A Complete Guide to Benicar Side Effects
Olmesartan, sold under the trade name Benicar is a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It helps to prevent the blood vessels from narrowing and consequently lower the blood pressure by improving the blood flow. It is widely used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults as well as for children above the age of 6. It is also sometimes given in combination with the other blood pressure medications.
However, there are many Benicar hct side effects which should be treated immediately when detected. Here’s a list of the health complications associated with this popular pressure controlling drug.
Lightheadedness or dizziness is a very common symptom with this medication. Inform your doctor promptly if the condition persists for a long time. For some patients, the medication can cause fainting, muscle weakness, high level of potassium content in blood and severe diarrhea.
Patients should not alter the dosage of the medication but must take as prescribed by the doctor. There might be an occasional change in the dose to get better results for which the patients need to visit the doctor at regular interval.
Chronic diarrhea is actually a very painful situation which can cause severe weight loss along with dehydration. The conditions can be so complicated that it can lead to hospitalization. However, these conditions only emerge with prolonged use of the drug.
Patients taking the medication also went through villous atrophy. It is the erosion of the villi in the small intestine which are very minute protrusions that are responsible for absorbing nutrients from the soluble food. This condition, if not diagnosed for a long time can cause serious malnourishment.
Blurred vision is one of the serious Benicar hct side effects which patients have complained about. High uric acid content is also common for patients taking Benicar hct. Upper respiratory tract infections, joint and muscle pain and nausea are equally known side effects of this drug.
The elderly, or people taking NSAIDs can experience impaired kidney function if they take Benicar. Contact the physician right away if there are any signs of reduced kidney function which are evident with:
· swelling of hands, ankles, feet, ankles, or legs
· reduced urination
Although allergic reaction is less known with Benicar, it can still cause
· swelling
· difficulty breathing or swallowing
· hoarseness
Precautions
Let your doctor know if you have suffered from or have the following:
· kidney disease / dysfunctionality
· liver disease
· dehydration
· congestive heart failure
What to avoid during taking Benicar?
It is advisable not to drink alcohol when on this medication as it reduces the blood pressure and causes some unwanted effects. Moreover, patients are requested not to take any salt substitutes or potassium supplements along with olmesartan. Avoid getting up too fast from sitting or lying position as it might make you feel giddy. Get up slowly to prevent any such scope of fall.
An increasing number of patients have filed the lawsuits accusing the manufacturing companies of not warning them of the possible side effects of the drug. Patients have suffered from the above mentioned complications which often required hospitalization. The claims ask for the expenses of the ongoing and future medical bills, loss of wages, and emotional and psychological damage. According to the area of law known as product liability, the injured patients can sue the companies for their faulty and dangerous products.
