Olmesartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Olmesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Olmesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children who are at least 6 years old. It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.

Olmesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Olmesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to olmesartan.

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of olmesartan.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking olmesartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

You should not take olmesartan if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely take olmesartan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;

• liver disease;

• congestive heart failure; or

• if you are dehydrated.

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use olmesartan if you are pregnant. Stop using olmesartan and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Olmesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking olmesartan.

It is not known whether olmesartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking olmesartan.