Olmesartan 20 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: High blood pressure (hypertension) in adults; High blood pressure in children and teenagers aged 6 and over, under a specialist.
Listed MRPs range from ₹1.59 to ₹21.30 per tablet across 9 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olmesartan Medoxomil Tablets IP 20mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹15.94 | ₹1.59 | 19 October 2026 |
| Olmetime 20 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 10 | ₹88.20 | ₹8.82 | 19 October 2026 |
| Olmax 20 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 15 | ₹234.37 | ₹15.62 | 19 October 2026 |
| Olmetor 20 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 15 | ₹241.65 | ₹16.11 | 19 October 2026 |
| Olmezest 20 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 10 | ₹164.00 | ₹16.40 | 19 October 2026 |
| Olmesar 20 | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 15 | ₹246.87 | ₹16.46 | 19 October 2026 |
| Olkem 20 | Alkem Laboratories Ltd | 15 | ₹250.55 | ₹16.70 | 19 October 2026 |
| Olmecip 20 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹170.78 | ₹17.08 | 19 October 2026 |
| Olmy 20 | Zydus Cadila | 10 | ₹212.97 | ₹21.30 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- High blood pressure (hypertension) in adults.
- High blood pressure in children and teenagers aged 6 and over, under a specialist.
- Often combined with amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide when one medicine is not enough.
How to take it
Take one tablet once a day at the same time, with or without food, swallowed whole with water. Olmesartan is usually taken long term; your doctor may increase the dose after a few weeks and will check your blood pressure, kidney tests and potassium from time to time. Do not stop on your own. Tell your doctor if you develop severe, persistent diarrhoea with weight loss – a rare gut reaction to olmesartan that settles once it is stopped.
Side effects
Common
- Dizziness or light-headedness.
- Headache.
- Tiredness.
- Cold or flu-like symptoms, sore throat.
- Nausea or indigestion.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (angioedema) – emergency.
- Severe, long-lasting diarrhoea with weight loss (sprue-like enteropathy) – see a doctor.
- Muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat – possible high potassium.
- Fainting or a sharp fall in blood pressure, especially if dehydrated.
Safety information
Alcohol
Limit alcohol – it adds to dizziness and lowers blood pressure further.
Pregnancy
Must not be taken after the third month of pregnancy and is best avoided throughout – it can seriously harm the baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be. Not recommended while breastfeeding.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease; kidney function and potassium need regular checks. Not combined with aliskiren in people with diabetes or kidney problems.
Liver problems
Used with caution in liver disease; a lower dose may be chosen.
Children
Can be prescribed from age 6; not for children under 1 and not recommended between 1 and 6 years.
Missed dose
Take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is nearly due – then skip it. Do not take a double dose.
Interactions
- Potassium supplements, potassium salt substitutes, spironolactone and heparin – raise potassium.
- Painkillers like ibuprofen, diclofenac and aceclofenac – reduce the effect and can harm the kidneys.
- Lithium – toxicity rises; blood levels must be measured.
- Other blood-pressure medicines, including ramipril or aliskiren – only in combination on a doctor's advice.
- Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium can slightly lower olmesartan absorption – take them a few hours apart.
Frequently asked questions
What is Olmesar 20 used for?
Olmesar 20 contains olmesartan medoxomil 20 mg, an angiotensin receptor blocker. It is prescribed to lower high blood pressure and reduce the long-term risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage.
Olmesar 20 vs Olmesar 40 – what is the difference?
They contain 20 mg and 40 mg of the same medicine. Doctors usually start with 20 mg and move to 40 mg if blood pressure is still high after a few weeks. Do not change strength on your own.
Can I take Olmezest 20 at night?
Yes, any time of day works as long as it is the same time daily. Some doctors prefer night dosing for better overnight control – follow the time your doctor suggests.
Olmesartan vs telmisartan – which is better for BP?
Both are ARBs and both lower blood pressure well over 24 hours. Olmesartan is slightly more potent at equal doses; telmisartan has some extra metabolic benefits. Your doctor chooses based on your profile and other conditions.
Is Olmesar safe in pregnancy?
No. Olmesartan can seriously harm the unborn baby, especially after the third month, and must be stopped as soon as pregnancy is known or planned. Your doctor will switch you to a safer medicine.
Can I drink alcohol with Olmesar 20?
Keep alcohol to a minimum. It adds to the dizziness and blood-pressure drop, particularly in the first weeks of treatment.
Does olmesartan cause diarrhoea?
Rarely, olmesartan can cause a severe, long-lasting diarrhoea with weight loss, sometimes months or years after starting. If this happens, see your doctor – it resolves once the medicine is changed.
Can I take painkillers with Olmesar?
Paracetamol is safe. Avoid regular ibuprofen, diclofenac or other NSAIDs, which reduce its effect and can damage the kidneys when combined.
Is Olmesar 20 a prescription medicine?
Yes. Olmesartan is a Schedule H medicine in India and chemists must see a valid prescription. Regular blood pressure and blood tests are needed during treatment.
Sources
- eMC – Olmetec patient leaflet (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms