Key facts about Benicar
What is Benicar?
Benicar is the brand name for olmesartan and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Benicar available in?
Benicar is available as a 5 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg oral tablet.
What is Benicar used for?
Benicar is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that is used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older.
How does Benicar work?
Benicar is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Angiotensin II is a hormone that acts on multiple areas in the body. By blocking angiotensin II in the blood vessels, this medication tells the blood vessels to relax, which helps to lower blood pressure.
How do I take Benicar?
Benicar is typically taken by mouth once daily.
Is it safe for me to take Benicar?
Benicar is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not take this medication along with aliskiren if you have diabetes.
Benicar Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Benicar include:
- Dizziness
- Facial swelling
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Hair loss
- Rash
- Diarrhea
Benicar Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Benicar. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious kidney problems: urinating less often than usual, swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands, unexplained weight gain
- Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
- High blood potassium levels: nausea, muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeat
- Severe diarrhea: having watery bowel movements 10-20 times daily, nausea, weight loss
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Benicar
The following medications may interact with Benicar:
- Agents increasing potassium levels may lead to increase in serum potassium
- • NSAID use may lead to increased risk of renal impairment and loss of antihypertensive effect
- • Dual inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system: Increased risk of renal impairment, hypotension, and hyperkalemia
- • Lithium: Increases in serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity
- • Colesevelam hydrochloride: Consider administering olmesartan at least 4 hours before colesevelam hydrochloride dose
Who makes Benicar?
Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Is Benicar safe in pregnancy?
Benicar may cause harm to your unborn baby. You should discontinue this medication immediately if you become pregnant.
