Olmesartan+chlorthalidone
About Olmesartan+chlorthalidone
Chlorthalidone+olmesartan is used to treat high blood pressure. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic condition in which the force exerted by the blood against the artery wall is high. As a result, it leads to heart diseases, irregular heartbeat, and other complications.
Chlorthalidone+olmesartan is a combination of Olmesartan medoxomil and Chlorthalidone. Olmesartan medoxomil works by blocking the hormone angiotensin, thereby relaxing blood vessels. Chlorthalidone removes extra water and certain electrolytes from the body.
In some cases, you may experience headache, nausea, or dizziness. Most of these side effects of Chlorthalidone+olmesartan do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
You can take Chlorthalidone+olmesartan with food or without food. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, bite, or break it. Your doctor will advise you how often you take your tablets based on your medical condition.
Try not to stop taking this medicine of your own. Let your doctor know about this, as it may cause a rise in blood pressure and can increase the risk of getting heart diseases and stroke. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please tell your doctor so that the dosage of Chlorthalidone+olmesartan can be prescribed accordingly. Please tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines or are allergic to this medicine.
Uses of Olmesartan+chlorthalidone
Medicinal Benefits
- Chlorthalidone+olmesartan is a combination of two drugs, namely, Olmesartan (blood pressure-lowering agent) and Chlorthalidone (diuretic), primarily used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Olmesartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that lower increased blood pressure by blocking a naturally occurring substance known as angiotensin II (that tightens your blood vessels).
- It allows these constricted blood vessels to relax and therefore helps lower high blood pressure.
- This allows the blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump more efficiently.
- Chlorthalidone, a diuretic, works by increasing the amount of urine passed out from the kidneys and lowering blood pressure.
- Chlorthalidone+olmesartan lowers the overall raised blood pressure and reduces the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or kidney problems.
- Chlorthalidone+olmesartan is generally used when a single medicine is ineffective in controlling blood pressure.
Directions for Use
- Take Chlorthalidone+olmesartan with or without food or as advised by a doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication, to ensure the safety.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Olmesartan+chlorthalidone
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
- Cold extremes
- Headache
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
Drug Warnings
- Chlorthalidone+olmesartan should not be given to people allergic to Chlorthalidone+olmesartan or any of its ingredients.
- Let your doctor know if you have low blood pressure (less than 90 mm of Hg) or have had a heart attack, kidney disease, or liver disease.
- Chlorthalidone+olmesartan is contraindicated in people with low blood pressure (hypotension), cardiogenic shock (sudden stopping of blood flow to the heart), and aortic stenosis (heart valve problem).
- Please inform your doctor before surgery if you are taking Chlorthalidone+olmesartan as it needs to be stopped because it might lower the blood pressure further if taken along with local anaesthesia.
- Pregnant women should discontinue Chlorthalidone+olmesartan because it can cause injury and death to the developing fetus.
- Tell your doctor if you are on low sodium (table salt) diet.
- Cases of electrolyte imbalance have been observed (like low levels of sodium, potassium, or magnesium in your blood).
- So your doctor might advise monitoring blood pressure, kidney function test, and electrolytes.
- Please do not stop taking Chlorthalidone+olmesartan on your own, as it may lead to the recurrence of symptoms or worsen the condition.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Chlorthalidone+olmesartan may interact with other high blood pressure-lowering pills (enalapril, captopril, lisinopril, ramipril, benazepril, diltiazem, verapamil, amiloride, metoprolol, hydrochlorothiazide, simvastatin, atorvastatin, azilsartan), medicine to treat erectile dysfunction (sildenafil), antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifampicin), antifungal (itraconazole, ketoconazole), anti-epilepsy medications (carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone), medicines used to treat asthma (salbutamol, formoterol), anti-HIV drugs (ritonavir), immune-suppressing drugs (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), and pain killers (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, aspirin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Chlorthalidone+olmesartan severely interacts with grapefruit, grapefruit juices, and St. John’s wort (a plant used to treat depression). Hence it should not be taken with Chlorthalidone+olmesartan.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Chlorthalidone+olmesartan may interact with disease conditions including low blood pressure (hypotension), heart valve problem (stenosis), cardiogenic shock (when the heart fails to pump required blood to the body), coronary heart disease, liver disease, renal impairment, or heart failure.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is unsafe to consume alcohol, since alcohol consumption with Chlorthalidone+olmesartan may increase the risk of low blood pressure and cause adverse effects such as dizziness, fainting, light-headedness, or headache.
Pregnancy
cautionChlorthalidone+olmesartan must not be used when pregnancy unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Chlorthalidone+olmesartan.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorLet your doctor know if you are a nursing mother before taking Chlorthalidone+olmesartan; your doctor will decide whether Chlorthalidone+olmesartan can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
unsafeChlorthalidone+olmesartan may cause side effects like dizziness, headaches, nausea or tiredness, which can affect your ability to concentrate and drive. Hence, it is recommended not to drive or operate machinery until you are mentally alert.
