I'm taking it..No problems so far. Just drink LOTS of distilled water. I understand that HBP medication is REALLY hard on your kidneys.

Benicar is an angiotension receptor blocker in the class of drugs with cozaar, diovan, hyzaar, etc..it is the class of drugs that are the newer more selective ACE inhibitors...
Dr O.

Well thank you so much. I have been told to drink alot of water and no pops for the reason this med is hard on the kidneys. Is that correct. I appriciate you help. I am nervous about taking any new medication.

I have had no problems with it, but I did not know it was hard on your kidneys, that is new to me. How would you know for sure?

Benicar isnt hard on the kidneys...in fact the angiotension receptor blockers (ARBs) are used in diabetics because they are protective against diabetic kidney disease. ONLY IN PATIENTS with something called RENAL ARTERY STENOSIS does it cause a rise in your creatinine..this is the reason some physicians will monitor your BUN and Creatinine after you start the medication.
Dr O.

These drugs take care of the symtoms..why don't doctors know the ROOT cause of High BP?? they are so quick to prescribe a drug rather than address the problem nutritionally..which I think can be done. Comments??

Hey needhelp6
We always "prescribe" lifestyle and dietary changes in most people before initiating therapy.
Here is a post of mine FROM Sept 2006 (you can find it under "lifestyle and dietary changes"
Dr O.


Though we all know this intuitively to be true..yet another published study (Annals of Internal Medicine 2006) has confirmed that in persons with above-optimal blood pressure established lifestyle recommendations (weight loss, reduced sodium and alcohol intake and increased physical activity) PLUS a diet consisting of reduced fat intake and increased intake of fruits and vegetables reduces the prevalance of hypertension...anyone want more info or have more to add?
Dr O

I have always been a health nut and have aways watched what I have eaten. I believe that my B/P issues are genetic. It runs rampant in my family.

Yes Dr. O. My doctor did recomend lifestyle changes. I also have sleep apnea. He recommended I watch my diet, and start walking, and watch my salt intake. I have lost 11 lbs. Also my mother has high blood presure. I have not been taking care of myself, so I know this is a big part of my high blood pressure.