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