What Is Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide Used For?

How Does Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide Work?

Olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two medicines -- olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide. Olmesartan medoxomil is a newer type of blood pressure medicine known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or ARB for short. As the name implies, it blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, olmesartan causes blood vessels to relax.

 

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.

 

Because of the effects of both olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide, there is a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.

 

Is Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide Used for Children?

Olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide has not been approved for use in children.

 

Off-Label Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide Uses

On occasion, a healthcare provider may recommend olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide for treating a condition other than those listed in this article. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, there are no universally accepted off-label olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide uses.