Brand Name

Benicar { Daiichi Sankyo}

Generic Name

olmesartan, pronounced OL me SAR tan

What is Benicar?

Benicar is a medication to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure in adults and children over age 6. You may be prescribed Benicar to help keep your blood vessels from narrowing. Benicar may also be used for purposes not described in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Benicar

Benicar is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, which means that it prevents your blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers your blood pressure and improves your blood flow. You may be prescribed Benicar alongside other blood pressure medications.

Benicar is in FDA pregnancy category D. You should not use Benicar if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Benicar you should stop taking this medication and contact your doctor right away. Benicar may cause injury or death to an unborn baby if taken during the second or third trimester. You should be sure to use effective birth control while taking Benicar.

While you are taking Benicar you should not drink alcohol. Because drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure, you may experience an increase in certain side effects of Benicar if you drink while taking this medication .

Unless your doctor has advised you to do so, you should not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Benicar

Continue to use Benicar as your doctor has directed, and be sure to get your blood pressure checked regularly.

Before You Take Benicar

If you are allergic to olmesartan you should not take Benicar.

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding you should not take Benicar.

You should inform your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or congestive heart failure before taking Benicar.

If you suffer from dehydration you should tell your doctor before starting treatment with Benicar.

Let your doctor know if you drink 2 or more alcoholic beverages daily. Alcohol can increase the risk of serious side effects if you are taking Benicar.

Until you know how you will react to Benicar you should avoid getting up too fast from a lying or sitting position, as you may experience dizziness. Be sure to get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall, especially when you first begin your treatment with Benicar.

You need to be aware that certain conditions can cause low blood pressure, and make the effects of Benicar more pronounced for you. Tell your doctor right away if you experience diarrhea, heart disease, intense sweating, vomiting, are on dialysis, or if you are on a low salt diet or taking diuretics (water pills).

Benicar Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• celecoxib (Celebrex)
• diclofenac (Arthrotec, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Flector Patch, Pennsaid, Solareze)
• diuretics or water pills
• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• indomethacin (Indocin), meloxicam (Mobic)
• meloxicam (Mobic)
• naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Treximet)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Benicar. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Benicar

You should take Benicar exactly as directed by your doctor. It is important that you do not take Benicar in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label and follow any dose changes carefully if your doctor instructs you to change your dose.

Benicar should be taken at the same time every day.

Benicar can be taken with or without food.

You may need to take Benicar on a long-term basis for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is important that you follow up with your doctor on a regular basis to be sure that Benicar is helping your condition and not causing you to have any adverse or harmful effects.

Benicar should be stored at room temperature, and away from both moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Benicar you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, or if your next dose is less than 12 hours away you should skip the dose you missed.

Benicar Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Benicar and seek emergency medical help immediately.

• allergic reaction including hives, swelling in your face ,lips, throat or tongue and trouble breathing
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• faint feeling
• fast heart rate
• swelling in your hands and feet
• urinary abnormalities, such as urinating less often or not at all

Less serious side effects of Benicar may include:

• back pain
• blurred vision
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• exhaustion
• itching or rash
• mild muscle or joint pain
• mild nausea
• weakness

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Benicar. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Benicar Description and Dosing

Benicar is available as film coated tablets in the following strengths:

5 mg which are yellow, round, film-coated, non-scored and debossed with Sankyo on one side and C12 on the other side.

20 mg which are white, round, film-coated, non-scored and debossed with Sankyo on one side and C14 on the other side.

40 mg which are white, oval-shaped, film-coated, non-scored and debossed with Sankyo on one side and C15 on the other side.

Anyone taking Benicar should consult their doctor for specific dosing pertaining to them. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Benicar you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Benicar

Benicar contains olmesartan medoxomil and the following inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, titanium dioxide, and (5 mg only) yellow iron oxide.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

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