Benicar (Olmesartan)

What is Benicar?

Benicar (olmesartan) belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

What is Benicar used for?

Benicar is indicated for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension. This further prevents heart attacks, strokes and kidney problems. The medicine is sometimes administered along with other blood pressure medicines.

How does Benicar work?

Benicar works by keeping blood vessels from narrowing. Relaxing blood vessels lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

How to use Benicar

Benicar should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken by mouth, once daily. It can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis while using Benicar.

Benicar warnings and precautions

Do not use this drug if you are allergic to olmesartan or any other drug.

Prior to taking Benicar, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, or if you are dehydrated.

Avoid drinking alcohol as it can reduce your blood pressure and may increase some side effects of Benicar. Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes without consulting your doctor. Avoid getting up too fast from a lying or sitting position in order to prevent a fall.

Pregnant women should not use this drug as it can cause injury or death to an unborn child. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. If you become pregnant during treatment, stop taking the medicine and inform your doctor right away.  It is not known whether the drug passes into breast milk and if it could harm a nursing baby. Therefore, lactating women must consult their doctors before taking the medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Benicar dose?

If you have missed your Benicar dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next (scheduled) dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Benicar overdose?

If you have taken a Benicar overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Benicar interactions

Before taking Benicar, consult your doctor if you take lithium, potassium-sparing “water pills” (diuretics such as spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene), cough and cold medicines, diet aids, NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen (taken for pain or fever reduction).

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use including mineral and vitamin supplements that you may be using. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Benicar side effects

Benicar side effects include hives, fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, dark colored urine, weakness, tenderness, decreased frequency of urination, pain or difficulty while urinating, fast or slow heart rate, chest pain, weak pulse, tingly feeling, feeling that you might lose consciousness, breathing trouble; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat, and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Benicar, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, back ache, pain in joints, diarrhea, stomach ache, skin rash, mild itching, headache, dizziness or increased sweating are some less serious side effects of Benicar.