Olmetec Plus is a combination medication containing olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists/diuretics. Olmetec Plus (Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide) is used to treat high blood pressure. It works to lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels in the body, as well as getting rid of extra fluid by making your kidneys produce more urine. This medication is typically only prescribed if Omesartan on its own has not lowered your blood pressure enough. The usual recommended start dose is 20 mg/12.5 mg.
Manufacturer Information
The brand Olmetec Plus is manufactured by Merck and the generic Olmetec Plus is currently from Apotex in Canada. It may come from other international countries. Olmetec Plus is available in a 20 mg/12. mg or 40 mg/12.5 mg, or 40 mg/25 mg dosage.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide
• Difficulty breathing;
• Hives;
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
Stop taking Olmetec Plus and call your doctor at once if you have one of these serious side effects:
• Severe diarrhea, lasting days, and leading to weight loss;
• Decrease in vision, or eye pain;
• Disturbances in consciousness;
• Skin limps (wheals);
• Acute kidney failure;
• Fluttering heartbeat;
• Rash or eczema;
• Vertigo;
• Muscle cramps;
• Blood in urine;
• Rise in blood fat levels;
• Rise in urea or uric acid;
• Rise in creatine;
• Rise or decrease in blood potassium levels;
• Rise in blood calcium levels;
• Rise in blood sugar;
• Increase in levels of liver function;
• Rise in blood urea nitrogen;
• Decrease in hemoglobin levels
Less serious side effects of Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide may include dizziness, weakness, headache, tiredness, chest pain, swelling in the ankles, feet, arms, and legs.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
Olmetec Plus should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. You should not take this medication if you are more than 3 months pregnant, or have severe kidney problems, impaired kidney function, diabetes, take blood pressure lowering medicines containing aliskiren, low potassium or low sodium levels, high uric acid levels in the blood, severe liver problems, jaundice, or problems with bile drainage from the gallbladder. Talk to your doctor about your medical history to be sure you can safely take Olmetec Plus. Particularly if you have liver disease, mild-to-moderate kidney problems, or if you’ve recently had a kidney transplant, heart failure or problems with heart valves or muscles, severe vomiting or diarrhea lasting several days, treatment with high doses of water tablets or if you’re on a low-salt diet, adrenal gland problems, diabetes, lupus erythematosus, or asthma. Olmetec Plus is not recommended in early pregnancy and must not be taken if you are more than 3 months pregnant as it may cause serious harm to your unborn baby. This medication may also make its way into breastmilk, so do not nurse an infant while taking Olmetec Plus. Be cautious drinking alcohol while on this medication, as you may feel faint or dizzy. There may be an interaction between Olmetec Plus and other medications such as other blood pressure medications, ACE-inhibitors such as aliskiren, medicines that alter potassium levels, NSAIDs, antidepressants, anti-cancer medications, and more. If you are taking any of these medications, speak to your doctor. This medication is not approved for anyone younger than 18 years old.