Description
Olmesartan belongs to the class of medications called angiotensin II receptor blockers. It is used to reduce blood pressure by blocking the actions of a chemical (angiotensin II) that causes blood vessels to constrict or tighten. It is used to treat mild to moderate high blood pressure. Your blood pressure may start to decrease within 1 to 2 weeks of starting this medication. Olmesartan may be used alone or in combination with a diuretic (water pill).
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.
For adults, the usual recommended starting dose of olmesartan is 20 mg once daily. Your doctor may recommend a dose increase of olmesartan to 40 mg daily if your blood pressure remains too high. Olmesartan may be taken with or without food, but should be taken in the same manner each day.
For children between the ages of 6 and 16 years, the usual dose is based on weight. Children weighing between 20 kg and 35 kg should receive 10 mg once daily up to a maximum of 20 mg daily. The dose for children weighing more than 35 kg is 20 mg once daily, which may be increased to a maximum of 40 mg daily. Olmesartan may be taken with or without food, but should be taken in the same manner each day.
