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