hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil at a glance
Medicine class
Angiotensin II receptor blocker plus thiazide diuretic
Licensed use
Essential hypertension in adults not adequately controlled by olmesartan alone
Food
May be taken with or without food
Monitoring
Blood pressure, kidney function, sodium and potassium require monitoring
Important ingredient
The selected film-coated tablets contain lactose
What is hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil used for?
UK-licensed use represented by the selected product:
Essential hypertension in adults whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by olmesartan medoxomil alone.
It is a follow-on fixed combination rather than initial treatment for hypertension.
How does hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil work?
Olmesartan blocks angiotensin II at AT1 receptors, reducing blood-vessel tightening and aldosterone effects. Hydrochlorothiazide increases kidney excretion of sodium and water. Their complementary actions lower blood pressure more than either component alone.
hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 mg + 12.5 mg, 20 mg + 25 mg, 40 mg + 12.5 mg, 40 mg + 25 mg
How to take hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil
Follow the dispensing label and prescriber’s instructions.
Swallow the film-coated tablet whole with water; do not chew it.
It may be taken with or without food.
hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Tiredness or weakness
- Swelling of the ankles or limbs
- Changes in kidney function, potassium, sodium, calcium, glucose, lipids or uric acid detected by blood tests
Get urgent medical advice
- Swelling of the face, mouth or throat, especially with breathing difficulty
- Fainting or marked symptoms of very low blood pressure
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea with substantial weight loss
- Sudden eye pain or reduced vision
- Severe shortness of breath or rapidly worsening breathing
- Jaundice, dark urine and itching
- Markedly reduced urine output, severe weakness, confusion, cramps or abnormal heartbeat suggesting kidney or electrolyte disturbance
hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil in pregnancy
This combination is not recommended during the first trimester and is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters. Later ARB exposure can impair fetal kidney function and amniotic-fluid production. Contact the prescriber promptly if pregnancy is planned or confirmed so treatment can be reviewed.
hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil while breastfeeding
The combination is not recommended while breastfeeding because evidence for olmesartan is extremely limited and hydrochlorothiazide can enter milk and may reduce milk production. A treatment with better-established breastfeeding safety is usually preferred, particularly for a newborn or premature infant.
hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about prescribed, non-prescription and complementary products, particularly:
Lithium
The combination can increase lithium concentrations and toxicity; concurrent use is not recommended unless levels can be closely monitored.
NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen
They may weaken blood-pressure control and increase kidney-impairment risk, particularly during dehydration or in vulnerable patients.
ACE inhibitors, other ARBs or aliskiren
Dual renin–angiotensin system blockade increases the risks of hypotension, high potassium and kidney injury; some combinations are contraindicated.
Common questions about hydrochlorothiazide + olmesartan medoxomil
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be taken with food?
Yes. The tablet may be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole with water.
Can it cause dizziness?
Yes. Dizziness can occur, particularly if blood pressure falls too low or fluid is depleted. Avoid driving or operating machinery while affected.
Are blood tests required?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.