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 pressure during pregnancy may cause complications in the mother and the baby.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
How should I take Benicar?
Take Benicar exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
You may take Benicar with or without food.
For a child who cannot swallow a tablet whole, a pharmacist can mix the medicine into a liquid.
Shake the liquid before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Olmesartan doses are based on weight in children and/or teenagers. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Benicar.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. Treatment may also include diet, exercise, lowering cholesterol, not smoking, and controlling diabetes.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.
Store tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Store the liquid in a refrigerator. Throw away any liquid leftover after 4 weeks.
