Benicar

Benicar can help decrease the risks associated with long-term high blood pressure. The drug is thought to work by causing the blood vessels to relax, which helps with blood flow throughout the body. Benicar should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medicine in the blood. In clinical studies, the most common side effect of the drug was dizziness.

 

What Is Benicar?

Benicar® (olmesartan medoxomil) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click Benicar Uses for more information on what it is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Benicar?

It is manufactured by Sankyo Pharma, Inc.
 

How Does It Work?

Benicar is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs for short. As the name implies, this drug blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, Benicar causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 

Effectiveness

A
 blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking 40 mg of Benicar, systolic blood pressure decreased by 12 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) on average, and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 7 mmHg on average. Lower doses resulted in a smaller drop in blood pressure.
 
By lowering blood pressure, this drug can decrease the risks that are often seen with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).
 

When and How Do I Take Benicar?

Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
 
  • Benicar comes in tablet form. It is taken once a day.
  • It may be taken with or without food.
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
  • It should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medicine in your blood.
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing

The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking
  • How you respond to Benicar.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Benicar Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Benicar

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
During clinical trials, the most common side effect observed was dizziness when compared to those who did not take the drug. No other side effects occurred in more than 1 percent of people.
 
(Click Benicar Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of the drug, including serious side effects to look for.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects by going to:
 

Drug Interactions With Benicar

Benicar can potentially interact with a number of medicines.
 
(Click Benicar Drug Interactions for more information.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
If you are taking Benicar, do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium or potassium supplements without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
 
(Click Benicar Precautions and Warnings for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that can include an extremely low blood pressure or increased heart rate.
 
If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Benicar Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods

The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Benicar tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep Benicar and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Benicar as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose!
 

Strengths of Benicar

Benicar tablets are available in several strengths, including:
 
  • Benicar 5 mg
  • Benicar 20 mg
  • Benicar 40 mg.
     

Generic Benicar

Benicar is not currently available as a generic medicine.
 
(Click Generic Benicar for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;