Olmesartan

Generic name: olmesartan [ OL-me-SAR-tan ]
Brand name: Benicar
Dosage form: oral tablet (20 mg; 40 mg; 5 mg)
Drug Class: Angiotensin receptor blockers

Route of administration: Oral

Available Dose:

• Tablets: 5 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg

Mechanism of action: Olmesartan blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor in vascular smooth muscle, inhibiting vasoconstriction and reducing blood pressure.

Drug usage cases: Olmesartan is used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure).

Drug contraindications: Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to olmesartan or any of its components. It should not be used during pregnancy.

Side effects: Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and fatigue. Rarely, it may cause severe hypotension, renal dysfunction, and hyperkalemia.

Warnings: Caution is advised in patients with renal artery stenosis, severe renal impairment, or hepatic impairment. Olmesartan should be used with caution in patients with a history of angioedema.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Olmesartan is categorized as a pregnancy category D drug. It should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause fetal harm. It is unknown if olmesartan or its metabolites are excreted in human milk; therefore, caution should be exercised when administered to breastfeeding women.