INTRODUCTION

OLTAS H 20MG is a combination of Hydrochlorothiazide and Olmesartan which belongs to the group of medicines called Thiazide diuretics and Angiotensin-II receptor blockers respectively. It is indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension. Essential hypertension (also known as primary hypertension) is a medical condition in which the force of the blood exerted against the walls of the artery remains very high, and as a result it may lead to severe damage to the blood vessels of several organs, thus causing heart attack, heart or kidney failure, stroke, or even blindness.

Olmesartan is an Angiotensin-II receptor blocker that effectively reduces blood pressure by blocking the actions of Angiotensin – II (a peptide hormone that increases blood pressure) at the angiotensin-II receptors and hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that reduces blood pressure by increasing urinary elimination of sodium and water, leading to a marked decrease in blood volume and an increase in blood flow.

Along with the treatment, follow a low-sodium diet and drink plenty of fluids as advised by your physician. During the treatment, your doctor might regularly check your blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, kidney function, and electrolyte balance to avoid the risk of unwanted side effects.

Before taking OLTAS H 20MG, inform your doctor if you have any problems related to kidney, liver, lungs, or heart. Treatment with OLTAS H 20MG particularly for a longer period can increase the risk of certain types of skin and lip cancer, and so protect your skin from sun exposure or UV rays while taking this medicine. OLTAS H 20MG is strictly not recommended for use in patients with diabetes-related kidney disease and in pregnant or breast-feeding women. Consult your doctor for alternative therapy. The most common side effects of taking this medicine are dizziness, headache, stomach pain, nausea, weakness, sore throat, or chest pain. Contact your doctor if any of the symptom worsen.

USES OF OLTAS H 20MG

• treats essential hypertension

HOW OLTAS H 20MG WORKS

OLTAS H 20MG effectively reduces elevated blood pressure, where Olmesartan acts by inhibiting the actions of Angiotensin – II (a peptide hormone that causes narrowing of blood vessels and increase in blood pressure) by blocking the angiotensin-II receptors and hydrochlorothiazide acts by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium, chloride, and fluids from the kidneys, thus leading to a marked decrease in blood volume which in turn reduces blood pressure.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take OLTAS H 20MG as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF OLTAS H 20MG

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea and vomiting:

Try to take this medicine with or just after a meal or a snack. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating rich or spicy food. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Diarrhoea:

Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juices to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid taking any medicine on your own for treating diarrhea. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Headache:  

Rest and relax. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Apply a pain-relieving balm on the head if required. Do not consume too much of alcohol. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume too much of alcohol, as it can aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Flatulence:

Eat smaller and frequent meals. Eat and drink slowly, and exercise regularly. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Constipation: 

Eat fiber rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals and drink plenty of water. Try to exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve on its own.

Stomach pain:

Rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to have smaller and frequent meals. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. Do not self-treat on your own and consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve on its own.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking OLTAS H 20MG inform to your doctor, if you are taking any of these medicines:

• other medicines used to treat high blood pressure (Ex. aliskiren, methyldopa, captopril, enalapril, valsartan, propranolol, atenolol)
• other diuretics (used to increase urine output) Ex. chlorothiazide, furosemide
• medicines which can alter the levels of potassium in the blood (such as potassium supplements, heparin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, carbenoxolone (used to treat mouth and stomach ulcers), penicillin G)
• laxatives (used to relieve constipation) Ex. liquid paraffin, ispaghula,
• corticosteroids (used to treat pain or inflammation Ex. prednisolone, dexamethasone, salbutamol
• medicines used to induce sleep (Ex. phenobarbitone, pentobarbital, diazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam)
• medicines used to treat depression (Ex. fluoxetine, sertraline, imipramine, amitriptyline)
• medicines used to treat psychiatric disorders (Ex. chlorpromazine, trifluoperazine, levomepromazine, cyamemazine, sulpiride, amisulpride, pimozide, thioridazine, sultopride, tiapride, droperidol, or haloperidol)
• medicines used to treat heart problems (Ex. digitalis, quinidine, hydroquinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone or sotalol)
• medicines that may change the heart rhythm (Ex. pentamidine, mizolastine, terfenadine, dofetilide, ibutilide or erythromycin injections)
• medicines used to control blood sugar levels (Ex. metformin, insulin, or diazoxide)
• medicines used to increase blood pressure and slow heart rate (Ex. noradrenaline)
• medicines used to treat gout (Ex. probenecid, sulfinpyrazone, and allopurinol)
• skeletal muscle relaxants (used to treat muscle cramps) Ex. baclofen and tubocurarine
• medicines use to treat cancer (Ex. amifostine, methotrexate, or cyclophosphamide)
• medicines used to control blood cholesterol levels (Ex. cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (used to treat pain, swelling or inflammation) Ex. paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin
• anticholinergic agents (used to decrease muscle movements or secretions) such as atropine and biperiden
• lithium (used to treat mental illness)
• diphemanil (used to treat a slow heartbeat or reduce sweating)
• calcium supplements
• amantadine (used to treat viral infections)
• ciclosporin (used to prevent graft rejection)
• certain antibiotics (used to treat bacterial infections) such as tetracyclines or sparfloxacin
• amphotericin (a medicine used to treat fungal infections)
• antacids (used to neutralize stomach acid) such as aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide
• cisapride (used to increase gastrointestinal movements)
• halofantrine (a medicine used to treat malaria)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else take too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or go to a hospital straight away. Symptoms of overdosage might include low blood pressure, low heart rate, electrolyte depletion, dehydration, and increased urination.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep out of reach of children
• Store at room temperature

