Benicar (Olmesartan)

Benicar is used for treating high blood pressure, alone or with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Use Benicar as directed by your doctor.

• Take Benicar by mouth with or without food.

Benicar is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. It works by inhibiting the action of a chemical transmitter (angiotensin II) and allowing the blood vessels to dilate (widen) and the kidneys to eliminate extra sodium and fluids. These actions combine to help lower blood pressure.

If you miss a dose of Benicar, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Benicar at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Benicar out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do not use Benicar if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Benicar;
• you are pregnant, especially after the third month.

• Benicar may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Benicar with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Patients who take medicine for high blood pressure often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment. Be sure to take your medicine even if you may not feel normal. Tell your doctor if you develop any new symptoms.
• Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Benicar before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Benicar should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Benicar may cause fetal and newborn death if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Benicar is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Benicar.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• abdominal/stomach pain; cough; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; unusual tiredness.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); fainting; increased heartbeat; lightheadedness.

Benicar is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.