Benitec-A Tablet

Composition of Benitec-A Tablet

Benitec-A Tablet contains Olmesartan Medoxomil (20mg) + Amlodipine (5mg). It belongs to the Angiotensin receptor blocker / ACE inhibitor and Calcium channel blocker class of medicines.

Uses of Benitec-A Tablet

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Key benefits

• In Hypertension (high blood pressure) Both of the medicines in this combination work to lower blood pressure but in different ways. Together they help to relax blood vessels and make it easier for your heart to pump blood around your body. This lowers blood pressure. If your blood pressure is controlled you are less at risk of having a heart attack
• stroke
• or kidney problems. The medicine must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. You do not usually feel any direct benefit from taking this medicine
• but it works in the long term to keep you well.

How Benitec-A Tablet works

Benitec A Tablet is a combination of two medicines: Olmesartan Medoxomil and Amlodipine which lower blood pressure effectively. Olmesartan Medoxomil is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). They work by relaxing the blood vessels and making the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body.

How to take Benitec-A Tablet

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Benitec A Tablet may be taken with or without food.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

If you miss a dose of Benitec A Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause a severe fall in blood pressure, with dizziness, fainting and a fast or slow pulse. It can cause a severe fall in blood pressure and a dangerously slow or irregular heartbeat. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Benitec-A Tablet

Most side effects of Benitec-A are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Benitec-A Tablet

Warnings and precautions

Stand up slowly for the first few days — dizziness on rising is common when you start or your dose goes up. Stop and seek urgent care if your lips, tongue, face or throat swell, or you have difficulty breathing. A persistent dry, tickly cough can be caused by the ACE inhibitor group; tell your doctor rather than stopping on your own, as an alternative exists. Your doctor will check your kidney function and potassium after starting and after any dose change. Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium without asking your doctor. Ankle swelling is the commonest reason people stop this medicine — tell your doctor, as there are ways to manage it. Tell your doctor if your chest pain becomes more frequent or more severe after starting. Swollen, tender or overgrown gums should be reported; good brushing and regular dental care reduce the risk.

Do not take Benitec-A if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Must not be used in pregnancy — it can seriously harm the developing baby. Not for people with narrowing of both kidney arteries, or a history of swelling of the face and throat caused by this group of medicines. Not for people with very low blood pressure or with severe narrowing of the aortic valve.

Interactions with other medicines

Anti-inflammatory painkillers reduce the effect and can harm the kidneys when combined. Potassium supplements, potassium-sparing water tablets and salt substitutes can push potassium too high. Lithium levels rise when taken with these medicines. Grapefruit juice raises the level of some of these medicines in the blood — avoid it. Tell your doctor about other blood pressure medicines, and about simvastatin in particular.

How to store Benitec-A Tablet

Store below 30°C in the original pack, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Expert advice for Benitec-A Tablet

Benitec A Tablet is a combination of two medicines that provides better blood pressure control than either medicine alone. It may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you. It may cause you to feel lightheaded or weak especially when you stand up. Rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Avoid consuming alcohol as it may enhance the blood pressure lowering effect of Benitec A Tablet. It can cause ankle or foot swelling. Raise your legs while you are sitting down and talk to your doctor if it does not go away. Do not take Benitec A Tablet Tablet if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

GLAXO SMITHKLINE PHARMA

Therapeutic class:

CARDIAC

Drug class:

Angiotensin receptor blocker / ACE inhibitor and Calcium channel blocker