What is Benicar?

Benicar is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.

Benicar may also be used for other purposes not listed here.

Important information about Benicar

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

In rare cases, Benicar can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Before taking Benicar

Before using Benicar, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

kidney disease;
liver disease;
congestive heart failure; or
if you are dehydrated.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Benicar may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not use Benicar without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Benicar passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Benicar?

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

You may take Benicar with or without food.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store Benicar at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out.

What should I avoid while taking Benicar?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Benicar side effects

Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects such as:

feeling like you might pass out;
painful or difficult urination;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
chest pain, fast heart rate;
swelling in your hands or feet; or
slow heart rate, weak pulse, tingly feeling.

Less serious Benicar side effects may include:

runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
joint pain;
back pain;
stomach pain, diarrhea;
headache, dizziness;
mild itching or skin rash;
weakness; or
increased sweating.

What other drugs will affect Benicar?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Benicar. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?