FAQs ABOUT OLTAS H 20MG

Can OLTAS H 20MG cause leg swelling?

Yes. OLTAS H 20MG may cause swelling of hands, arms, feet, ankles, or legs in some individuals. Try to keep your legs elevated for some time. Follow a calorie-restricted diet as advised by your doctor. If the condition did not improve or become worse consult your doctor.

Can OLTAS H 20MG be taken during pregnancy?

No. OLTAS H 20MG is strictly not recommended for use during pregnancy since it may cause serious harm to the growing baby. Consult your doctor before taking. Women of childbearing potential should follow suitable contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy and should discontinue using OLTAS H 20MG if became pregnant as early as possible.  

Can I take my diabetic medicines along with OLTAS H 20MG?

Avoid concomitant use of anti-diabetic medicines (such as metformin, insulin, diazoxide or others) with OLTAS H 20MG without consulting your doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dose or frequently monitor your blood sugar levels to safely use these medicines together.

Can OLTAS H 20MG cause dehydration?

Yes. OLTAS H 20MG may cause severe dehydration in some individuals. If you experience severe persistent diarrhea or vomiting, consult your doctor immediately to avoid the risk of electrolyte imbalance.

Can OLTAS H 20MG cause low sodium levels?

Yes. OLTAS H 20MG can cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels in blood) in some individuals. To avoid this, your doctor will regularly check electrolyte balance in your body and adjust your dose accordingly. However, if you experience any symptoms of hyponatremia such as fainting, dizziness, thirst, dry mouth, contact your doctor immediately.

What to do If I forget to take OLTAS H 20MG?

You should take OLTAS H 20MG immediately when you remember. If it is time for your next dose skip the dose and follow your regular dose schedule. Do not double the dose to match up your missed dose.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Diuretics and Drugs Affecting ReninAngiotensin System and Plasma Kinins. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 582-586 & 505-508.

2. Randa Hilal-Dandan. Renin and angiotensin. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of Therapeutics. 12th Edition. New York McGraw Hill Medical 2011. Page – 738-739.

3. Thomas Michel and Brian B. Hoffman. Treatment of Myocardial ischemia and hypertension. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of Therapeutics. 12th Edition. New York McGraw Hill Medical 2011. Page – 769-770.

4. Gerald G. Briggs and Roger K. Freeman. H & O. A reference guide to fetal and neonatal risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. Tenth Edition. 2015. Page – 1869 & 2852-2853.

5. Luis M Ruilope. Clinical efficacy and safety of olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination therapy in patients with essential hypertension. NCBI; PMC US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. December 2008. [Accessed on 11th October 2021] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2663442/

6. Xiaoshen Zhang, Han Zhang, Yuxia Ma, Wenliang Che, and Michael R. Hamblin. Management of Hypertension Using Olmesartan Alone or in Combination. NCBI; PMC US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. [Revised in June 2017] [Accessed on 11th October 2021] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5446820/

7. Mark Greathouse. Olmesartan medoxomil combined with hydrochlorothiazide for the treatment of hypertension. NCBI; PMC US National Library of Medicine, National Institute of Health. December 2006. [Accessed on 11th October 2021] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1994014/

8. DAIICHI SANKYO EUROPE GmbH. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in September 2020] [Accessed on 11th October 2021] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8529.pdf

9. Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in May 2011] [Accessed on 11th October 2021] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/040735s004,040770s003lbl.pdf

10. Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. OLSAR – H. Torrentian.com. November 2017. [Accessed on 11th October 2021] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/2979.pdf

11. Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Olmetor-H. Torrentian.com. [Revised in March 2019. [Accessed on 11th October 2021] https://www.torrentian.com/pisheet/Upload/PI_Sheet/1773.pdf

12. Cipla Ltd. OLMECIP H Tablets (Olmesartan medoxomil + Hydrochlorothiazide). Ciplamed.com. [Revised in September 2015]. [Accessed on 11th October 2021] https://www.ciplamed.com/content/olmecip-h-tablets

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Kidney function test