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Benicar HCT
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Benicar HCT Information
Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)
Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide), Olmesartan Medoxomil (ol-me-SAR-tan me-DOX-oh-mil)
Treats high blood pressure (hypertension). Benicar HCT is a combination of an antihypertensive (blood pressure medicine) and a diuretic ("water pill").
Brand Name(s):Benicar HCT
There may be other brand names for Benicar HCT. When Benicar HCT Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Benicar HCT if you have had an allergic reaction to olmesartan or hydrochlorothiazide. You should not use Benicar HCT if you are allergic to sulfa drugs such as Bactrim®, Cotrim®, or Septra®. Do not use Benicar HCT if you are pregnant or if you are have trouble urinating. How to Use Benicar HCT:
Tablet
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Your doctor will tell you how much of Benicar HCT to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
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You may take Benicar HCT with or without food.
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Be sure to drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting while you are using Benicar HCT.
If a dose is missed:
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If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
How to Store and Dispose of Benicar HCT:
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Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
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Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
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Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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There are many other medicines that will interact with Benicar HCT. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using other blood pressure medicines. Tell your doctor if you use other diuretics or "water pills." Some examples of a diuretic include furosemide, metolazone, spironolactone, triamterene, Aldactone®, Demadex®, Lasix®, Lozol®, Maxzide®, and Zaroxolyn®.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are using pain or arthritis medicine (sometimes called "NSAIDs") such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Bextra®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, or Motrin®.
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Tell your doctor if you are using cholestyramine (Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®), insulin, or diabetes medicine that you take by mouth (such as glipizide, glyburide, metformin, Actos®, Amaryl®, Avandia®, or Glucotrol®).
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are using lithium, steroids, ACTH, or muscle relaxers.
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Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
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Do not drink alcohol while you are using Benicar HCT.
Warnings While Using Benicar HCT:
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Using Benicar HCT while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding.
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Make sure your doctor knows if you have kidney disease, liver disease, cirrhosis, asthma, lupus, diabetes, or high cholesterol levels in your blood.
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Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using Benicar HCT. Be sure to keep all appointments.
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Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Benicar HCT. Benicar HCT may affect the results of certain medical tests.
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Benicar HCT may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Possible Side Effects While Using Benicar HCT:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
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Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
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Bloody urine.
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Chest pain, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, or coughing up of blood.
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Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching.
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Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.
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Lightheadedness or fainting.
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Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
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Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
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Yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
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Blurred vision.
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Back pain, mild fever, or cough.
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Change in how much or how often you urinate.
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Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
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Mild skin rash or itching.
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Restlessness, tiredness.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Benicar HCT, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
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