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CHEMICAL NAME ANGIOTENSIN BLOCKERS.
INDICATIONS Benicar(ANGIOTENSIN BLOCKERS) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This drug may also be used to treat congestive heart failure or to prevent diabetic kidney problems.
DIRECTIONS Take Benicar Tablets by mouth as prescribed, and learn proper usage. Consult your pharmacist. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions closely. Do not increase your dose, skip any doses or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes, consult your doctor or pharmacist. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you do not feel sick. Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms.
SIDE EFFECTS Infrequent side effects such as dizziness, diarrhea, stomach upset, stuffed nose or dry mouth may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report promptly: abdominal pain, persistent sore throat, muscle weakness, unusual fatigue, joint or muscle aches, fever, major change in the amount of urine eliminated. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS Tell your doctor your medical history, including: kidney or liver disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, allergies (especially drug allergies). To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication causes you to feel dizzy. Caution is advised when this drug is used in the elderly. They may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. This medication can cause harm to a fetus and its use is not recommended during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this medication. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
OVERDOSAGE If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually fast or slow heartbeat or dizziness.
INFORMATION Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
NOTES The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist,or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS Before using Angiotensin blockers, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: digoxin, lithium, certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., indomethacin), potassium-sparing "water pills" (diuretics such as amiloride, spironolactone, triamterene), "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide), potassium supplements (e.g., potassium chloride) or salt substitutes. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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