Medications and Drugs

1. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Salt Quiz!
3. Lowering Blood Pressure Exercise Tips Slideshow Pictures

Brand Names: Benicar HCT

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan (Pronunciation: HYE droe KLOR oh THYE a zide and ol me SAR tan)

• What is hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan (Benicar HCT)?
• What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan (Benicar HCT)?
• What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan (Benicar HCT)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan (Benicar HCT)?
• How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan (Benicar HCT)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Benicar HCT)?
• What happens if I overdose (Benicar HCT)?
• What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan (Benicar HCT)?
• What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan (Benicar HCT)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan (Benicar HCT)?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Olmesartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Olmesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Benicar HCT 20-12.5 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with Sankyo, C22

Benicar HCT 40-12.5 mg

oval, yellow, imprinted with Sankyo, C23

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan (Benicar HCT)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects, such as:

• eye pain, vision problems;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• chest pain, feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• fever;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, increased urination, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea;
• joint pain;
• dizziness, spinning sensation;
• headache; or
• dry cough.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan (Benicar HCT)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to olmesartan or hydrochlorothiazide (Carozide, Diaqua, Ezide HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide, and others), or if you are unable to urinate.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan.

In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.