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High BP. Takes Benicar, Supplement Of Potassium. Is It Related?
My husband takes Benicar 20/12.5. Unbeknownst to me he was taking a supplement of pottasium (it is mine) by mistake. Could this raise his blood pressure. He was probably taking the pottasium once a day for at least 2-3 weeks. He is fine, I am just asking for my own piece of mind since he went to the doctors last week and his bp was elevated. Thank you.
Fri, 3 May 2013
Dear Ma'm
Thanks for writing to us.
I think he is on Benicar-H and not on Benicar. (you have mentioned the dose of a combination)
1. Potassium supplements are not known to increase blood pressure.
2. Since the drugs like Benicar (olmesartan) are known to cause increase in potassium, pottasium supplement should not be given with them, unless there is another indication. If your husband has normal kidney functions and he has already stopped taking supplements since a few days (as it appears from your query), the body will get rid of extra potassium on its own. Do see your physician if his BP is not under control / he has abnormal kidney functions/ he has any symptoms or trouble.
I hope this helps.
sincerely
sukhvinder singh
Thanks for writing to us.
I think he is on Benicar-H and not on Benicar. (you have mentioned the dose of a combination)
1. Potassium supplements are not known to increase blood pressure.
2. Since the drugs like Benicar (olmesartan) are known to cause increase in potassium, pottasium supplement should not be given with them, unless there is another indication. If your husband has normal kidney functions and he has already stopped taking supplements since a few days (as it appears from your query), the body will get rid of extra potassium on its own. Do see your physician if his BP is not under control / he has abnormal kidney functions/ he has any symptoms or trouble.
I hope this helps.
sincerely
sukhvinder singh
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