What Causes Blood In Stool After Taking Benicar?

Posted on Sat, 21 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 21 Jun 2014 Answered on

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I started a blood pressure med one week ago, Benicar, and the last few days my stool is red and has blood in it. I feel constipated but still pooping up to twice a day. Should I try a laxative and could that make the bloody stool stop? My doctor suggested a colonoscopy, but I only just started taking blood pressure medication for the first time in my life and never had blood in my stool before. I wonder if the constipation is tearing my insides a limitless bit. What do you think? Should I run for the colonoscopy or try to soften the stool first and see if the blood stops?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should go for colonoscopy.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

If you are defecating twice a day, it means you don't have constipation and don't need to use laxative.Constipation is generally described as having fewer than three bowel movements a week.
You should have a very severe constipation to explain the blood in the stool, but since you have no constipation ,this is not the case.

I don't think the blood in the stool has nothing to do with the treatment for high blood pressure you are taking.
Benicar (Olmesartan) can cause some gastrointestinal disturbances including abdominal pain,gastroenteritis,diarrhea,vomits but it doesn't cause blood in the stool.

The blood in the stool might be due to hemorrhoids, colon polyps,diverticulosis,abnormal blood vessels etc.
However, it is not possible to know the cause of digestive bleeding without an examination.

I suggest to follow the doctor suggestion and run an colonoscopy in order to determine the cause of blood in stools.

Hope my answer has helped.
If you have any further question,please feel free to ask,I will be happy to help.

Best Regards.

Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 days later)

Thank you. Since sending my query, my stool has returned to normal. Before, the stool was hard and it was hard to poop. Now it has softened and no longer bloody. I will keep watching it and if it starts again, I will go for the colonoscopy.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear!

It is a good decision but you should be aware of any possible changes in your stool consistency or other symptoms like abdominal pain,weight loos,signs of anemia(fatigue,appear pale,short of breath,a feeling of heart racing).

Hope everything is going to be OK and you will not have further problems.
Try to eat fruits,vegetables, fibre rich foods and drink plenty of fluids to avoid constipation.Regular physical activity is important too.
Wish you all the best.

Regards!

Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar