|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (ole
me SAR
tan) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Benicar™ |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker |
|
|
| What key warnings should I know
about before taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. Use during the second and
third trimester can cause birth defects. If you become pregnant while taking
this medicine, call healthcare provider right away. |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
If you have an allergy to olmesartan or any other part of this
medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you have any of the following conditions: Blockage in the kidneys'
arteries or other kidney disease, or hyperaldosteronism.
If you are more than 12 weeks pregnant. |
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine is used to treat high blood
pressure. |
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
Olmesartan lowers blood pressure by decreasing production of a strong
chemical in the body. |
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes
an upset stomach.
Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare
provider. |
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider. |
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes, potassium-sparing
diuretics, and potassium supplements.
If you are taking this medicine and have high blood pressure, talk
with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may
increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills,
stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or
supplements.
Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
Be careful in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent
dehydration.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while
taking this medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding. |
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in
thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require
you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects
you.
Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying
position. Be careful climbing. |
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
Check blood pressure regularly.
Follow up with healthcare provider. |
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Severe dizziness or passing out.
Severe headache.
For females, if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store at room temperature.
Protect from light.
Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or
kitchen. |
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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