What is Olmesartan (Benicar) and what does it do?
Olmesartan (Benicar) is an angiotensin receptor blocker, also known as an ARB. ARBs inhibit the function of an enzyme known as angiotensin II, which causes blood vessels to constrict. When you take an ARB, your blood arteries relax, causing your blood pressure to fall.
Olmesartan (Benicar) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure aids in the prevention of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disorders.
What dosages of Olmesartan (Benicar) are available?
The available dosages for Olmesartan (Benicar) are:
- 5 mg
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
The usual dose is 20-40 mg taken orally once daily.
What side effects are common with taking Olmesartan (Benicar)?
Olmesartan (Benicar) is not free of side effects. Its possible effects may include:
- Swelling in various parts of the body
- Severe bowel problems
- Rapid weight loss
- Inability to take a breath or swallow
- Hoarseness
If you experience any of these or other side effects, see your doctor immediately.
Does Olmesartan (Benicar) interact with other medications?
The blood pressure medication Olmesartan (Benicar) is known to interact poorly with a number of other medications. Before taking Olmesartan (Benicar), you must inform your doctor if you’re already taking the following:
- A drug like Aliskiren or an ACE inhibitor, such as Enalapril, Captopril, Lisinopril, or Ramipril, as well as additional blood pressure-lowering medications
- (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin for relieving pain
- Diuretics (i.e., medications that make you pee more) such as Furosemide, Bendroflumethiazide, or Indapamide
- Lithium, which is often used to treat mental health issues
- Anticoagulant Heparin, which cures or prevents thromboses
- Spironolactone, a heart failure medication
- Colesevelam, a cholesterol-lowering drug
Who should NOT take Olmesartan (Benicar)?
Some people should not take Olmesartan (Benicar). It may especially cause harm to the following groups of people:
Pregnant Women
When Olmesartan (Benicar) is given to a pregnant woman, it can harm the fetus. The use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors throughout the second and third trimesters of pregnancy increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and impairs fetal renal function.
Black Patients
Olmesartan’s (Benicar) antihypertensive effect was lower in black individuals (often a low-renin group), as has been observed with ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and another angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
What drugs are similar to Olmesartan (Benicar)?
There are some drugs that are similar to Olmesartan (Benicar). Some of these are:
Does Olmesartan have a generic form?
Olmesartan is a generic drug. Its brand name is Benicar.
What is the price of Olmesartan (Benicar) without insurance?
A month’s supply of Benicar in 20 mg tablets costs around $54, which is comparable to the cost of other ARBs. Unlike other ARBs, the 5 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg Benicar tablets are at the same price, which may be useful for self-paying individuals.
Look up Olmesartan (Benicar) on NSUR’s NSURx price look-up tool to find the pharmacy nearest to you with the lowest price.
How can I save money on Olmesartan (Benicar)?
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