OLKEM 20 AM TAB

Uses and Benefits of OLKEM 20 AM TAB (Olmesartan 20mg + Amlodipine 5mg)

This medicine is mainly prescribed to control high blood pressure in adults who need more than one medicine to manage it.

WHAT THIS MEDICINE IS USED FOR

• Treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Used when a single blood pressure medicine is not enough to control levels
• Helps reduce risk of stroke, heart attack and kidney problems linked to long-term high blood pressure

HOW IT WORKS

• Olmesartan blocks angiotensin II, a substance that tightens blood vessels, allowing vessels to relax
• Amlodipine blocks calcium channels in blood vessel walls, relaxing and widening them
• Together they lower blood pressure through two different mechanisms, giving better control

WHAT IT IS NOT USED FOR

• Not used for immediate emergency lowering of very high blood pressure
• Not a painkiller or fever medicine
• Not used for heart rate problems or arrhythmias
• Not a substitute for lifestyle changes like diet, exercise and reduced salt intake

Side Effects of OLKEM 20 AM TAB (Olmesartan 20mg + Amlodipine 5mg)

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Dizziness
• Swelling of ankles or feet
• Headache
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Flushing (warmth or redness of skin)

LESS COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Nausea
• Muscle cramps
• Palpitations
• Low blood pressure symptoms like lightheadedness on standing
• Skin rash

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS — STOP AND SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY

• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing (allergic reaction)
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Severe watery diarrhoea with significant weight loss (rare intestinal condition)
• Yellowing of eyes or skin, signs of liver problems
• Very reduced urination, signs of kidney problems

This is not a complete list. Report any unusual or persistent symptom to your doctor or pharmacist.

How to Use OLKEM 20 AM TAB (Olmesartan 20mg + Amlodipine 5mg)

HOW TO TAKE IT

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day
• Can be taken with or without food, but try to take it at the same time each day
• Swallow the tablet with water; do not crush or chew unless advised
• Do not stop taking it suddenly even if you feel well, as blood pressure may rise again
• Continue lifestyle measures like low-salt diet and regular exercise alongside this medicine

IF YOU MISS A DOSE

• Take it as soon as you remember on the same day
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and continue as usual
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one
• Set a daily reminder if you often forget doses

STORAGE

• Store at room temperature, away from direct heat, light and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Do not use beyond the expiry date printed on the pack
• Keep in the original strip/container until ready to use

Safety Information and Precautions for OLKEM 20 AM TAB (Olmesartan 20mg + Amlodipine 5mg)

This is a prescription-only medicine in India and should be used only under medical supervision.

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU

• Are allergic to olmesartan, amlodipine or any other ingredient in the tablet
• Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
• Are breastfeeding
• Have severe liver disease (without doctor's specific advice)
• Have severe blockage in the outflow of the heart (aortic stenosis), unless advised by a cardiologist

TELL YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING IF YOU

• Have kidney disease or are on dialysis
• Have liver disease
• Have diabetes
• Have a history of low blood pressure or fainting spells
• Are on a low-salt diet or take potassium supplements
• Are elderly or have heart failure

MEDICINES THAT CAN INTERACT

• Other blood pressure-lowering medicines or diuretics
• Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen used regularly
• Lithium
• Certain antifungal or HIV medicines
• Simvastatin at higher doses

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take this medicine with alcohol?

Alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect and cause dizziness, so it is best to limit or avoid alcohol.

Will this medicine cause weight gain?

This medicine does not typically cause weight gain, but ankle swelling may occur in some people due to amlodipine.

How long do I need to take this medicine?

• High blood pressure usually needs long-term treatment; do not stop without consulting your doctor, even if your readings look normal.
• Doctor ya pharmacist se salah lein.