Price: 0.51 per pill
Contents
Common use
Benicar, which contains the active ingredient olmesartan medoxomil, is a member of the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class. It is primarily used to manage high blood pressure by preventing blood vessels from constricting. This action helps blood vessels stay relaxed and open, allowing for smoother circulation and reduced cardiac workload.
Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels reduces the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney complications. Benicar may also be combined with other antihypertensive drugs such as diuretics or calcium channel blockers when monotherapy is insufficient. In some instances, it is prescribed off-label for conditions like diabetic kidney disease or heart failure.
Dosage and direction
Benicar should be taken exactly as directed by your physician. It is typically administered once per day, either with or without meals. The starting dosage for adults is commonly 20 mg daily, which may be adjusted to 40 mg depending on treatment response.
Swallow the pill whole with water; do not break or chew it. Aim to take your dose at the same time each day to maintain stable blood levels.
Your blood pressure should be monitored periodically during treatment, particularly when the dosage is changed.
Precautions
Inform your doctor before starting Benicar if you have liver or kidney issues, or if you're following a sodium-restricted diet. The medication can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially after the initial dose or when taken alongside diuretics.
Benicar may also elevate blood potassium, potentially causing dangerous heart arrhythmias. Avoid using potassium-based salt substitutes unless your provider advises otherwise.
This medication should be avoided during pregnancy, particularly after the first trimester, due to the risk of harm to the fetus.
Exercise caution when driving or using machinery until you understand how the drug affects you. Standing too quickly may cause dizziness or lightheadedness.
Contraindications
Benicar should not be used by anyone allergic to olmesartan or any of the inactive components in the formula. It is not suitable for:
Pregnant individuals, especially in the second or third trimester
Patients with advanced kidney disease using aliskiren
People with rare hereditary issues like galactose intolerance
Those with diabetes should avoid combining Benicar with aliskiren, as it may raise the risk of kidney damage and hyperkalemia.
Possible side effects
Common reactions include fatigue, headaches, back pain, and dizziness, most of which are mild and temporary.
Less frequent but potentially serious side effects include:
Chronic diarrhea or intestinal inflammation (sprue-like enteropathy)
Elevated potassium (leading to muscle weakness or slow heartbeat)
Impaired kidney function (reduced urination, fluid retention)
Sudden fainting due to very low blood pressure
Seek urgent care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
Drug interactions
Make sure your healthcare provider is aware of all medications you are using. Notable interactions include:
Potassium-containing products or potassium-retaining diuretics
NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen
Water pills (diuretics)
Lithium (risk of elevated lithium levels and toxicity)
Other blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors and aliskiren
Alcohol consumption may amplify the medication's blood pressure-lowering effects and should be used cautiously.
Missed dose
If you forget to take your dose, take it when you remember. If it's already close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one. Never double the amount to catch up.
Overdose
Signs of Benicar overdose might include extreme lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, or severely slowed heart rate.
In case of overdose, contact emergency medical services immediately.
Storage
Store Benicar at normal room temperature (68° - 77°F or 20° - 25°C). Keep it in its original container, away from heat, light, and humidity. Make sure it is inaccessible to children and pets.
U.S. Sale and Prescription Policy
In the United States, Benicar is regulated as a prescription-only medication by the FDA. It can be dispensed by pharmacies only upon presentation of a valid prescription issued by a licensed healthcare provider.
Guidelines recommend prescribing ARBs like Benicar only after a medical diagnosis has been confirmed. Continued use generally requires routine blood pressure monitoring and medical follow-up.
Generic alternatives such as olmesartan are broadly available and commonly covered by insurance plans. Many telemedicine services also provide evaluations and prescriptions for hypertension.
However, Frontier Family Pharmacy offers a fully legal and compliant alternative that allows eligible customers to acquire Benicar without a standard prescription. This program operates under strict internal protocols to ensure safety and may not be available in all jurisdictions. It provides a convenient option for those who meet the criteria for non-traditional access.