Benicar

The active ingredient in Benicar is olmesartan medoxomil, which is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) or angiotensin II receptor antagonist. The hormone angiotensin II narrows your blood vessels and increases your blood pressure. The mechanism of action of Benicar involves blocking the actions of this hormone, which causes your blood vessels to relax, allowing blood to move through them more easily. This can help lower blood pressure and may reduce your risk of heart failure, heart attack, and stroke.

Along with taking an antihypertensive like Benicar, treatment may also include diet, exercise, lowering cholesterol, not smoking, and controlling diabetes.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Benicar. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Benicar:

• Benicar can be taken with or without food.
• If you or your child has difficulty swallowing tablets, a healthcare professional or pharmacist may be able to prepare a liquid (oral suspension) form of Benicar.
• Before measuring a dose, give the beverage a shake. Use a medication dose-measuring tool (not a kitchen spoon) or the supplied dosing syringe.
• The dosage of olmesartan in children and/or adolescents is determined by their weight. If your child gains or loses weight, their dosage requirements may also change.
• If you have diarrhea or vomiting, or if you are perspiring more than normal, call your doctor. When taking Benicar, you run the risk of becoming dehydrated.

The most common side effects of Benicar seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Weakness.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Chest pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Benicar. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Increased risk of serious renal impairment includes unexpected weight gain, edema in your hands, ankles, or feet, and less frequent urination than usual.
• Pale skin, lightheadedness, dizziness, and a faint feeling are signs of dangerously low blood pressure.
• High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) in the blood can cause heart palpitations, muscle weakness, and nausea.
• Severe, chronic diarrhea (sprue-like enteropathy) is characterized by weight loss, nausea, and 10–20 watery bowel motions each day.
• Allergic reaction to the medication.

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Benicar. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Benicar, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Kidney disease or kidney problems.
• A low-salt diet. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.
• Diabetes and are taking any blood pressure drug that contains aliskiren (brand names include Amturnide, Tekturna, and Tekamlo).
• Electrolyte imbalance, such as high or low levels of sodium or potassium.

Boxed Warning

When pregnancy is detected, stop the medication right away since it affects the renin-angiotensin system and can harm or even kill the fetus.

Have diabetes and are taking aliskiren (Tekturna).

Within a day of taking your first dosage of Benicar, you may observe a decrease in your blood pressure. However, it usually takes around two weeks to fully experience the medication's ability to decrease blood pressure. Your doctor may decide to increase your dosage if your blood pressure remains elevated after this period, and it will take an additional two weeks to fully experience the effects of the new dosage.

When Benicar is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Lithium.
• A diuretic (water pill) or other blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors.
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) include celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and aspirin, among others.
• Colesevelam.

Adults

Usually, 20 mg taken orally once a day is the initial dose. After two weeks, your doctor may increase your dosage. A maximum of 40 milligrams per day is advised.

Children (ages 6 and up)

44–76 pounds of body weight: 10 milligrams taken orally once a day is the usual starting dosage. After two weeks, your doctor may increase your dosage. A maximum of 20 milligrams per day is advised.

For people weighing 77 pounds or more, the usual first dosage is 20 milligrams taken orally once a day. After two weeks, your doctor may increase your dosage. A maximum of 40 milligrams per day is advised.

Store at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. is the manufacturer of Benicar.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Benicar available.

Olmesartan (Benicar) must be weaned gradually, ideally over a few weeks, for people who are unable to continue taking it. If Benicar is abruptly stopped, it might cause your blood pressure to increase and other complications.

If you are pregnant, do not use Benicar. If you become pregnant, stop taking Benicar and notify your doctor immediately. If olmesartan is taken during the second or third trimester, it may harm or cause fetal toxicity.

It is not recommended to take Benicar if you are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.