Generic name:olmesartan [ OL-me-SAR-tan ]
Drug class:Angiotensin receptor blockers
What is Benicar?
Benicar is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB). Olmesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Benicar is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children at least 6 years old.
Benicar is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.
Warnings
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using Benicar and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Olmesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
If you have diabetes, do not take Benicar with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine - brand names include Amturnide, Tekturna, and Tekamlo).
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Benicar if you are allergic to olmesartan.
If you have diabetes, do not use Benicar together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
You may also need to avoid taking Benicar with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
To make sure Benicar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
a heart condition other than one being treated with Benicar;
kidney disease; or
if you are on a low salt diet.
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Olmesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
If you plan to get pregnant, ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use before and during pregnancy. Having high blood ...
