Drug Interaction Report

Using trimethoprim together with olmesartan may increase potassium levels in the blood. High levels of potassium can develop into a condition known as hyperkalemia, which in severe cases can lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, irregular heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest. You may be more likely to develop hyperkalemia while using these medications if you are elderly; dehydrated; have kidney disease, diabetes, or advanced heart failure; or if you are receiving trimethoprim for long periods of time or in high dosages to treat serious infections such as Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) in AIDS. Regular or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen (Aleve) may also increase your risk. It is important that you maintain adequate fluid intake during treatment with these medications. In addition, talk to your doctor to see if you should limit consumption of potassium-rich foods such as tomatoes, raisins, figs, potatoes, lima beans, bananas, plantains, papayas, pears, cantaloupes, mangoes, and potassium-containing salt substitutes. You should seek medical attention if you experience nausea, vomiting, weakness, confusion, tingling of the hands and feet, feelings of heaviness in the legs, a weak pulse, or a slow or irregular heartbeat, as these may be symptoms of hyperkalemia. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

If you are taking olmesartan you should avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes or over-the-counter potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. This can cause high levels of potassium in your blood. High levels of potassium can cause weakness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, tingling of the extremities, or feelings of heaviness in the legs. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

Ask your doctor before using sulfamethoxazole together with ethanol (alcohol). Contact your doctor if you experience unpleasant side effects such as fast heartbeats, warmth or redness under your skin, tingly feeling, nausea, or vomiting. If you experience these side effects, you may need to avoid ethanol (alcohol) while taking sulfamethoxazole. You should check your food and medicine labels to see if these products contain ethanol (alcohol). It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.