Benicar |
Olmesartan (BenicarŪ,OlmetecŪ) belongs to the class of medicines called angiotensin
II receptor antagonists to treat high blood pressure. It is marketed worldwide
by Daiichi Sankyo, Ltd. and in the United States by Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. and
Forest Laboratories. Olmesartan works by blocking the binding of angiotension
II to the AT1 receptors in vascular muscle; it is therefore independent of angiotension
II synthesis pathways, unlike ACE inhibitors. By blocking binding rather
than synthesis of angiotension II, olmesartan inhibits the negative regulatory
feedback on renin secretion. As a result of this blockage, olmesartan restricts
vasoconstriction and the secretion of aldosterone. This lowers blood pressure
by producing vasodilation, and decreasing peripheral resistance. Administration Olmesartan is available in 5, 20, and 40 mg tablets. A normal dose for an adult (including the elderly and mild renal or hepatic impairment) is 20 mg/day in one dosage. This may be increased after two weeks to 40 mg/day if further blood pressure reduction is needed. Myocardial infarction A recent meta-analysis published in the peer-reviewed journal Circulation demonstrated that angiotensin II receptor antagonist induce myocardial infarction compared to placebo.[1] Side effects Side effects include: Dizziness Headache Diarrhea Upper respiratory tract infection Fast heart rate or slow heart rate |