Benicar Drug Description

Olmesartan medoxomil, a prodrug, is hydrolyzed to olmesartan during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Olmesartan is a selective AT1 subtype angiotensin II receptor antagonist.

Olmesartan medoxomil is described chemically as 2,3-dihydroxy-2-butenyl 4(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2-propyl-1-[p-(o-1H-tetrazol-5-ylphenyl)benzyl]imidazole5-carboxylate, cyclic 2,3-carbonate.

Its empirical formula is C₂₉H₃₀N₆O₆ and its structural formula is:

Olmesartan medoxomil is a white to light yellowish-white powder Libidus or crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 558.59. It is practically insoluble in water and sparingly soluble in methanol. Benicar is available for oral use as film-coated tablets containing 5 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg of olmesartan medoxomil and the following inactive ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, titanium dioxide, and (5 mg only) yellow iron oxide.

SIDE EFFECTS:Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, slow/irregular heartbeat, unusual decrease in the amount of urine.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS:Before taking olmesartan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk for harm to an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. (See also Warning section.)

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Benicar Side Effects

Of the reported Benicar side effects, the most common one is dizziness, which occurs in up to 3 percent of people taking the medication. Serious side effects that should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider include unexplained skin rash, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and hair loss. However, most people tolerate the drug well. If side effects of Benicar do occur, they are usually minor and easily treated.

An Overview of Benicar Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible Eli with Benicar^® (olmesartanmedoxomil). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. If side effects do occur, in many cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or a healthcare provider. Serious side effects can occur, but are less common.

 

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Benicar. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Benicar side effects with you.)

 

Common Side Effects of Benicar

Extensive clinical trials have evaluated thousands of people worldwide who were taking Benicar. In these studies, side effects are always documented and compared to side effects that occurred in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common Benicar side effect was dizziness, occurring in up to 3 percent of people. The studies also showed that dizziness occurred more often in those who took Benicar compared to those who did not. No other side effects were reported in more than 1 percent of people taking Benicar.

 

Serious Benicar Side Effects

Some Benicar side effects should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider.

These include but are not limited to:

 

• Unexplained skin rash
• Itching
• Unexplained swelling of the head or neck (including the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting spells
• Decrease in the amount of urine produced.

Rare Side Effects With Benicar

Other Benicar side effects can occur, although they only happen in less than 1 percent of people. Given how uncommon they are, it is difficult to tell whether these side effects are caused by the medication or by something else.

 

Some of these rare side effects include but are not limited to:

 

• Spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Heartburn or indigestion (dyspepsia)
• High cholesterol
• Hair loss (see Benicar and Hair Loss)
• Serious breakdown of muscle (known medically as rhabdomyolysis).
   

Final Thoughts on Benicar Side Effects

You may experience some or none of the Benicar side effects listed in this article. There is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking the drug. Also let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.