subject: Benicar 10 mg for Easing Blood Pressure and Managing Hypertension [print this page] Benicar 10 mg for Easing Blood Pressure and Managing Hypertension
Benicar 10 mg for Easing Blood Pressure and Managing Hypertension
Manufactured by Pfizer, this FDA approved drug has revolutionised the treatment of hypertension and is recommended for use by itself or in combination with other HBP medications. The active ingredient in Benicar is olmesartan medoxomil. Benicar is available in varying doses and adult hypertension patients are started off on Benicar 20 mg daily. The dosage is increased in case the patient is not responding to lower dosage. A diuretic might be necessary to complement the Benicar dosage for optimum effect. In the case of hypertensive children below 16 years, similar dosage is recommended although under close medical supervision.
Blood pressure is measured on the basis of two readings. The reading on top is known as the systolic blood pressure and the number below is the diastolic blood pressure. An individual is said to have high blood pressure when his or her average blood pressure readings are higher than 140/90.
Based on scientific findings, Benicar has been instrumental in bringing down systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Benicar belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, and works to precisely hinder angiotensin II receptors, thereby reducing the impact of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to thin. By effectively negating the effects of angiotensin II, Benicar causes blood vessels to dilate and relax, in effect, successfully reducing blood pressure.
Benicar 10 mg Contra Indications
Pregnant women must avoid taking Benicar as it can affect the development of the unborn baby. Patients with urinary problems should also avoid Benicar, as should those who exhibit an allergic reaction to a sulfa based drug. Benicar should not be administered to patients with existing conditions such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, gout, liver or kidney disease, or lupus.
When taking Benicar in conjunction with a diuretic, blood pressure levels might drop beyond safe levels and it is necessary for your health care provider to monitor blood pressure readings regularly to better understand drug interaction. In the case of taking potassium supplements along with Benicar, potassium levels might rise and therefore, the health expert needs to be aware of all the medication you are taking alongside Benicar.
Benicar 10 mg Side-Effects
The anti hypertension drugs has very rare minor effects, however, some of the most common side-effects of Benicar 10 mg include:
- Back pain;
- Chest pain;
- Diarrhea;
- Difficult urination;
- Dizziness;
- Fast heart beat;
- Gout;
- Nausea;
- Pain during urination;
- Upper respiratory infection;
- Vomiting;
Benicar can be taken before or after meals with a glass of water. In case of a missed dose, take one on remembering, but if it is time for the next dose, then wait and take the next dose at the correct time to bring back dosage to normal. Never ever take a double dose. It is recommended by physicians that Benicar 10 mg is ingested at the same time every day for consistency and for blood pressure maintenance. Experimenting with the medicine without medical supervision is not advised and for optimum effectiveness the above instructions should be adhered to.
