According to the Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine, Benicar is a brand-name prescription drug marketed by the Japanese pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo that was approved in 2002 by the FDA to treat high blood pressure. The active ingredient in Benicar is olmesartan medoxomil, a angiotensin II receptor antagonist, according to RxList.com. Drugs.com notes that Benicar is formulated as yellow or white, round or oval tablets equivalent to 5, 20 and 40 mg of olmesartan for oral use. In addition to the active ingredient of olmesartan, Benicar also contains many inactive ingredients.
Olmesartan Medoxomil
According to DrugLib.com, olmesartan works by blocking the binding of angiotensin II to receptors in vascular muscle, which ultimately promotes blood vessel vasodilation and lower blood pressure, according to DrugLib.com. Olmesartan is classed as a cardiovascular agent, as lower blood pressure is thought to decrease the risk of heart attacks.
Binders
According to Daily Med, Benicar contains five inactive ingredients that can be categorized as binders and fillers, including microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose and lactose. In general, binders keep the ingredients intact and ensure that tablets can be formed under the pressures of the compounding process. Binders are usually sugars, cellulose, or modified cellulose.
Fillers
The cellulose and lactose compounds also act as fillers, which make the tablet larger, making it practical for manufacturing and convenient for the consumer to use, according to the "Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine." In general, fillers are inert, compatible with other ingredients, water soluble, colorless and tasteless. The lactose is obtained from whey protein and used in pharmaceutical products also as a diluent and excipient, giving the tablets a smooth and powdery texture.
Lubricants and Mixers
Magnesium stearate is another inactive ingredient found in Benicar, and acts as both a lubricant and stabilizer in the compounding process of tablet manufacturing. Magnesium stearate also helps mix the ingredients evenly, according to the "Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine." Talc is another ingredient meant for lubrication. In general, lubricants assist with the flow of ingredients through production and help prevent them from sticking to the manufacturing equipment.
Coloring Agents
According to Daily Med, Benicar’s round yellow 5 mg tablets contain iron oxide yellow, whereas the round, white 20 mg tablets and the oval, white 40 mg tablets do not contain any iron oxides. Titanium dioxide is present in all the tablets and used for coloring and pigment because of its ability to provide brightness and opacity.
References
- “Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine”; G. Nahler et al; 2009
- RxList.com: Benicar
- Drugs.com: Benicar
- DrugLib.com: Benicar / Olmesartan
- DailyMed: Benicar Ingredients
