Indications

Abetis is a tablet indicated for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). It can be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications.

Pharmacology

Angiotensin II, a substance that raises blood pressure, is created in the body. Abetis (Olmesartan) works by blocking a specific receptor (the AT1 receptor) that Angiotensin II binds to in vascular smooth muscle. This action prevents the vasoconstrictive effects of Angiotensin II, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Abetis has a very high selectivity for the AT1 receptor. Unlike some other blood pressure medications, it does not affect the response to bradykinin, as it does not inhibit the ACE enzyme.

Dosage & Administration

The dosage must be tailored to each patient. The typical starting dose for a patient not already taking diuretics is 20 mg once daily. If a further reduction in blood pressure is needed after two weeks, the dose can be increased to 40 mg. Doses higher than 40 mg do not appear to provide a greater effect. Taking the medication twice daily offers no benefit over a single daily dose.

No initial dosage adjustment is needed for elderly patients or those with moderate to severe kidney or liver impairment. However, patients who may have a depleted fluid volume (such as those on diuretics) should start with a lower dose under close medical supervision. Abetis can be taken with or without food.

The safety and effectiveness of this medication in children have not been established.

Interaction

Abetis was found to have no significant drug interactions with digoxin or warfarin. Its bioavailability is not affected by antacids. Since Abetis is not metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system, interactions with drugs that affect these enzymes are not expected. However, co-administration with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) may lead to a decrease in kidney function and may also reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of Abetis. Renal function should be monitored in patients taking both medications.

Contraindications

Abetis is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to any of its components.

Side Effects

In clinical trials, Abetis was well-tolerated, with side effects similar to a placebo. The most common side effect was dizziness, which occurred in 3% of patients taking Abetis versus 1% of those taking a placebo. Other common side effects, which occurred at a similar or higher rate in the placebo group, included back pain, bronchitis, diarrhea, headache, and flu-like symptoms. The incidence of cough was also similar between both groups.

Pregnancy & Lactation

If pregnancy is detected, Abetis should be discontinued as soon as possible. Medications that act on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury or death to a developing fetus during the second and third trimesters. It is not known if Abetis is excreted in human milk. Therefore, a decision must be made to either stop nursing or stop the drug, considering the importance of the medication to the mother.

Precautions & Warnings

Because Abetis inhibits the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, it may cause changes in kidney function, especially in vulnerable individuals such as those with severe congestive heart failure. In rare cases, this could lead to acute renal failure.

Overdose Effects

There is no experience with Abetis overdose. The most likely effects would be low blood pressure (hypotension) and a fast heart rate (tachycardia). A slow heart rate (bradycardia) could also occur. In case of a recent overdose, gastric lavage or induced vomiting may be considered. For clinically significant hypotension, immediate support of the cardiovascular system is required.

Therapeutic Class

Abetis is an Angiotensin-II receptor blocker.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.