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What is Benicar Hct: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Benicar Hct overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Benicar HCT

Generic Names:

  • Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hctz

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure. This medicine contains an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and a diuretic (water pill).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist/Thiazide Combination

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Benicar Hct used for?

Benicar HCT is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. Benicar HCT contains two components: olmesartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker) and hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic). Benicar HCT is the brand name for the drug combination olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide. Both components of Benicar HCT have been available for years. In the treatment of high blood pressure, Benicar HCT use is fairly common.

What form(s) does Benicar Hct come in

  • Tablet

What are common Benicar Hct doses?

  • Tablet 20-12.5MG

  • Tablet 40-25MG

  • Tablet 40-12.5MG

Common Benicar Hct prescriptions

  • Benicar HCT
    30 tablets bottle

  • Benicar HCT
    90 tablets bottle

  • Benicar HCT
    20-12.5mg tablet

  • Benicar HCT
    40-12.5mg tablet

  • Benicar HCT
    40-25mg tablet

How to take Benicar Hct

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Benicar Hct contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to olmesartan or hydrochlorothiazide, or if you are pregnant.

Benicar Hct warnings

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems or trouble urinating, liver disease, heart failure, diabetes, glaucoma, gout, high cholesterol, lupus, or a history of asthma or allergies, including a sulfa or penicillin allergy.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Vision changesKidney problemsLow or high levels of minerals in your blood (including potassium and sodium)

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

  • Drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting while you are using this medicine.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Severe diarrhea with weight loss (could occur months to years after you start taking this medicine)

Benicar Hct interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren.

  • Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

  • Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Cholestyramine, colestipol, lithiumACE inhibitor blood pressure medicineDiuretic (water pill)Insulin or diabetes medicine NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)Steroid medicine (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)

  • If you also use colesevelam, take it at least 4 hours after you take this medicine.

  • Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Benicar Hct side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine

  • Confusion, weakness, muscle twitching

  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, chest pain

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

  • Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights

  • Severe diarrhea with weight loss (could occur months to years after you start taking this medicine)

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat

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