Liver
cautionChlorthalidone+olmesartan to be taken with caution, especially if you have had a history of liver disease. Your doctor will have to change the dosage depending on your medical condition and your reaction to treatment.
Kidney
cautionChlorthalidone+olmesartan to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeUse of Chlorthalidone+olmesartan in children less than 1 year of age is not recommended as the safety and efficacy of Chlorthalidone+olmesartan in these age groups have not yet been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Create a well-balanced and healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, omega-3-rich foods, and lean protein sources.
- Keep your weight under control with a BMI of 19.5-24.9.
- Avoid chronic stress, as it can raise your blood pressure.
- Spend time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
- Be mindful of salt; consume no more than 2,300 mg each day.
- Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
- Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
Special Advise
If you have diabetes and taking Chlorthalidone+olmesartan with other blood pressure-lowering pills like 'aliskiren,' immediately stop taking both together and consult a doctor, as it may cause serious complications.
Do not use the Chlorthalidone+olmesartan if you are unable to urinate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: The blood exerts increased pressure on the walls of blood vessels leading to hypertension. High blood pressure is expressed as systolic/diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats or pumps out blood. Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries between the heartbeats. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) by a blood pressure monitor called a sphygmomanometer. Some of the symptoms are headache, dizziness, nosebleeds, altered vision, chest pain, weakness, and shortness of breath. However, most of the time, the signs and symptoms of hypertension are none.
FAQs
Chlorthalidone+olmesartan is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
Chlorthalidone+olmesartan is a combination of two drugs: Olmesartan and Chlorthalidone. Olmesartan belongs to a class of angiotensin receptor blockers that works by relaxing and widening your blood vessels so your blood can flow more easily. This will lower your blood pressure. Chlorthalidone belongs to the class of diuretics that works by increasing urine output, thereby reducing blood pressure.
Chlorthalidone+olmesartan is not recommended in pregnancy. It can affect and harm the baby. Consult your doctor before taking Chlorthalidone+olmesartan if you plan to become pregnant or are already pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before prescribing Chlorthalidone+olmesartan.
High blood pressure is called 'Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). It is harmful to both the baby and the mother. In the mother, very high blood pressure can cause seizures (fits), headache, swelling of feet, kidney damage, and a higher risk of bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. This can also affect the baby by causing abnormal fetal heart rate, risk of stillbirth, and a small baby. So, during pregnancy, you should have regular blood pressure monitoring. Visit your Obstetrician if you have any concerns about blood pressure during pregnancy.
Taking Chlorthalidone+olmesartan may cause dehydration. So, to avoid dehydration, drink plenty of fluids, and inform your doctor if you feel extremely thirsty.
No, you are advised to inform your doctor and monitor your blood pressure for at least two weeks before stopping the medicine. Depending upon your current blood pressure readings, there is a possibility your doctor may lower your medicine dosage and not recommend discontinuing it.
Chlorthalidone+olmesartan can be safely taken as long as your doctor prescribes it. Chronic disease conditions like high blood pressure are life-long conditions, and one should not abruptly discontinue it without discussing it with a doctor.
Chlorthalidone+olmesartan contains chlorthalidone and olmesartan as its active substances. It belongs to a group of medicines called anti-hypertensives.
You may notice a drop in blood pressure within 2 weeks of starting Chlorthalidone+olmesartan, but it can take up to 8 weeks to experience its full benefits. If you have any concerns about Chlorthalidone+olmesartan, consult your doctor. Do not discontinue it without your doctor’s advice.
Chlorthalidone+olmesartan can be taken at any time, but the first dose is often recommended at bedtime to manage dizziness. After that, take it at the same time each day for consistency and effectiveness. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
Yes, you may feel dizzy after taking Chlorthalidone+olmesartan as it is one of its side effects. Avoid driving if you feel dizzy. This condition doesn’t require any medical treatment as it will gradually reduce over time. Consult your doctor, if the condition persists longer.
While using Chlorthalidone+olmesartan, maintain a balanced and nutritious diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, omega-3 sources, and lean proteins. Aim for a healthy weight with a BMI between 19.5 and 24.9. Manage stress effectively as chronic stress can elevate blood pressure. Reduce salt intake and limit or avoid alcohol. Quit smoking to reduce the risk of heart disease. If you still have any concerns, discuss with your doctor.
Chlorthalidone+olmesartan may not cause weight gain. However, in rare cases, it may lead to chronic diarrhoea accompanied by significant weight loss. If a patient experiences diarrhoea while using Chlorthalidone+olmesartan and no other cause is identified, the doctor might advise discontinuing the medication and suggest an alternative treatment.
Serious side effects of Chlorthalidone+olmesartan include severe allergic reactions, lightheadedness, kidney dysfunction, electrolyte imbalances, severe diarrhoea and weight loss. Consult your doctor immediately, if you experience any of these symptoms.
There is no particular evidence that shows Chlorthalidone+olmesartan affects fertility in men or women. Therefore, if you experience changes or have any concerns, discuss with your doctor.
Before surgery, inform your doctor if you are using Chlorthalidone+olmesartan. It may need to be discontinued as it can further lower blood pressure when combined with local anaesthesia.
