benicar hctz
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 hctz. Whenused during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Benicar can causeinjury and even death to the developing baby benicar hctz. Notify your doctor immediatelyif you think you might be pregnant benicar hctz.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities benicar hctz. Benicar may cause dizziness or drowsiness benicar hctz. If you experience dizzinessor drowsiness, avoid these activities benicar hctz. Also use caution when rising from a sittingor lying position benicar hctz.
• Use alcohol cautiously benicar hctz. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure andincrease drowsiness and dizziness while taking Benicar benicar hctz.
What is Benicar?
• Benicar is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists benicar hctz. Benicar prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries) benicar hctz.
• Benicar is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) benicar hctz.
• Benicar may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thismedication guide benicar hctz.
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 hctz.
• 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 hctz.
• Benicar is in the FDA pregnancy category D benicar hctz. This means that it is knownto be harmful to an unborn baby benicar hctz. When used during the second and third trimestersof pregnancy, Benicar can cause injury and even death to the developing baby benicar hctz. Do not take Benicar if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment benicar hctz.
• It is not known whether Benicar passes into breast milk benicar hctz. Do not takeBenicar without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby benicar hctz.
How should I take Benicar?
• Take Benicar exactly as directed by your doctor benicar hctz. If you do not understandthese directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you benicar hctz.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water benicar hctz.
• Benicar can be taken with or without food benicar hctz.
• Do not stop taking Benicar without first talking to your doctor benicar hctz. If youstop taking the medication, your condition could become worse benicar hctz.
• Store Benicar at room temperature away from moisture and heat benicar hctz.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember benicar hctz. However, if it is almosttime for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularlyscheduled dose benicar hctz. Do not take a double dose of this medication benicar hctz.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention benicar hctz.
• Symptoms of an Benicar overdose are not well known, but might includedizziness, weakness, fainting, fatigue, and chest pain benicar hctz.
What should I avoid while taking Benicar?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities benicar hctz. Benicar may cause dizziness or drowsiness benicar hctz. If you experience dizzinessor drowsiness, avoid these activities benicar hctz. Also use caution when rising from a sittingor lying position benicar hctz.
• Use alcohol cautiously benicar hctz. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure andincrease drowsiness and dizziness while taking Benicar benicar hctz.
• Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without firsttalking to your doctor benicar hctz. Benicar can affect potassium levels in the body benicar hctz.
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 hctz.
• Other side effects are less serious and may be more likely to occur benicar hctz. 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 hctz.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur benicar hctz. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome benicar hctz.
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 hctz.
• Benicar can affect potassium levels in the body benicar hctz. 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 hctz.
• Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take to treat high bloodpressure or other heart conditions benicar hctz. Benicar may cause very low blood pressureif it is taken with other heart medications benicar hctz.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Benicar oraffect your condition benicar hctz. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking anyprescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products benicar hctz.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about Benicar written forhealth professionals that you may read benicar hctz.
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