benicar hct40
olmesartan (OLE meh sar tan)
What is the most important information I should know about Benicar?
• Do not take Benicar if you are pregnant or could become pregnant benicar hct40. Whenused during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Benicar can causeinjury and even death to the developing baby benicar hct40. Notify your doctor immediatelyif you think you might be pregnant benicar hct40.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities benicar hct40. Benicar may cause dizziness or drowsiness benicar hct40. If you experience dizzinessor drowsiness, avoid these activities benicar hct40. Also use caution when rising from a sittingor lying position benicar hct40.
• Use alcohol cautiously benicar hct40. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure andincrease drowsiness and dizziness while taking Benicar benicar hct40.
What is Benicar?
• Benicar is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists benicar hct40. Benicar prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries) benicar hct40.
• Benicar is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) benicar hct40.
• Benicar may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thismedication guide benicar hct40.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Benicar?
• Before taking Benicar, tell your doctor if you
· have kidney disease;
· have liver disease;
· are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in yourblood; or
· are taking a potassium supplement (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others),or a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium,Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone) benicar hct40.
• You may not be able to take Benicar, or you may require a dosage adjustmentor special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listedabove benicar hct40.
• Benicar is in the FDA pregnancy category D benicar hct40. This means that it is knownto be harmful to an unborn baby benicar hct40. When used during the second and third trimestersof pregnancy, Benicar can cause injury and even death to the developing baby benicar hct40. Do not take Benicar if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment benicar hct40.
• It is not known whether Benicar passes into breast milk benicar hct40. Do not takeBenicar without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby benicar hct40.
How should I take Benicar?
• Take Benicar exactly as directed by your doctor benicar hct40. If you do not understandthese directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you benicar hct40.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water benicar hct40.
• Benicar can be taken with or without food benicar hct40.
• Do not stop taking Benicar without first talking to your doctor benicar hct40. If youstop taking the medication, your condition could become worse benicar hct40.
• Store Benicar at room temperature away from moisture and heat benicar hct40.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember benicar hct40. However, if it is almosttime for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularlyscheduled dose benicar hct40. Do not take a double dose of this medication benicar hct40.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention benicar hct40.
• Symptoms of an Benicar overdose are not well known, but might includedizziness, weakness, fainting, fatigue, and chest pain benicar hct40.
What should I avoid while taking Benicar?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities benicar hct40. Benicar may cause dizziness or drowsiness benicar hct40. If you experience dizzinessor drowsiness, avoid these activities benicar hct40. Also use caution when rising from a sittingor lying position benicar hct40.
• Use alcohol cautiously benicar hct40. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure andincrease drowsiness and dizziness while taking Benicar benicar hct40.
• Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without firsttalking to your doctor benicar hct40. Benicar can affect potassium levels in the body benicar hct40.
What are the possible side effects of Benicar?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop takingBenicar and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
· little or no urine benicar hct40.
• Other side effects are less serious and may be more likely to occur benicar hct40. Continue to take Benicar and talk to your doctor if you experience
· diarrhea or upset stomach;
· dizziness;
· headache;
· insomnia; or
· congestion or cough (very unlikely) benicar hct40.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur benicar hct40. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome benicar hct40.
What other drugs will affect Benicar?
• Before taking Benicar, tell your doctor if you
· take a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others;
· take a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor),spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide); or
· use a salt substitute benicar hct40.
• Benicar can affect potassium levels in the body benicar hct40. You may not be ableto take Benicar, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoringif you are taking any of the products listed above benicar hct40.
• Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take to treat high bloodpressure or other heart conditions benicar hct40. Benicar may cause very low blood pressureif it is taken with other heart medications benicar hct40.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Benicar oraffect your condition benicar hct40. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking anyprescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products benicar hct40.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about Benicar written forhealth professionals that you may read benicar hct40.
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