what is benicar hct 20
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 what is benicar hct 20. Whenused during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, Benicar can causeinjury and even death to the developing baby what is benicar hct 20. Notify your doctor immediatelyif you think you might be pregnant what is benicar hct 20.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities what is benicar hct 20. Benicar may cause dizziness or drowsiness what is benicar hct 20. If you experience dizzinessor drowsiness, avoid these activities what is benicar hct 20. Also use caution when rising from a sittingor lying position what is benicar hct 20.
• Use alcohol cautiously what is benicar hct 20. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure andincrease drowsiness and dizziness while taking Benicar what is benicar hct 20.
What is Benicar?
• Benicar is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists what is benicar hct 20. Benicar prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries) what is benicar hct 20.
• Benicar is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) what is benicar hct 20.
• Benicar may also be used for purposes other than those listed in thismedication guide what is benicar hct 20.
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) what is benicar hct 20.
• 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 what is benicar hct 20.
• Benicar is in the FDA pregnancy category D what is benicar hct 20. This means that it is knownto be harmful to an unborn baby what is benicar hct 20. When used during the second and third trimestersof pregnancy, Benicar can cause injury and even death to the developing baby what is benicar hct 20. Do not take Benicar if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment what is benicar hct 20.
• It is not known whether Benicar passes into breast milk what is benicar hct 20. Do not takeBenicar without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby what is benicar hct 20.
How should I take Benicar?
• Take Benicar exactly as directed by your doctor what is benicar hct 20. If you do not understandthese directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you what is benicar hct 20.
• Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water what is benicar hct 20.
• Benicar can be taken with or without food what is benicar hct 20.
• Do not stop taking Benicar without first talking to your doctor what is benicar hct 20. If youstop taking the medication, your condition could become worse what is benicar hct 20.
• Store Benicar at room temperature away from moisture and heat what is benicar hct 20.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember what is benicar hct 20. However, if it is almosttime for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularlyscheduled dose what is benicar hct 20. Do not take a double dose of this medication what is benicar hct 20.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention what is benicar hct 20.
• Symptoms of an Benicar overdose are not well known, but might includedizziness, weakness, fainting, fatigue, and chest pain what is benicar hct 20.
What should I avoid while taking Benicar?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities what is benicar hct 20. Benicar may cause dizziness or drowsiness what is benicar hct 20. If you experience dizzinessor drowsiness, avoid these activities what is benicar hct 20. Also use caution when rising from a sittingor lying position what is benicar hct 20.
• Use alcohol cautiously what is benicar hct 20. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure andincrease drowsiness and dizziness while taking Benicar what is benicar hct 20.
• Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without firsttalking to your doctor what is benicar hct 20. Benicar can affect potassium levels in the body what is benicar hct 20.
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 what is benicar hct 20.
• Other side effects are less serious and may be more likely to occur what is benicar hct 20. 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) what is benicar hct 20.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur what is benicar hct 20. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome what is benicar hct 20.
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 what is benicar hct 20.
• Benicar can affect potassium levels in the body what is benicar hct 20. 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 what is benicar hct 20.
• Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take to treat high bloodpressure or other heart conditions what is benicar hct 20. Benicar may cause very low blood pressureif it is taken with other heart medications what is benicar hct 20.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Benicar oraffect your condition what is benicar hct 20. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking anyprescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products what is benicar hct 20.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about Benicar written forhealth professionals that you may read what is benicar hct 20.
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