DESCRIPTION
Olmesartan is an antihypertensive agent, which belongs to the class of medications called angiotensin II receptor blockers. It is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure and is marketed under the name Olmetec®. The FDA label includes a black-box warning of injury and death to the fetus, so women of child-bearing age need to be warned and take the necessary precautions. Olmesartan is also contraindicated in diabetes mellitus patients taking aliskiren.
CATEGORIES
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers
CHEMICAL FORMULA
C24H26N6O3
COMPOSITION
Olmesartan 40mg
INDICATION
For the treatment of hypertension.
PHARMACODYNAMICS
Olmesartan is a specific angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist, which blocks the blood pressure increasing effects of angiotensin II via the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). During sympathetic stimulation or when renal blood pressure or blood flow is reduced, renin is released from granular cells of the juxtaglomerular apparatus in the kidneys. Renin cleaves circulating angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, which is cleaved by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II increases blood pressure by increasing total peripheral resistance, increasing sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys via aldosterone secretion, and altering cardiovascular structure. Angiotensin II binds to two receptors: AT1 and AT2. AT1 is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that mediates the vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II. Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are non-peptide competitive inhibitors of AT1. ARBs block the ability of angiotensin II to stimulate pressor and cell proliferative effects. Unlike ACE inhibitors, ARBs do not affect bradykinin-induced vasodilation. The overall effect of ARBs is a decrease in blood pressure.
MECHANISM
Olmesartan is an ARB that selectively inhibits the binding of angiotensin II to AT1, which is found in many tissues such as vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal glands. This effectively inhibits the AT1-mediated vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II and results in a decrease in vascular resistance and blood pressure. Olmesartan is selective for AT1 and has a 12,500 times greater affinity for AT1 than the AT2 receptor. Also unlike the well-known ARB losartan, olmesartan does not have an active metabolite or possess uricosuric effects.
ABSORPTION
Bioavailability is about 26%. Food does not affect the bioavailability of olmesartan.
VOLUME DISTRIBUTION
The volume of distribution is 17 L and olmesartan poorly crosses the blood brain barrier.
METABOLISM
Olmesartan is rapidly and completely bioactivated by ester hydrolysis to olmesartan during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. There is virtually no further metabolism of olmesartan.
ELIMINATION
Olmesartan is elminated unchanged in the urine (35% to 50%) and the remainder in the feces.
HALF LIFE
The half life is approximately 13 hours.
TOXICITY
The main symptoms of overdose include low blood pressure and fast heartbeat.
FOOD INTERACTIONS
Avoid Alcohol,-Food does not affect the bioavailability of olmesartan..
SIDE EFFECTS
Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over a few minutes when sitting or lying down. Be careful climbing. Cough. Loose stools (diarrhea). High potassium level. Signs include feeling weak, lightheaded, dizzy, feel like passing out, or have numbness or tingling. Kidney function that gets w