Olmesartan Medoxomil, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: angiotensin II agonist; antihypertensive (lowers blood pressure)

Generic and brand names: olmesartan medoxomil, oral; Benicar

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat and control high blood pressure. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before you take this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to this medicine
• congestive heart failure
• kidney problems
• liver problems
• urinary problems.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Do not take this medicine after the third month of pregnancy. It can cause severe harm to the baby. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, contact your health care provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine every day exactly as your health care provider prescribes, even if you begin to feel better. Take the medicine at the same time each day to help you remember to take it. Do not stop taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.

Your health care provider may increase or decrease your dosage depending on your response. Your health care provider might also change your dosage if you are taking a diuretic (water pill) along with this medicine. Diuretics increase the effects of this medicine. Take this medicine, and any others your health care provider prescribes, exactly as directed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

You will need to have lab tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.

If you are dehydrated (due to diarrhea or sweating heavily) or you have lost salt from your system, this medicine may cause low blood pressure (lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting). This is more likely to happen if you are taking a diuretic (water pill). If you feel faint, lie down until the reaction passes. Talk with your health care provider if this happens often. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious: (Report these to your health care provider right away): Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, facial swelling, swelling of hands or feet, trouble urinating, pain while urinating.

Other: Back pain, headache, diarrhea, cough, fever, muscle or joint pains, stomach upset, stomach pain, urinary tract infections.

What products might interact with this medicine?

• diuretics (water pills) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL, Esidrix, Oretic), furosemide (Lasix), chlorothiazide (Diuril), bumetanide (Bumex), torsemide (Demadex), spironolactone (Aldactone), triamterene (Dyrenium), and amiloride (Midamor).

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.