Benicar Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Olmesartan medoxomil

OLMESARTAN (Benicar™) helps lower blood pressure to normal levels. It controls high blood pressure, but it is not a cure. High blood pressure can damage your kidneys, and may lead to a stroke or heart failure. So Benicar helps prevent these things from happening. Benicar is in a class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Benicar 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, then your doctor may raise the dose to 40 milligrams once a day. If you are taking a diuretic, then your starting dose may be smaller than usual.
• The starting dose of Benicar 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.

Uses of Benicar

• 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

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Benicar. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain
• bone pain
• chest pain
• cough
• fatigue
• insomnia
• joint pain or inflammation
• muscle pain
• nausea
• rash
• stomach problems
• swelling of the face or limbs
• urinary tract infection
• vertigo

Warnings and precautions before taking Benicar:

• If you have kidney disease or congestive heart failure, then you should used benicar with caution.
• Use Benicar and Benicar HCT with caution if you have a history of allergy or bronchial asthma.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Benicar, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Benicar medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Benicar with the following:

• Alcohol
  
• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
  
• Cholestyramine (Questran)
  
• Colestipol (Colestid)
  
• Norepinephrine
  
• Oral diabetes drugs such as Diabeta
  

Overdose

When you are taking Benicar, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an Benicar overdose may include:-

• dizziness
• weakness
• fainting
• fatigue
• chest pain