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Drug reference

Olmesartan Medoxomil

ARB · Antihypertensive

Also known as Olmesartan

ARBAntihypertensive
CDSCO approvedSchedule H
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
11 major
incl. contraindicated
PREGNANCY
May lower fetal heart rate. Avoid oral use
FDA category + note
Top interactionssee all 11 →
  • Sacubitril ValsartanContraindicatedTextbookG&G 14e · p602
  • AliskirenContraindicatedDatabase
  • Angiotensin Converting Enzyme InhibitorsSevereTextbookHarrison 22e · p2396
  • BenazeprilSevereTextbookG&G 14e

Mechanism

Olmesartan medoxomil is an angiotensin-II receptor antagonist (ARB) that potently and selectively inhibits the biological effects of Angiotensin-II. It blocks the actions of Angiotensin-II via the AT1 receptor, irrespective of the biochemical pathway leading to Angiotensin-II formation. This action reduces Angiotensin-II induced vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, thirst, vasopressin release, and cellular hypertrophy, thereby decreasing arterial blood pressure.

Indications

HypertensionHeart failureDiabetic nephropathy

Dosing

Adult
after any change in dose or during intercurrent illness. Other drugs used for Hypertension Amiloride hydrochloride, p. 243 . Chlortalidone, p. 244 . Cotriamterzide, p. 245 . Metolazone, p. Torasemide, p. 242 . Triamterene with chlortalidone, p. Xipamide, p. 245 ANTIHYPERTENSIVES, CENTRALLY ACTING Clonidine hydrochloride ▶ ▶ BY MOUTH ▶ Adult: Initially 50 micrograms twice daily for 2 we...

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism
Esterase-mediated removal of medoxomil group to form active olmesartan
Excretion
Renal elimination and biliary excretion

Contraindications

  • Concomitant use with ACE inhibitors
  • Concomitant use with aliskiren
  • Hyperkalaemia (serum potassium concentration greater than 5.0 mmol/litre)
  • Hyponatraemia (serum sodium concentration below 130 mmol/litre)
  • Hypotension (systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg)
  • Unstable heart failure
  • Renal artery stenosis

Side effects

Serious
  • Hyperkalaemia
  • Hypotension
  • Renal impairment

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

May lower fetal heart rate. Avoid oral use

Drug interactions

Sacubitril Valsartan
Contraindicated
Textbook

Potentially excessive hypotension, increased risk of adverse effects.

Do not use in conjunction with other ARBs.

Source: G&G 14e · p602

Aliskiren
Contraindicated
Database

Increased risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment.

Avoid concomitant use.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Severe
Textbook

Greater incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and adverse cardiac events.

The combination of these two classes should be avoided.

Source: Harrison 22e · p2396

Benazepril
Severe
Textbook

Increased worsening of renal function, hypotension, syncope, and hyperkalemia without increased efficacy.

Not recommended for the treatment of hypertension. Previous studies indicate more harm than benefit.

Source: G&G 14e

Captopril
Severe
Textbook

Increased worsening of renal function, hypotension, syncope, and hyperkalemia without increased efficacy.

Not recommended for the treatment of hypertension. Previous studies indicate more harm than benefit.

Source: G&G 14e

Enalapril
Severe
Textbook

Increased worsening of renal function, hypotension, syncope, and hyperkalemia without increased efficacy.

Not recommended for the treatment of hypertension. Previous studies indicate more harm than benefit.

Source: G&G 14e

Enalaprilat
Severe
Textbook

Increased worsening of renal function, hypotension, syncope, and hyperkalemia without increased efficacy.

Not recommended for the treatment of hypertension. Previous studies indicate more harm than benefit.

Source: G&G 14e

Fosinopril
Severe
Textbook

Increased worsening of renal function, hypotension, syncope, and hyperkalemia without increased efficacy.

Not recommended for the treatment of hypertension. Previous studies indicate more harm than benefit.

Source: G&G 14e

Imidapril
Severe
Textbook

Greater incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and adverse cardiac events.

The combination of these two classes should be avoided.

Source: Harrison 22e · p2396

Lisinopril
Severe
Textbook

Increased worsening of renal function, hypotension, syncope, and hyperkalemia without increased efficacy.

Not recommended for the treatment of hypertension. Previous studies indicate more harm than benefit.

Source: G&G 14e

Moexipril
Severe
Textbook

Increased worsening of renal function, hypotension, syncope, and hyperkalemia without increased efficacy.

Not recommended for the treatment of hypertension. Previous studies indicate more harm than benefit.

Source: G&G 14e

1 additional unreviewed or low-confidence interaction hidden because their provenance or source detail is insufficient.

Related guidelines

Other ARB drugs

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Textbook-sourced·Sources: BNF·Updated: 2026-05-13