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home > drugs a-z list > benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) drug center > benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) drug - medication guide and patient information
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Benicar
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) »
What are angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and how do they work?
The class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), as the class name suggests, are drugs that block the action of angiotensin. Specifically, ARBs prevent angiotensin II from binding to the angiotensin II receptor on blood vessels and other tissues.
Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical that causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby narrowing the blood vessels. Narrowing of blood vessels increases the pressure within the blood vessels and may lead to high blood pressure (hypertension). Reducing the binding and activity of angiotensin II leads to widening (dilation) of blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure against which the heart must pump, the amount of work that the heart must do is reduced. ACE inhibitors also reduce blood pressure in the kidneys, slowing the progression of kidney disease due to high b...
Benicar
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PATIENT INFORMATION
Pregnancy
Female patients of childbearing age should be told about the consequences of exposure to Benicar during pregnancy. Discuss treatment options with women planning to become pregnant. Patients should be asked to report pregnancies to their physicians as soon as possible.
Last reviewed on RxList: 4/6/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
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