Olmesartan

Blood pressure medicine (ARB)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Olmesartan is a blood pressure medicine (ARB) found in 17 medicines sold in India, such as Olmezest 20, Olsar 20, Olmezest 40. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Lowers blood pressure.

How it works

An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) for high blood pressure.

How to take it

Usually 20 to 40 mg once a day.

Common side effects

  • Dizziness, especially when standing up
  • Tiredness
  • Raised potassium

Get medical help straight away if

  • Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
  • Fainting
  • Much less urine
  • Muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat (high potassium)
  • Severe long-lasting diarrhoea with weight loss (rare gut reaction)

Be careful

Not in pregnancy; can rarely cause severe diarrhoea.

Other medicines and interactions

Potassium supplements, salt substitutes, spironolactone and NSAIDs raise potassium and kidney risk. Do not combine with an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren. Raises lithium levels.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Must not be used in pregnancy (it harms the baby's kidneys); switch before trying to conceive. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding; other medicines may be preferred.

Brands of Olmesartan (17)

Olkem-20Olmark-20Olmat-20Olmax 20Olmesar 20Olmetime-20Olmetor 20Olmetrack 20Olmezest 20Olmezest 40Olmighty 20Olmin 20Olmy 20Olsar 20Olsar 40Pinom 20Winbp 20

Common questions

What is Olmesartan used for?

Lowers blood pressure.

How does Olmesartan work?

An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) for high blood pressure.

How should I take Olmesartan?

Usually 20 to 40 mg once a day.

What are the side effects of Olmesartan?

Common: Dizziness, especially when standing up, tiredness, raised potassium. Get help straight away for: Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, fainting, much less urine, muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat (high potassium), severe long-lasting diarrhoea with weight loss (rare gut reaction).

Does Olmesartan interact with other medicines?

Potassium supplements, salt substitutes, spironolactone and NSAIDs raise potassium and kidney risk. Do not combine with an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren. Raises lithium levels.

Is Olmesartan safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Must not be used in pregnancy (it harms the baby's kidneys); switch before trying to conceive. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding; other medicines may be preferred.

Does Olmesartan need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Olmesartan?

Olkem-20, Olmark-20, Olmat-20, Olmax 20, Olmesar 20, Olmetime-20, Olmetor 20, Olmetrack 20, Olmezest 20, Olmezest 40, Olmighty 20, Olmin 20, Olmy 20, Olsar 20, Olsar 40, Pinom 20, Winbp 20.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

🔎 Search another medicine

For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.