Olmesartan Tips from Pharmacists

• Patients treated with olmesartan can feel dizzy and lightheaded, especially when they first start the blood pressure medicine or after an increase in the dose. If this happens to you, make sure you get out of bed slowly to prevent falls. Tell your doctor if you have severe dizziness after taking the same dose of olmesartan for a few days.

• Take Benicar (olmesartan) exactly as prescribed. Don’t change the dose or take the same total dose differently than prescribed. This can result in blood pressure fluctuations, including a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

• Follow your doctor’s instructions on eating a low-salt diet. This can help control your blood pressure and may lower the need for blood pressure medicine in the future.

• Olmesartan can cause hyperkalemia (high serum potassium) and impaired renal function. Keep all your laboratory and medical appointments while on olmesartan. Your doctor may order potassium levels and renal function tests from time to time.

• Tell your doctor without delay if you become pregnant while on olmesartan.

• Seek emergency medical help if you develop severe diarrhea (sprue-like enteropathy) or nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness (signs of high potassium).