Benecar

Called the doctor today and told him about the coughing and the continuing muscle pain.  He took me off lisinopril.  In two weeks start taking Benecar.  Benecar, aka Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by relaxing blood vessels.  Just need to watch BP for the next two weeks, hoping it doesn't go up.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are medications that block the action of angiotensin II by preventing angiotensin II from binding to angiotensin II receptors on blood vessels. As a result, blood vessels enlarge (dilate) and blood pressure is reduced. Reduced blood pressure makes it easier for the heart to pump blood and can improve heart failure. In addition, the progression of kidney disease due to high blood pressure or diabetes is slowed. ARBs have effects that are similar to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but ACE inhibitors act by preventing the formation of angiotensin II rather than by blocking the binding of angiotensin II to muscles on blood vessels.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Sinus problems, such as a stuffy nose or a runny nose.
• Stomach problems. diarrhea
• Headache
• abnormal taste sensations (metallic or salty taste)
• cough (though occurs less than an ACE inhibitor)