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Olmesartan

 

Olmesartan (generic Benicar) Review

brand names: Benicar, Benicar HCT
generic name: Olmesartan medoxomil

Why is Benicar prescribed?

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. Benicar relaxes and expands the blood vessels, allowing pressure to drop. Benicar may be prescribed alone or with other blood pressure medications, such as diuretics that help the body get rid of excess water. Benicar HCT provides just such a combination. It contains Benicar plus hydrochlorothiazide, a common diuretic that increases the output of urine. This removes excess fluid from the body and helps lower blood pressure.

How should you take Benicar (Olmesartan)?

Benicar (Olmesartan) or Benicar HCT should be taken once a day, preferably at the same time each day. It can be taken with or without food.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses in the same day.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Benicar overdose may include:
  Dehydration (dry mouth, low blood pressure, dizziness, weakness), nausea and vomiting, muscle pain or cramps, excessive thirst, slow or irregular heartbeat

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Benicar (Olmesartan)

No significant drug interactions have been reported with Benicar (Olmesartan).

The hydrochlorothiazide in Benicar (Olmesartan) 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
Lithium (Lithobid, Lopressor, Micronase
Other blood pressure medications such as Cardizem, Glucotrol, Diabinese, and Naprosyn
Norepinephrine
Oral diabetes drugs such as Diabeta, Motin, Aleve, Lithonate)
Muscle relaxants such as Tubocurarine
Narcotic drugs such as morphine or codeine products (Percocet)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, and Procardia

Why should Benicar (Olmesartan) not be prescribed?

Do not take Benicar (Olmesartan) or Benicar HCT while pregnant. Avoid both drugs if they cause an allergic reaction, and do not take Benicar (Olmesartan) HCT if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a sulfa drug such as Bactrim or Septra. Also avoid Benicar HCT if you have trouble urinating.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Benicar (Olmesartan)

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.

Benicar (Olmesartan) HCT

The starting dose of Benicar (Olmesartan) HCT is one tablet containing 20 milligrams of olmesartan/12.5 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide once daily. If needed, the doctor may increase the dose every 2 to 4 weeks until your blood pressure is under control. The maximum dose is 40 milligrams of olmesartan/25 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide once daily.