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How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
This is a combination product that contains 2 medications: olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. It is used to lower high blood pressure.
Olmesartan belongs to the class of medications called angiotensin II receptor blockers and helps to lower blood pressure by blocking the action of a chemical (angiotensin II) that causes blood vessels to constrict or tighten, thereby relaxing blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the class of medications called diuretics or "water pills" and helps control blood pressure by getting rid of excess salt and water.
This combination medication is used to treat mild to moderate high blood pressure for people who require treatment with both olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. This medication is most often used when a person has taken olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide as separate medications without any problems.
When blood pressure is allowed to remain high for a long time, the blood vessels of the heart, kidneys, and brain may become damaged. This puts a person at increased risk for heart attack and stroke as well as kidney failure and blindness. Keeping blood pressure in the normal range can reduce the risk for these conditions.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
This combination medication is used to make dosing more convenient for people who are already taking both of these medications (olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide) separately. Once the dose of each medication has been established, the combination tablet can be started.
The recommended dose is 1 tablet once daily. The usual adult dose of olmesartan ranges from 20 mg to 40 mg once daily, while the usual adult dose of hydrochlorothiazide ranges from 12.5 mg once daily.
This medication may be taken with or without food, but should be taken in the same manner each day.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
20 mg/12.5 mg
Each reddish-yellow, circular, film-coated tablet, with "C22" debossed on one side, contains olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, lactose, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, red iron oxide, talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.
40 mg/12.5 mg
Each reddish-yellow, oval, film-coated tablet, with "C23" debossed on one side, contains olmesartan medoxomil 40 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, lactose, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, red iron oxide, talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use olmesartan - hydrochlorothiazide if you:
- are allergic to olmesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or any ingredients of the medication
- are allergic to other sulfonamide-derived (sulfa) medications (e.g., sulfamethoxazole)
- are breast-feeding
- are pregnant or may become pregnant
- have anuria (inability to pass urine)
- have diabetes or kidney disease and are taking aliskiren
- have galactose intolerance (a rare hereditary condition)
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