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Benicar, |olmesartan

olmesartan

Generic Name: olmesartan (OLE meh sar tan)
Brand Names: Benicar

What is olmesartan?

Olmesartan is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Olmesartan prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries).

Olmesartan is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).

Olmesartan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

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

Before taking olmesartan, tell your doctor if you

• have kidney disease;
• have liver disease;

• are on a salt-restricted diet or have high levels of potassium in your blood; or

• are taking a potassium supplement (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others), or a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).

You may not be able to take olmesartan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

How should I take olmesartan?

Take olmesartan exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Olmesartan can be taken with or without food.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of an olmesartan overdose are not well known, but might include dizziness, weakness, fainting, fatigue, and chest pain.

What should I avoid while taking olmesartan?

Olmesartan side effects

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

• little or no urine.

Other side effects are less serious and may be more likely to occur. Continue to take olmesartan and talk to your doctor if you experience

• diarrhea or upset stomach;

• dizziness;

• headache;

• insomnia; or

• congestion or cough (very unlikely).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect olmesartan?

Before taking olmesartan, tell your doctor if you

• take a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others;

• take a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide); or

• use a salt substitute.

Olmesartan can affect potassium levels in the body. You may not be able to take olmesartan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you are taking any of the products listed above.

Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take to treat high blood pressure or other heart conditions. Olmesartan may cause very low blood pressure if it is taken with other heart medications.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with olmesartan or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about olmesartan written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Olmesartan is available with a prescription under the brand name Benicar. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Benicar 5 mg-yellow, round, film-coated tablets

• Benicar 20 mg-white, round, film-coated tablets

• Benicar 40 mg-white, oval, film-coated tablets

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.