Olmetec

Treating high blood pressure consistently over time helps protect your heart, kidneys, and blood vessels from long-term damage. Olmetec tablets are a branded prescription medicine containing olmesartan medoxomil, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used in adults for the treatment of essential hypertension. Olmetec is prescribed when blood pressure needs to be managed through once-daily antihypertensive medication and cardiovascular therapy. A prescription can only be issued following a clinical consultation.

Olmetec tablets are a branded oral prescription medicine manufactured by Daiichi Sankyo. Each tablet contains olmesartan medoxomil as the active ingredient. Olmesartan medoxomil is a prodrug: after you take the tablet, the body converts olmesartan medoxomil to olmesartan, which is the active form that produces the therapeutic effect.

Olmesartan belongs to the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) class of medicines, also known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. The ARB class is widely used in cardiovascular therapy for blood pressure control. Olmetec is licensed in the UK for the treatment of essential hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults. It is available in three strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. Generic olmesartan products are also available; Olmetec is the originator brand manufactured by Daiichi Sankyo.

It is important to be aware that olmesartan has been associated with a rare but serious intestinal condition called sprue-like enteropathy, which can develop months or years after starting treatment. This is covered in detail in the side effects section below and in the Patient Information Leaflet. If you develop persistent or severe diarrhoea with significant weight loss during olmesartan treatment, contact your prescriber promptly.

Olmetec lowers blood pressure by blocking the AT1 receptor, a key target in the pathway through which angiotensin II raises blood pressure.

Angiotensin II and the AT1 Receptor

Angiotensin II is a hormone that acts through the AT1 receptor to cause blood vessels to narrow, the body to retain sodium and water, and blood pressure to rise. These effects form part of the renin angiotensin system, a hormonal cascade that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Sustained activation of this system contributes to hypertension.

Olmesartan and AT1 Blockade

Olmesartan selectively and competitively blocks the AT1 receptor. By occupying this receptor without activating it, olmesartan prevents angiotensin II from binding and exerting its blood pressure raising effects. Blood vessels remain relaxed and widened, sodium and water retention is reduced, and blood pressure falls. Olmesartan has a long duration of action that supports consistent blood pressure control over 24 hours from a single daily dose.

Unlike ACE inhibitors, ARBs such as olmesartan do not inhibit the breakdown of bradykinin. This means Olmetec does not typically cause the dry persistent cough associated with ACE inhibitors, making it a useful alternative for patients who cannot tolerate an ACE inhibitor because of cough.

Always take Olmetec exactly as your prescriber instructs. The information below summarises key points from the current UK SmPC. Read the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine before starting treatment.

• Take one tablet once daily, at approximately the same time each day.
• Olmetec can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If you only remember the following day, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take two doses on the same day.
• Do not stop taking Olmetec without speaking to your prescriber first. Blood pressure requires ongoing management, and stopping suddenly can cause it to rise again.
• Your prescriber will typically start you at 10 mg or 20 mg once daily and may increase the dose after two weeks if blood pressure is not adequately controlled. Blood pressure should be reviewed regularly. Kidney function and potassium levels may be checked periodically during treatment. Attend all follow up appointments so that your response to treatment can be safely assessed.

Olmetec tablets are available in three strengths. The appropriate dose is determined by your prescriber based on your blood pressure and your individual clinical response.

Olmetec 10 mg Tablets

The 10 mg tablet is the lowest available strength. It may be used as a starting dose in patients who may be more sensitive to blood pressure lowering medicines, including older patients or those with mild kidney or liver impairment. Starting at 10 mg allows the prescriber to assess tolerability before any increase is considered.

Olmetec 20 mg Tablets

The 20 mg tablet is the standard starting dose for most adults with essential hypertension. The usual starting dose is 20 mg once daily. If blood pressure is not adequately controlled after two weeks at 20 mg, the prescriber may increase the dose to 40 mg.

Olmetec 40 mg Tablets

The 40 mg tablet is the maximum recommended daily dose. It is used in patients whose blood pressure has not been adequately controlled on 20 mg. If blood pressure remains insufficiently controlled at 40 mg, adding a second antihypertensive medicine such as a diuretic or a calcium channel blocker is typically the next step in treatment, rather than exceeding the maximum olmesartan dose. All dose adjustments are made by your prescriber. Do not change your dose without medical advice.

Like all medicines, Olmetec can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The information below is based on the current UK SmPC and MHRA guidance. Refer to the Patient Information Leaflet for the full list.

Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Dizziness, particularly on standing up quickly
• Raised blood potassium levels (hyperkalaemia). Regular blood tests help to detect and manage this.
• Changes in kidney function, particularly in patients with pre existing kidney disease

Uncommon Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Low blood pressure (hypotension), particularly in patients who are dehydrated or volume depleted
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea or abdominal discomfort
• Skin rash

Important: Sprue-like Enteropathy

Olmesartan has been associated with a rare but serious intestinal condition known as sprue-like enteropathy. This condition causes severe, chronic diarrhoea with significant weight loss and, in some cases, serious nutritional deficiency. It can develop months or years after starting olmesartan treatment, making the connection to the medicine easy to miss.

