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Benicar - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: olmesartan (OLE meh sar tan)

Benicar controls high blood pressure. It works by blocking the effect of a hormone called angiotensin II. Unopposed, this substance prompts the blood vessels to contract, an action that tends to raise blood pressure.

Olmesartan is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Olmesartan prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries).

Benicar Dosage

• The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams once daily. If your blood pressure hasn't dropped sufficiently after 2 weeks, the doctor may raise the dose to 40 milligrams once a day. If you are taking a diuretic, your starting dose may be smaller than usual.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.
• Benicar can be taken with or without food.
• Do not stop taking Benicar without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking the medication, your condition could become worse.

Uses of Benicar

• Benicar is used to treat high blood pressure in adults. It may be used alone or with other medicines that treat high blood pressure.
• Benicar is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Benicar may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Benicar

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Benicar. The most common side effect is:

• Dizziness
• Back pain, blood in urine, bronchitis, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, headache, high blood sugar, injury, runny nose, sinus inflammation, sore throat, upper respiratory tract infection

Warnings and precautions before taking Benicar :

• Do not take Benicar if you are pregnant. If you get pregnant while taking Benicar, stop taking Benicar right away and call your health care provider . Benicar and other medicines like Benicar can harm your baby.
• enicar can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, especially when you first start taking the drug. The problem is more likely to occur if your body's supply of water has been depleted by diuretics (water pills). Symptoms include light-headedness, dizziness, and faintness. If you develop this problem, lie down and contact your physician. You may need to have your dose adjusted.
• If you have kidney disease or congestive heart failure, Benicar must be used with caution. In people with these problems, Benicar has been known to impair kidney function or even lead to kidney failure.

Drug Interaction :- No significant drug interactions have been reported with Benicar. The hydrochlorothiazide in Benicar HCT may interact with a variety of drugs. Be sure to check with your doctor before combining Benicar HCT with the following:

• Alcohol
  
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
  
• Cholestyramine (Questran)
  
• Colestipol (Colestid)
  
• Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and prednisone
  
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
  
• Insulin

Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Benicar overdose may include:

• Fast or slow heartbeat, very low blood pressure.