Olmesartan

Olmesartan may be prescribed by itself or with other medications in order to help lower abnormally high blood pressure. This medication is an ACE inhibitor; it lowers blood pressure by inhibiting the production of an enzyme that causes blood vessels to become more narrow.

Side Effects/Warnings

ACE inhibitor medications are toxic to developing fetuses. If a fetus is exposed to the medication, in most cases it will die. If a pregnant woman is able to carry the fetus to term while on this medication, her child may have severe birth defects. Thus, pregnant women should avoid this medication and should switch to a different blood pressure medication if they become pregnant.

This medication can cause abnormally low blood pressure, especially if taken in conjunction with other blood pressure medications or at too high a dose. Call your doctor immediately if you feel unusually dizzy or drowsy after taking this medication.