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