Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Benicar HCT

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

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

What is olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (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 olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may also be used for other 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 olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (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 muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

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

• feeling like you might pass out;
• chest pain, feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• fever;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• urinating more or 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. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (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.

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

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

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.