Question 1

What is Benicar?

Accepted Answer

Benicar is a medication that contains the active ingredient olmesartan medoxomil and belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers. It works by interfering with the action of certain natural substances in the body that cause blood vessels to constrict.

By allowing blood vessels to relax and widen, the medication helps improve blood flow. This action assists the cardiovascular system in functioning more efficiently.

Question 2

What is Benicar used for?

Accepted Answer

Benicar is used to treat hypertension .

Question 3

How does Benicar work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Benicar belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by interfering with the action of a hormone in the body called angiotensin II.

Angiotensin II is a potent chemical that attaches to receptors on the surface of blood vessels, causing the muscles in the vessel walls to contract and narrow. When blood vessels narrow, blood pressure increases because the heart must work harder to push blood through a smaller space.

By blocking these receptors, Benicar prevents angiotensin II from tightening the blood vessels. This leads to several effects:

Vasodilation: The blood vessels relax and widen.

Improved Blood Flow: Blood can flow more easily through the circulatory system.

Lower Blood Pressure: The pressure against the artery walls decreases, helping to manage hypertension.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Benicar?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Benicar is olmesartan .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Benicar?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Benicar may include:

Dizziness

Headache

Fatigue

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Benicar?

Accepted Answer

Benicar belongs to the angiotensin II receptor blocker drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Benicar and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Take Benicar

Benicar is taken by mouth, usually once a day. It can be taken with or without food. It is helpful to take the medication at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level in your system.

Special Instructions

For children or individuals who have difficulty swallowing tablets, a pharmacist may be able to prepare a liquid version of the medication. If using the liquid form, shake the bottle well before measuring each dose.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.

Question 8

Is Benicar safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

Benicar carries a boxed warning because it can cause serious harm or death to an unborn baby if taken during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. Exposure to this medication during pregnancy can lead to kidney failure, skull deformities, and death in the fetus or newborn. It may also cause a decrease in amniotic fluid, which can result in lung damage and joint problems for the baby.

If you are planning to become pregnant or discover you are pregnant while taking Benicar, notify your healthcare provider immediately. The medication should be discontinued as soon as possible once pregnancy is detected.

Breastfeeding

It is not known if Benicar passes into human breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in a nursing infant, a decision must be made whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking the medication. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their specific situation.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Benicar come in?

Accepted Answer

Dosage Forms

Benicar is supplied as a film-coated tablet intended for oral administration. These tablets are designed to be swallowed whole.

Alternative Preparations

For individuals who have difficulty swallowing solid tablets, a healthcare professional such as a pharmacist can prepare an oral suspension (liquid form) using the tablets. This allows the medication to be administered more easily while ensuring the delivery of the medication remains effective.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Benicar?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults and children 6 years of age and older. It is intended to lower blood pressure, which reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, such as strokes and heart attacks.

Boxed Warning:

Fetal Toxicity

The FDA has issued a boxed warning for Benicar because the medication can cause injury or death to a developing fetus when used during pregnancy. Healthcare providers advise that the medication should be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is detected.

Major Safety Communications

The FDA has released several safety communications and label updates for Benicar to address specific health risks:

Sprue-like Enteropathy: In 2013, the FDA approved label changes to include warnings about sprue-like enteropathy. This condition causes severe, chronic diarrhea and substantial weight loss. It can develop months or years after starting the medication and may require hospitalization.

Drug Interactions: The FDA added a contraindication against using Benicar in combination with aliskiren in patients with diabetes. Using these medications together increases the risk of kidney impairment, low blood pressure (hypotension), and high potassium levels (hyperkalemia).

Cardiovascular Safety Review: The FDA conducted a safety review of clinical trial data (the ROADMAP trial) regarding a potential increased risk of cardiovascular death in patients with type 2 diabetes. After evaluation, the FDA concluded that the benefits of the drug continue to outweigh the risks, but recommended that healthcare providers remain aware of the trial results.

Question 11

What should I know about Benicar and cost?

Accepted Answer

Brand vs.

Generic

Benicar is available as a brand-name medication and as a generic drug called olmesartan. Generic medications are required to have the same active ingredients, strength, and dosage form as the brand-name version, but they are usually available at a lower price.

Insurance and Pharmacy Factors

The amount you pay out-of-pocket will vary based on your health insurance plan's formulary. Many plans prefer generic medications and may charge a higher copayment for brand-name Benicar. For those without insurance, prices can vary significantly between different retail pharmacies.

Dosage: The strength of the tablet and the number of tablets prescribed will affect the total cost.

Discounts: Some pharmacies offer discount programs or savings cards that can reduce the cost for cash-paying patients.

Benicar

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

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