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