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Benicar

(other types of Benicar)

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Information on Benicar

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Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .

Tablets
Chemical Name: OLMESARTAN (ole-me-SAR-tan)

Common uses
Benicar 20mg is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
This drug can cause serious fetal harm if used during the last six months of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, stop using this drug and immediately contact your physician. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are also taking potassium-sparing diuretics (such as spironolactone, triamterene, or amiloride). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including liver or kidney problems, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking Benicar 20mg.

Directions
Follow the directions for using Benicar 20mg provided by your doctor. Benicar 20mg may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE BENICAR 20mg at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF BENICAR 20mg, take it as soon as possible. If you are only taking one dose a day and do not remember your missed dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Benicar 20mg. Using Benicar 20mg alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Before using any potassium supplements or salt substitutes, consult your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: USE OF BENICAR 20mg DURING PREGNANCY has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Women of child-bearing age should discuss the risks and benefits of using Benicar 20mg with their doctor. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS DRUG IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED WHILE TAKING BENICAR 20mg.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Benicar 20mg include upset stomach, or stomach pain. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience joint pain, stiffness, or swelling. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; irregular heartbeat; swelling of your hands, legs, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; difficulty swallowing or breathing; or hoarseness; muscle cramps, pain, or weakness; or flu-like symptoms (such as headache, tiredness, muscle ache, or fever). An allergic reaction to Benicar 20mg is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusual dizziness or fainting, and rapid or unusually slow pulse.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE BENICAR 20mg with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE BENICAR 20mg for other health conditions. KEEP BENICAR 20mg out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING BENICAR 20mg FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2010. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.
The name and strength of the drug discussed above has been provided for clarity by drugstore.com, inc. and without the express permission of Medi-Span, and Medi-Span makes no representation as to the accuracy of such additional information.