From the FDA Drug Label
- 1 Adult Hypertension Dosage must be individualized. The usual recommended starting dose of olmesartan medoxomil tablets is 20 mg once daily when used as monotherapy in patients who are not volume-contracted.
- 2 Pediatric Hypertension (6 Years of Age and Older) Dosage must be individualized. For children who can swallow tablets, the usual recommended starting dose of olmesartan medoxomil tablets is 10 mg once daily for patients who weigh 20 to <35 kg (44 to 77 lb), or 20 mg once daily for patients who weigh ≥35 kg
The lowest dose of Benicar (olmesartan) is 10 mg once daily, which is recommended for pediatric patients who weigh 20 to <35 kg (44 to 77 lb) 1.
From the Research
The lowest available dose of Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) is 5 mg once daily. This medication is commonly prescribed for hypertension management, with most adult patients typically starting at a higher dose of 20 mg once daily. The 5 mg dose is generally reserved for patients who might be more sensitive to blood pressure medications, such as those with reduced kidney function, the elderly, or patients who are also taking diuretics. Benicar works by blocking angiotensin II receptors, which helps blood vessels relax and widen, thereby lowering blood pressure. It's essential to take Benicar consistently at the same time each day for optimal effect, and blood pressure should be monitored regularly while on this medication. Patients should be aware that the full therapeutic effect may take 1-2 weeks to develop, and dose adjustments might be necessary based on blood pressure response, as noted in studies such as 2.
Some key points to consider when prescribing Benicar include:
- The importance of starting with a low dose, such as 5 mg, in sensitive patients
- The need for regular blood pressure monitoring to adjust the dose as necessary
- The potential benefits of combining Benicar with other antihypertensive medications, such as calcium channel blockers, as seen in studies like 3 and 4
- The consideration of patient factors, such as age and kidney function, when determining the optimal dose and treatment regimen, as discussed in 5 and 6.
Overall, the use of Benicar, particularly at the lowest available dose of 5 mg, can be an effective strategy for managing hypertension in appropriate patients, with careful consideration of individual patient factors and regular monitoring to optimize treatment outcomes.