Olkem-20 Tablet belongs to a group of medications called 'anti-hypertensives' primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure is a chronic (long-term) condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently at higher than normal levels. If left untreated, this condition can increase the risk of heart-related diseases like heart attack, heart failure, stroke, irregular heartbeat, and other complications.

Olkem-20 Tablet contains ‘Olmesartan medoxomil’ which is a prodrug and is hydrolyzed to olmesartan during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. It is an angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB) that narrows the blood vessels increasing the blood pressure, therefore blocking angiotensin can result in the widening of the narrowed blood vessels. This effect allows the blood to flow more smoothly in the blood vessels.

Take Olkem-20 Tablet as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take Olkem-20 Tablet based on your medical condition. The common side-effects of Olkem-20 Tablet are dizziness, headache, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, stomach pain, and sore throat. Most of these side effects of Olkem-20 Tablet do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor. 

Do not take Olkem-20 Tablet if you are allergic to ‘olmesartan medoximil’ or any ingredients present in it. Olkem-20 Tablet should not be used in pregnant women, patients suffering from jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) or gallbladder blockage, patients having diabetes or kidney failure, and using blood pressure-lowering medicine containing aliskiren. Inform your doctor if you are taking potassium supplements or any other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Olkem-20 Tablet contains ‘Olmesartan medoximil’ which belongs to the class of ‘antihypertensives’. It is primarily used to reduce high blood pressure. It is an angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB) that blocks the hormone angiotensin. Angiotensin narrows the blood vessels increasing the blood pressure, therefore blocking angiotensin can result in the widening of the narrowed blood vessels. This effect allows the blood to flow more smoothly in the blood vessels and thus lowering blood pressure.

Do not take Olkem-20 Tablet if you are allergic to ‘olmesartan medoximil’ or any other ingredients present in it. Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver disease, heart problems, diabetes or kidney problems and taking blood pressure-lowering medication containing aliskiren. Also, inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription drugs and nutritional supplements. During treatment, seek medical attention if you experience severe, persistent diarrhoea and substantial weight loss. It is not used in children below 2 years of age, pregnant women and should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers.

• Keep your weight under control with a body mass index (BMI) of 19.5-24.9.
• Do regular physical activity or exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, or about 30 minutes most days of the week. Doing this can help you to lower your raised blood pressure by about 5 mm of Hg.
• Limit intake of sodium chloride (table salt) in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day or less than 1500 mg is ideal for most adults.
• Limit alcohol intake. One serving for women and two servings for men is advisable.
• Quit smoking as it is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
• Avoid chronic stress as it can raise your blood pressure. Try to enjoy and spent time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
• Monitor your blood pressure daily and if there is too much fluctuation, then immediately contact your doctor.
• Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to lower your elevated blood pressure.

• Your doctor may check your kidney function, blood pressure and electrolyte levels in your blood at regular intervals while using Olkem-20 Tablet .
• Olkem-20 Tablet may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor.

Hypertension: It is a chronic (long-term) condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently at higher than normal levels. It occurs when the blood’s force against the wall of blood vessels is too high. This condition can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes damage to the brain, kidneys, and eyes. The risk of high blood pressure complications increases with the following: obesity, smoking, diabetes, alcohol intake, lack of physical inactivity, stress and kidney diseases.