Hypertension:
Indications for BENICAR:
Hypertension.
Adult:
Individualize. ≥16yrs: Monotherapy, not volume-depleted: initially 20mg once daily; may increase to max 40mg once daily after 2 weeks. Volume-depleted (eg, concomitant diuretic): consider lower initial dose.
Children:
Individualize. <6yrs: not recommended. 6–16yrs: (20kg to <35kg): initially 10mg once daily; may increase to max 20mg once daily after 2 weeks; (≥35kg): initially 20mg once daily; may increase to max 40mg once daily after 2 weeks. Tabs may be prepared as an oral suspension if unable to swallow: see full labeling.
Contraindications:
Concomitant aliskiren in patients with diabetes.
Boxed Warning:
Fetal toxicity.
Warnings/Precautions:
Fetal toxicity may develop; discontinue if pregnancy is detected. Correct salt/volume depletion before initiating therapy, or monitor closely. Renal impairment: monitor for worsening renal function. Severe CHF. Renal artery stenosis. Monitor serum potassium. Possibly less effective in black patients. Elderly. Neonates. Pregnancy: monitor. Nursing mothers: not recommended.
Pharmacologic Class:
Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).
Interactions:
See Contraindications. Concomitant K+-sparing diuretics, K+-supplements, K+-containing salt substitutes may cause hyperkalemia. May be antagonized by, and renal toxicity potentiated by NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors; monitor renal function periodically in elderly and/or volume-depleted. Dual inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system with ARBs, ACEIs or aliskiren may increase risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, renal function changes; monitor closely. Avoid concomitant aliskiren in renal impairment (CrCl <60mL/min). Take at least 4hrs before colesevelam HCl dose. May increase lithium levels; monitor.
Adverse Reactions:
Dizziness, possible sprue-like enteropathy, renal dysfunction, hyperkalemia, rhabdomyolysis (rare).
Elimination:
Renal, fecal.
Generic Availability:
YES
How Supplied:
Tabs 5mg—30; 20mg, 40mg—30, 90
