Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) is an antihypertensive drug which lowers high blood pressure by inhibiting the narrowing of blood vessels. In promoting relaxed, widened blood vessels blood pressure will drop. Benicar may be sufficient on its own, or it may be given along with other blood pressure-reducing medications.

In Canada, the EU and Japan Benicar is sold as Olmetec. It is available as a generic in some areas, but in most places a prescription is required to buy Benicar or Olmetec.

Benicar should not be used while pregnant, while trying to become pregnant, or while breast feeding. The medication may cause severe birth defects or death, particularly if taken during the second or third trimesters.

Getting Started with Benicar

Benicar is given when blood pressure is elevated to such an extent that there is an increased risk of severe, possibly fatal complications, such as heart attack or stroke. Treatment will usually be long-term, lasting several years, even if lifestyle changes are made in the meantime. Eventually lifestyle changes alone may be enough to manage blood pressure, eliminating the need for medication, but the process takes some time.

To get the most from treatment the medication needs to be taken consistently. Doses should be taken at the same time each day if at all possible, and should not be skipped. It takes around 2 weeks for full benefits of treatment to be felt, so any disruption in treatment may cause a 2-week setback.

Benicar comes in tablets, which may be taken with or without food. Tablets may be split if needed to produce smaller doses. Split tablets should not be stored long-term as they may lose effectiveness quicker than intact tablets.

In otherwise healthy patients of 16 years of age and up treatment is fairly straightforward:

• The standard starting dose is 20 mg once per day.
• Dosage may be increased to 40 mg per day after 2 weeks if needed.
• Lower doses of 10 mg may be given when other medications are involved.
• Do not exceed 40 mg per day without explicit doctor instruction.

Keep in mind that the above guidelines may be overridden if other medications are being taken or if other major medical conditions are present.

Benicar tablets can be used in younger patients of 6 to 16 years of age:

• Patients weighing 20 to 35 kg (44 to 77 lbs) are typically started on 10 mg per day. This may be increased to 20 mg per day after 2 weeks if needed.
• Patients weighing greater than 35 kg (77 lbs) may be started on 20 mg per day, increased to 40 mg after 2 weeks if needed.

In patients under 6 years of age the medication is typically administered in a suspension which is prepared by a doctor or pharmacist. It should not be used in patients under 1 year of age.

Warnings & Adverse Effects

Used properly in otherwise healthy patients side effects from Benicar are quite rare. The most commonly reported side effect is dizziness, which may stop occurring as the body adjusts to treatment.

There are some patients at greater risk of experiencing more severe side effects, however, namely those who:

• Have difficulty urinating
• Are allergic to sulfonamide medications
• Have kidney disease

Patients who have kidney problems or diabetes and are taking aliskiren (another antihypertensive medication) should not take Benicar.

As mentioned above, this product should not be used while pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breast feeding.

Benicar may interact with a number of other medications. Of greatest concern are:

• Diuretics
• Other antihypertensive medications
• Medications for heart problems
• Potassium supplements
• Pain medicines, including NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen
• Cholesterol-lowering medications

There may be other medications that interact with Benicar as well; check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing treatments if unsure of effects.