Key takeaways
- Olmesartan oral tablet comes as film-coated tablets in strengths of 5 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, and 40 mg. It’s used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
- The usual starting dosage for high blood pressure is 20 mg once per day, with a dosage range of 20 to 40 mg once per day and a maximum dosage of 40 mg once per day.
- Doctors typically prescribe olmesartan oral tablets as a long-term treatment for managing high blood pressure, with dosage adjustments based on factors like condition severity, age, weight, and other health conditions.
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Overview
This article describes olmesartan oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for olmesartan. If you want to know more about olmesartan oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, its side effects, and more.
Olmesartan oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Benicar.
Boxed warning: Risk of fetal harm
Olmesartan has a boxed warning for the risk of fetal harm. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Taking olmesartan during pregnancy can cause harm to a developing fetus or end a pregnancy. Do not take the medication while you’re pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking olmesartan, stop taking the drug and call your doctor right away.
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Form and strengths of olmesartan
Olmesartan oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: film-coated tablets you swallow
- Strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 20 mg, and 40 mg
Dosage of olmesartan
This article describes the recommended dosages for olmesartan oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of olmesartan oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of olmesartan in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of olmesartan oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of olmesartan oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for high blood pressure
Here are the usual dosages of olmesartan for high blood pressure. Your doctor will typically start you on a low dose of olmesartan and see how you do with treatment. Then, they may increase your dose after 2 weeks if needed.
- Starting dosage: 20 milligrams (mg) once per day
- Dosage range: 20 to 40 mg once per day
- Maximum dosage: 40 mg once per day
Dosages of olmesartan in children
Olmesartan is approved to treat high blood pressure in children ages 6 years and older. Your child’s doctor will start them on a low dosage of olmesartan based on their weight. Their doctor may adjust the dosage after 2 weeks if needed.
| Body weight in kilograms (kg) | Approximate body weight in pounds (lb) | Starting dosage | Dosage range | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 kg to less than 35 kg | 44 lb to less than 77 lb | 10 mg once per day | 10 to 20 mg once per day | 20 mg once per day |
| 35 kg or more | 77 lb or more | 20 mg once per day | 20 to 40 mg once per day | 40 mg once per day |
Dosage adjustments for olmesartan
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of olmesartan oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- the severity of your condition
- your age
- weight in children
- other health conditions you may have
- other medications you may be taking
Missed dose of olmesartan
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of olmesartan oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of olmesartan oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
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Get free cardFrequently asked questions
Following are answers to some commonly asked questions about olmesartan oral tablet and its dosage.
Is there an olmesartan 80 mg daily dose?
No, there is no olmesartan 80 milligram (mg) daily dose. The maximum dosage to treat high blood pressure in adults is 40 mg once per day. In studies of the medication, there was no benefit to taking doses higher than 40 mg.
If you feel your dosage of olmesartan isn’t managing your blood pressure, talk with your doctor. They can discuss your treatment options.
Can I take olmesartan twice per day?
Not unless your doctor recommends it. In studies of olmesartan, there was no advantage to taking olmesartan twice per day compared with the typical once-daily dosing for blood pressure management. The drug’s once-daily dosing is a benefit of the medication, allowing you to take it less often to manage your condition.
If you have questions about how often to take olmesartan, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is olmesartan taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe olmesartan oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take olmesartan oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
How olmesartan is taken
Olmesartan oral tablet is taken by mouth. You’ll take it once per day.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
If your child cannot swallow olmesartan tablets, talk with your pharmacist. They can prepare a liquid suspension with olmesartan tablets to make it easier for your child to take their medication.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Olmesartan coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for olmesartan when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Overdose of olmesartan
It’s important that you do not take more olmesartan oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
What to do if you take too much olmesartan
If you think you’ve taken too much olmesartan, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for olmesartan oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of olmesartan oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take olmesartan oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Would I experience more side effects with a higher dose of olmesartan?
- Will I need a lower dosage of olmesartan if I’m an older adult?
- How does the dosage of olmesartan compare to valsartan?
Boxed warning for olmesartan
Olmesartan has a boxed warning for the risk of fetal harm. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Taking olmesartan during pregnancy can harm the kidneys of a developing fetus. This can cause fetal harm or death. Do not take olmesartan if you’re pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking the medication, stop taking it and call your doctor immediately.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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