Before taking Benicar (olmesartan), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril); or if you have any other allergies.
Before using Benicar (olmesartan), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood levels of potassium, heart problems, severe dehydration (and loss of minerals such as sodium).
Benicar (olmesartan) may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Benicar (olmesartan).
Benicar (olmesartan) is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk for harm to an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. (See also Warning section.)
It is not known if Benicar (olmesartan) passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding is not recommended due to the potential harm to the nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Take Benicar (olmesartan) by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. You may take Benicar (olmesartan) with or without food. Use Benicar (olmesartan) regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This medicine can raise your potassium levels, which can rarely cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeat. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these effects occur.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 2 to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of Benicar (olmesartan).
It is important to continue taking Benicar (olmesartan) even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase).
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also How to Use section.
You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, and blurred vision as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Benicar (olmesartan) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Benicar (olmesartan) do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, decreased sexual ability.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, muscle pain.
A very serious allergic reaction to Benicar (olmesartan) is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Benicar side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Benicar (olmesartan), take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also How to Use section.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using Benicar (olmesartan), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: digoxin, lithium, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide; potassium-sparing diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen for pain/fever reduction) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.