The MHRA issued a Drug Safety Update in 2013 and the current UK SmPC reflects this risk. If you develop persistent severe diarrhoea combined with significant weight loss during olmesartan treatment, contact your prescriber promptly. Other causes will need to be excluded, but if sprue-like enteropathy related to olmesartan is confirmed, stopping the medicine typically leads to improvement. Do not stop your blood pressure medicine without first seeking medical advice.

Serious Side Effects: Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Go to your nearest accident and emergency department or call 999 immediately if you experience:

• Angioedema: sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. This is rare but potentially life threatening. If swelling affects the throat and makes breathing difficult, seek emergency help immediately. If you have had angioedema from any ARB before, you must not take Olmetec.
• Signs of severely raised potassium such as muscle weakness, an irregular heartbeat, or confusion
• Signs of a serious reduction in kidney function such as a significant fall in urine output

Report any suspected side effect to your prescriber, pharmacist, or via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Olmetec Tablets May Be Suitable If You:

• Are an adult aged 18 or over with a confirmed diagnosis of essential hypertension
• Cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors due to a persistent dry cough and require an alternative antihypertensive medication in the ARB class
• Are already prescribed Olmetec or generic olmesartan and require a repeat prescription through an online prescribing service

Olmetec Tablets Are Not Suitable If You:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Olmesartan is contraindicated in pregnancy. ARBs can cause serious harm to the developing baby, including kidney damage, skull abnormalities, and foetal death, particularly in the second and third trimesters. Contact your prescriber immediately if you become pregnant while taking Olmetec.
• Are breastfeeding
• Have severe liver disease or biliary obstruction
• Have diabetes or moderate to severe kidney impairment and are also taking aliskiren. This combination is contraindicated.
• Have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to olmesartan medoxomil or any excipient listed in the SmPC
• Are under 18 years of age

Tell your prescriber about all medicines you take, including over the counter products and herbal supplements. The following interactions are of particular clinical importance:

• Potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone or amiloride), and potassium-containing salt substitutes: these can raise blood potassium to dangerous levels when combined with olmesartan.
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen: regular use can reduce the blood pressure lowering effect of olmesartan and increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Lithium: ARBs can increase lithium blood levels, raising the risk of toxicity. Close monitoring is required.
• Aliskiren: contraindicated in combination with olmesartan in patients with diabetes or significant kidney impairment.
• Colesevelam: this bile acid sequestrant can reduce the absorption of olmesartan. The SmPC advises that Olmetec should be taken at least four hours before colesevelam.

Your prescriber will review all current medicines during the clinical assessment before any prescription is considered.

Olmetec is a Prescription Only Medicine. The clinical consultation is the essential first step. A prescription will only be issued if a registered prescriber concludes, based on their individual assessment of your circumstances, that Olmetec is clinically appropriate for you.

During your online consultation with Pharmacy Planet, a registered prescriber will review the information you provide. This includes your blood pressure history, current medicines, kidney function and electrolyte results where available, and any other relevant medical history. The prescriber will decide whether Olmetec is appropriate, which strength is suitable, and whether online prescribing is appropriate for your individual situation.

If you are under the care of your GP or a specialist for hypertension or a related condition, please keep them informed of all medicines prescribed through online services. Coordinated care supports the safest approach to BP regulation and cardiovascular therapy.

• Store below 30°C.
• Store in the original packaging to protect from moisture.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
• Do not dispose of medicines via household waste or wastewater. Return unused or out of date tablets to your pharmacist for safe disposal.
• Full storage instructions are provided in the Patient Information Leaflet supplied with your medicine.

Pharmacy Planet is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy providing access to prescription medicines through a clinically led consultation process. Our registered prescribers and pharmacists are committed to patient safety, clinical accuracy, and responsible prescribing.

We follow GPhC standards, MHRA guidance, and ASA advertising regulations in all aspects of our service. Every prescription is reviewed and dispensed by qualified healthcare professionals. We provide clear, factual information to help patients understand their antihypertensive medication and make informed decisions about their cardiovascular therapy and heart health.

If you have questions about Olmetec, olmesartan, or any other medicine, our pharmacy team is available to help. We are committed to transparent, patient centred care.

References

1. Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). Olmetec 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg tablets — Summary of Product Characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc. Accessed May 2026.
2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline NG136. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng136. Accessed May 2026.
3. NHS. High blood pressure (hypertension). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-pressure-hypertension. Accessed May 2026.
4. Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary (BNF). Olmesartan medoxomil. BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press. https://bnf.nice.org.uk. Accessed May 2026.
5. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Drug Safety Update: Olmesartan medoxomil (Olmetec, Olmetec Plus, Sevikar, Sevikar HCT): severe enteropathy. https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update. Accessed May 2026.
6. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Yellow Card — report a side effect. https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed May 2026.

The table below compares ARB tablets and Rasilez (aliskiren), the only direct renin inhibitor licensed for hypertension in the UK. All act on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and are taken once daily as tablets.

Important: This comparison is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. A prescriber will decide which treatment is suitable for you following an online consultation.