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ANGIOTENSIN II RECEPTOR BLOCKER (ARB)
Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults and children ages 6 years and older.
Benicar is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. By blocking this action, Benicar helps blood vessels relax and lowers blood pressure.
Doctors prescribe Benicar to treat high blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It can be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines.
Lowering blood pressure helps reduce the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems, such as strokes and heart attacks, including those that can cause death.
Benicar comes as a tablet taken by mouth, usually once daily. For children who cannot swallow tablets, a pharmacist can prepare a liquid form using Benicar tablets.
The recommended starting dose of Benicar is 20 milligrams once daily for adults who have not lost too much fluid from their bodies. The recommended dose range is 20 to 40 milligrams once daily.
If blood pressure is still too high after two weeks, a doctor may increase the dose to 40 milligrams once daily. Doses above 40 milligrams daily do not appear to lower blood pressure further.
Adults who have lost too much fluid or salt, such as those taking certain diuretics (water pills), may need a lower starting dose and closer medical supervision.
The recommended dose of Benicar for children ages 6 years and older depends on their weight.
This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical studies, the most common side effect of Benicar was dizziness, reported in 3 percent of people taking the medicine compared with 1 percent taking a placebo (a pill with no active medicine).
Benicar can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Benicar has a boxed warning, the FDA’s strongest safety warning, for some of the serious risks mentioned above. A boxed warning does not mean the drug is unsafe for everyone or that everyone faces the same level of risk.
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc, the manufacturer of Benicar, offers the Pre-Activated Savings Card. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $5 per month.
The card also offers a $25 discount off the retail price of each prescription fill for eligible people without insurance.
To learn more, visit the savings card website or call 877-264-2440.
Before starting Benicar, your doctor may check your kidney function and potassium levels based on your health and other medications you take.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to olmesartan or any ingredients in Benicar.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may interact with Benicar.
Do not take Benicar if you:
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about other treatment options. Benicar can cause serious harm or death to a developing baby. If you become pregnant while taking Benicar, contact your doctor right away. Benicar should be stopped as soon as pregnancy is detected.
If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor. You should not breastfeed during treatment with Benicar because of the possible risks to your baby.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Benicar for high blood pressure?
In studies of adults with high blood pressure, Benicar started lowering blood pressure within one week, with most of its effect seen after two weeks.
Compared with a placebo (a pill with no active medicine):
The first number shows the pressure when the heart beats, and the second shows the pressure when the heart relaxes.
Benicar’s blood pressure-lowering effect lasted throughout the 24-hour dosing period. In studies, the effect was maintained for up to one year in people taking Benicar, with or without another blood pressure medicine called hydrochlorothiazide.
How long does Benicar take to work for high blood pressure?
Benicar starts lowering blood pressure within one week, and most of its effect is seen after two weeks. When taken once daily, its blood pressure-lowering effect lasts throughout the 24-hour dosing period.
Can Benicar be used with other medicines for heart disease?
Benicar can be used alone or with other medicines to treat high blood pressure. However, some medicines can interact with Benicar and increase the risk of side effects.
These include certain water pills (potassium-sparing diuretics), potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), lithium, aliskiren, and other medicines that affect blood pressure.
Do not take Benicar with aliskiren if you have diabetes. This combination can increase the risk of serious side effects, including kidney problems, low blood pressure, and high potassium levels.
If you take colesevelam, your doctor may recommend taking Benicar at least four hours before colesevelam to reduce the interaction.
Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take before combining them with Benicar.
On MyHeartDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with heart disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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