Benicar Drug Interactions

More Detail About Benicar Interactions

The following sections explain how certain drugs can interact with Benicar.
 
Diuretics
When taking Benicar with a diuretic, your blood pressure may decrease too much. This is more likely to occur when Benicar is first started. In order to decrease the chances of this interaction, your healthcare provider may change the dosages of either medicine, start you on a lower dose of Benicar, and/or monitor you more closely.
 
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Benicar can interact with NSAIDs in several ways. The combination could cause your blood pressure to increase or may cause swelling (edema), especially if you have congestive heart failure (CHF). If you are elderly, have kidney disease or kidney failure, or are taking a diuretic ("water pill") or are dehydrated, taking NSAIDs and Benicar together may cause kidney failure. Talk to your healthcare provider about this potential drug interaction before taking these medications together.
  
Potassium Supplements
If you are taking a potassium supplement and Benicar, the levels of potassium in your blood may become too high. This can cause serious problems. Talk to your healthcare provider about using potassium and Benicar together in your situation.
 
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
If you are taking both Benicar and a potassium-sparing diuretic, your body may metabolize the drugs differently than intended and/or increase the levels of potassium in your blood. Your healthcare provider may choose to monitor your progress closely if this is the case.
 

Final Thoughts on Benicar Drug Interactions

It is possible that not all Benicar drug interactions were discussed in this article. Therefore, you should talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about any drug interactions that may apply to you.
< Go Back to Benicar Drug Interactions, Page 1

<< Previous12

Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation