness, fainting, fatigue, and chest pain.