Olmesartan Aurobindo Pharma (Malta) (Olmesartan Medoxomil)

Olmesartan medoxil is indicated for hypertension management, acting on the renin‑angiotensin system to lower blood pressure.

• Hypertension: Helps reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, decreasing cardiovascular risk.
• Heart failure: Used as part of combination therapy to improve outcomes in patients with reduced ejection fraction.
• Diabetic nephropathy: Provides renal protection by lowering intraglomerular pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes.

• Olmesartan medoxil is a selective antagonist of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor. By blocking this receptor, it prevents angiotensin II‑mediated vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion, leading to vasodilation, reduced sodium and water retention, and ultimately lower systemic blood pressure.

Adverse reactions to olmesartan may vary in frequency and severity.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nasal congestion
• Diarrhea

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Angio‑edema
• Severe hypotension
• Acute kidney injury
• Hyperkalemia
• Liver enzyme elevations

When prescribing olmesartan, clinicians should consider several safety aspects.

• Pregnancy: Contra‑indicated in the second and third trimesters due to risk of fetal toxicity.
• Renal impairment: Monitor kidney function and adjust therapy as needed.
• Hyperkalemia risk: Check serum potassium, especially when combined with potassium‑sparing diuretics.
• Drug‑induced hypotension: Advise patients to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
• Store at below 25°C: keep in the original packaging for protect against moisture.

Olmesartan can interact with several other medicines, requiring attention to avoid reduced efficacy or increased toxicity.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Aliskiren: Co‑administration in diabetic patients is prohibited.
• Potassium‑sparing diuretics: May cause dangerous hyper‑kalemia.
• NSAIDs: Can blunt antihypertensive effect and impair renal function.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• ACE inhibitors: Combined use raises risk of hypotension, hyper‑kalemia, and renal dysfunction.
• Lithium: May increase lithium levels and risk of toxicity.
• Rifampicin: May reduce olmesartan plasma concentrations.