Brand Names: Benicar

Generic Name: olmesartan (Pronunciation: OL me SAR tan)

• What is olmesartan (Benicar)?
• What are the possible side effects of olmesartan (Benicar)?
• What is the most important information I should know about olmesartan (Benicar)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking olmesartan (Benicar)?
• How should I take olmesartan (Benicar)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Benicar)?
• What happens if I overdose (Benicar)?
• What should I avoid while taking olmesartan (Benicar)?
• What other drugs will affect olmesartan (Benicar)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is olmesartan (Benicar)?

Olmesartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Olmesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Olmesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.

Olmesartan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Benicar 5 mg

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What are the possible side effects of olmesartan (Benicar)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, olmesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effect, such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;
• painful or difficult urination;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• chest pain, fast heart rate;
• swelling in your hands or feet; or
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, tingly feeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
• joint pain;
• back pain;
• stomach pain, diarrhea;
• headache, dizziness;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• weakness; or
• increased sweating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about olmesartan (Benicar)?

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

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

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of olmesartan.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking olmesartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

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.

In rare cases, olmesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.