Benicar dosage
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers for "benicar dosage"
Consensus Meter
Benicar Dosage: Efficacy and Safety in Hypertension Management
Introduction to Benicar (Olmesartan Medoxomil)
Benicar, known generically as olmesartan medoxomil, is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used primarily for the treatment of hypertension. It works by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. This article synthesizes research findings on the optimal dosage and efficacy of Benicar in managing hypertension, particularly in patients with comorbid conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
Initial Dosage and Titration
Starting Dosage
The recommended starting dose of Benicar for adults is typically 20 mg once daily. This dosage has been shown to be effective in reducing blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension. In a comparative study, olmesartan medoxomil at 20 mg/day was found to be more effective than starting doses of other ARBs such as losartan (50 mg/day), valsartan (80 mg/day), and irbesartan (150 mg/day) in reducing diastolic blood pressure (DBP).
Titration to Higher Doses
For patients whose blood pressure remains above the target levels, the dosage can be increased. In the BENIFICIARY study, patients initially received 20 mg/day of olmesartan medoxomil. If their blood pressure remained ≥120/70 mm Hg after three weeks, the dose was increased to 40 mg/day. Further titration included the addition of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) at doses of 12.5 mg or 25 mg as necessary. This stepwise approach ensures that blood pressure is managed effectively while monitoring for any adverse effects.
Efficacy in Blood Pressure Control
24-Hour Blood Pressure Monitoring
The efficacy of Benicar in controlling blood pressure over a 24-hour period has been well-documented. In a study comparing various ARBs, olmesartan medoxomil demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and DBP across all times analyzed, including daytime, nighttime, and the last 2 and 4 hours of the dosing interval. This consistent control is crucial for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Achievement of Blood Pressure Targets
In the BENIFICIARY study, significant reductions in mean 24-hour ambulatory SBP and DBP were observed, with decreases of 20.4 mm Hg and 11.1 mm Hg, respectively. A substantial proportion of patients achieved the ambulatory blood pressure targets of <130/80 mm Hg, <125/75 mm Hg, and <120/80 mm Hg. These findings underscore the effectiveness of olmesartan medoxomil in achieving clinically significant blood pressure reductions.
Safety and Tolerability
Adverse Events
The safety profile of Benicar is generally favorable. In the BENIFICIARY study, 34.9% of patients experienced treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), with only 7.8% experiencing drug-related TEAEs. Common adverse events included nasopharyngitis and worsening asthma, but these were not significantly different from those observed with placebo .
Conclusion
Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) is an effective and well-tolerated option for managing hypertension. Starting at a dose of 20 mg/day, it can be titrated up to 40 mg/day and combined with HCTZ for enhanced efficacy. Its ability to maintain blood pressure control over a 24-hour period and achieve target blood pressure levels makes it a valuable treatment option, particularly for patients with additional risk factors such as type 2 diabetes. The safety profile is acceptable, with a low incidence of serious adverse events.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic