Sofvasc OLM

Olmesartan is a familiar tablet in Pakistani pharmacies, from bustling markets in Lahore to clinics in Islamabad, often prescribed to manage high blood pressure and ease heart strain. It’s an angiotensin II blocker that helps keep blood vessels relaxed. This profile covers its essentials—how it works, its uses, side effects, doctor insights, and FAQs—based on local standards like those from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). It’s straightforward info to understand, not a prompt to use without a doctor’s advice.

Basic Product Details

• Form and Strength: Tablets, typically 10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg.
• Packaging: Strips of 10 or 14 tablets, sealed for Pakistan’s humid climate.
• Pricing: Roughly PKR 15-30 per tablet; a 10-tablet strip of 20 mg costs about PKR 150-300, depending on the pharmacy or brand.
• Brands in Pakistan: Olmetec, Benicar, or PMDC-approved generics.

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Olmesartan medoxomil (an angiotensin II receptor blocker).
• Excipients: May include lactose, cellulose, or magnesium stearate (check packaging for specifics).

Drug Class

Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB).

How It Functions

Olmesartan blocks angiotensin II, a hormone that tightens blood vessels and raises blood pressure by triggering aldosterone release. By stopping this hormone from binding to receptors in tissues like blood vessels, it relaxes arteries, lowers pressure, and reduces heart workload. In Pakistan’s clinics, it’s valued for steady blood pressure control, especially for patients with hypertension or heart risks, helping protect against strokes or kidney issues.

Primary Uses

• Managing high blood pressure (essential hypertension).
• Reducing risks of stroke, heart attack, or kidney problems in at-risk patients.

Indications

Olmesartan is indicated for treating essential hypertension (primary high blood pressure) to maintain healthy blood flow and reduce cardiovascular strain.

Dosage Form

Tablet, swallowed whole with water.

Side Effects

Common issues, based on local reports, include:

• Dizziness or headache.
• Edema (fluid buildup in tissues).
• Fatigue or nausea.
• Abdominal pain or bloating (often resolves when stopped).

Seek immediate help for severe symptoms like persistent vomiting or swelling.

Warnings

• Pregnancy: Contraindicated—can harm the fetus; avoid especially in second/third trimesters.
• Lactation: Contraindicated—consult a doctor for alternatives.
• Alcohol: Avoid, as it may worsen dizziness or blood pressure drops.
• Precautions: Use cautiously in:
  • Intravascular volume depletion (e.g., dehydration).
  • Aortic/mitral valve stenosis or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
  • Primary aldosteronism (hormonal disorder).
  • Liver impairment or low blood pressure with ischemic heart/cerebrovascular disease (risk of heart attack/stroke).
  • Regular blood pressure and kidney function tests are advised.

Contraindications

Avoid if you have:

• Allergy to olmesartan or similar drugs.
• Biliary obstruction (blocked bile ducts).
• Primary aldosteronism.
• Severe liver or kidney impairment.

Drug Interactions

May interact with:

• Aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), or potassium-raising drugs (e.g., spironolactone), increasing kidney or low blood pressure risks.
• Lithium, raising toxicity risk.
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), reducing blood pressure control or harming kidneys.
• Birth control pills with drospirenone, affecting potassium levels.

Food Interactions

• Can be taken with or without food, but consistency helps.
• Avoid alcohol; it may increase side effects like dizziness.
• Limit high-sodium foods (e.g., salty snacks) to support blood pressure control.
• Avoid excessive potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, oranges) unless cleared by a doctor.

In Case of Overdose

Symptoms like severe dizziness or low blood pressure need urgent ER care. Treatment focuses on stabilizing vitals and supporting blood pressure.

Missed Dose

Take as soon as remembered, unless near the next dose. Skip it then, and don’t double up. Consult your doctor if unsure.

Storage and Disposal

Store tablets at room temperature (18-25°C) in a cool, dry place (e.g., a cabinet, not a bathroom), away from light, moisture, and kids. Dispose of expired tablets via pharmacy drop-off, not by flushing.

Quick Tips

• Take at the same time daily for steady effects, ideally at night to align with blood pressure rhythms.
• Stay hydrated, especially in Pakistan’s heat.
• Avoid NSAIDs unless approved by your doctor.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly.

Doctor Review

Cardiologists in Pakistan, from Karachi’s NICVD to Rawalpindi’s clinics, view olmesartan as a reliable choice for hypertension, effectively relaxing blood vessels to lower pressure and heart strain, but they emphasize kidney monitoring and avoiding it in pregnancy or severe liver issues.

Laboratory Screening

To monitor effects and health:

• Blood Tests: Kidney function (creatinine, eGFR), electrolytes (especially potassium), liver function.
• Blood Pressure Checks: Regular monitoring for control.
• Urine Tests: For kidney health, especially in high-risk patients.

FAQs

What is olmesartan used for? It treats high blood pressure (hypertension), helping prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems by keeping blood vessels relaxed.

How should I store olmesartan? Keep at room temperature (18-25°C), away from light, moisture, and kids. Don’t flush expired tablets—use pharmacy drop-off.

Does olmesartan cause stomach issues? Some experience nausea (68%), abdominal pain (50%), or bloating (41%), but these usually stop when the drug is discontinued.

How does olmesartan help the heart? It blocks angiotensin II, relaxing blood vessels and lowering pressure, reducing strain on the heart and vessels.

What drinks help lower blood pressure? Natural options include tomato, beet, prune, pomegranate, or berry juice, skim milk, and tea.

Which drugs interact with olmesartan? Aliskiren, lithium, ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), potassium-raising drugs, or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) may cause issues.

Can I take olmesartan with amlodipine? Yes, but limit simvastatin to 20 mg daily and avoid strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) to prevent interactions.

Why do I have swelling in my hands/feet? Edema is a common side effect; it typically resolves when stopping the drug. Consult your doctor if it worsens.

When can I stop olmesartan? Don’t stop abruptly—taper gradually under a doctor’s guidance to avoid chest pain or blood pressure spikes.

Is olmesartan safe for dialysis or hepatitis C patients? No, it’s not safe for severe kidney or liver disease, including dialysis. Consult your doctor for alternatives.

What’s the best time to take olmesartan? Any time works, but same-time daily (ideally bedtime) aligns with blood pressure rhythms for better control.

Disclaimer: This is product information only, not a prescription or diagnosis. Consult a qualified Pakistani doctor before using olmesartan to ensure it’s safe. Seek immediate care for severe symptoms like swelling or persistent nausea.