Most people who take Benicar do not have any problem with hyponatremia (low sodium). Symptoms of low sodium are not usually apparent until the level is quite low.
Do not assume your sodium is low because your blood pressure is low. If you are concerned, ask your doctor to test your sodium level.
If you salt your food to taste and eat any processed foods, you should be getting enough sodium.
Some folks have reported they were able to increase their very low blood pressure by increasing their fluid intake (6-8 cups per day of any fluids is usually enough) to maintain adequate hydration and increasing their salt intake.
If your serum sodium is low
Consult your doctor before you increase your salt (sodium) intake to be sure it is safe for you to do.
Foods that are canned, pickled, processed or cured are high in salt. You can also drink 1/4 tsp of salt in a large glass of water to increase sodium. There are some foods high in sodium, like canned soups and canned vegetable juice drinks (V-8). These are sometimes used to bring sodium up quickly in certain circumstances. Maybe the doctor is wanting to increase sodium slowly, so check to be sure. Here is a list of sodium values in foods.
Consult your doctor about the need to restrict fluids to increase your serum sodium level.
Gatorade
We do not recommend the routine use of Gatorade or similar products. Even the ones that are low in sugar contain extra potassium which you may not need. However, these products may be helpful if you have chronic diarrhea or experience a lengthy bout of severe diarrhea.
Members experiences
-I've been through all sorts of benicar dosage experimentation over the past few weeks for long and complicated reasons. Shortened version - I eventually had a go at benicar 40mg q6h (ie full MP dosing) and NO abx. Got my sodium retested and HURRAY! - it was 134mmol/L (normal range 135-145). So my doctors and I have paper proof for TPTB that it's not benicar itself that was lowering my sodium, and I can move forward again. ~Barbski
* We can help you understand chronic disease, but only your physician is licensed to give you medical care * Always consult your physician before commencing or changing any treatment he/she has prescribed for you
