Benicar (Olmesartan Medoxomil) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 25, 2012

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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...

Read the Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) article »

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Benicar Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking olmesartan (Benicar)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to olmesartan.

Before using olmesartan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease;
liver disease;
congestive heart failure; or
if you are dehydrated.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Olmesartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not use olmesartan without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether olmesartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take olmesartan (Benicar)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

You may take olmesartan with or without food.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store olmesartan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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