Benicar (Olmesartan)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

What is Benicar?

Benicar is a prescription medication used to treat people with high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers that works by relaxing blood vessels. It prevents blood vessels from narrowing so that blood can flow more easily. This ultimately helps to lower blood pressure.

Benicar is given alone or with other blood pressure medications. It is approved for use in adults and children 6 years of age and older.

Uses and Benefits of Benicar

Benicar is generally prescribed by doctors to treat high blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) can damage blood vessels, and vital organs of the body such as the brain, heart, and kidneys.

Benicar helps to control high blood pressure and also reduces the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

Side Effects of Benicar

Patients taking Benicar may experience some common side effects, including:

• Dizziness, or lightheadedness

• Bronchitis, flu-like symptoms, or sinus infections.

• Back pain, joint or muscle pain

• Stomach pain, and diarrhea

• Itching or skin rash

• Headache, nausea, and weakness

Patients may experience potentially serious side effects after taking Benicar. Call your doctor immediately if you have severe side effects including:

• Difficulty with breathing or swallowing, chest pain, and irregular heartbeats
• Severe abdominal pain
• Kidney failure
• Muscle tissue breakdown (rhabdomyolysis)
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Little or no urination
• Nausea, vertigo, weakness, tingly, loss of movement (symptoms of high potassium level)

How to use Benicar?

Benicar is usually taken orally once daily with or without food as prescribed by your doctor.

The recommended dose of Benicar for adults is 20 mg once a day. The doctor may increase the dose to 40 mg if needed.

The recommended dose of Benicar for children (6 to 16 years):

• 10 mg orally once a day for children weighing 20 to 34 kg.
• 20 mg orally once a day for children weighing 35 kg or more.

Doctors may recommend a lower starting dose for patients with impaired kidney function and taking diuretics. Patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets may take the liquid form of this medication. Patients should use a special measuring device or spoon to take liquid medicine as they may not get the correct dose by using a household spoon.

Take the medication regularly at the same time to get the maximum benefit.

Drug Interactions

Benicar may interact with other medications. This may cause harmful reactions or affect the working of a medication. Before you start a new treatment, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including:

• Water pills (diuretics)
• Medications for high blood pressure and heart conditions
• Pain or arthritis medicines (aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Welchol (colesevelam hydrochloride)
• Potassium supplements
• Lithium drugs

Safety Information

• If you are using cholesterol medications such as cholestyramine, and colesevelam, take Benicar at least 4 hours before using these drugs.

• Do not take Benicar, if you are allergic to Olmesartan or any other ingredients of the medicine.

• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have had health conditions, including kidney, liver, or heart disease, dehydration, joint pain, and alcoholism.

• Do not drive or use any machinery that requires alertness just after taking Benicar as it can make you dizzy.

• Try to avoid or limit alcoholic beverages while taking the medication.

• If you have surgery or a dental procedure, tell your doctor about all the medications you take.

• Talk to your doctor about the safety of this medication, if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Reference:

• https://benicar.com/hypertension-treatment

• https://www.rxlist.com/benicar-drug.htm#indications

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-63173/benicar-oral/details

• https://www.drugs.com/benicar.html