Benicar HCT (Olmesartan/HCTZ)

What is Benicar HCT?

Benicar HCT is a combination of two drugs, olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide. While olmesartan belongs to the angiotensin II receptor antagonists group of drugs, hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic.

What is Benicar HCT used for?

Benicar HCT is indicated for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. Reducing high blood pressure helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.

How does Benicar HCT work?

Benicar HCT consists of hydrochlorothiazide which helps increase the water levels in the body, relieving fluid retention and excessive absorption of salt by the body. It also comprises Olmesartan, which keeps the blood vessels wide, lowering the blood pressure and easing blood flow.

How to use Benicar HCT

Take the tablet as directed by your doctor. You are to take the Benicar HCT tablet orally, with a full glass of water. The Benicar HCT tablet can be taken with or without food.

It is advised that the tablets are to be taken the number of times approved by the doctor. It is best to take the tablet 4 hours before going to bed so as to not disturb nighttime sleep. To gain the best results, take the medicine daily and preferably at the same time. If you are also taking colestipol and cholestyramine in tandem with this medicine, make sure you have them at least 4 hours before or after the consumption of this medicine.

Benicar HCT warnings and precautions

Do not take Benicar HCT if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you have severe kidney disease.

Check with your doctor before you take the medicine if you have had a medical history of kidney or liver diseases, mineral imbalance, folic acid deficiency and acidosis, gout or lupus.

If you are a diabetic, ensure that you regularly keep a check on your blood sugar levels in order to avoid any complications that might crop up. Also, the dosage has to be adjusted to suit your medical condition. Be very cautious while administering this medicine to the elderly as they are more prone to be affected by it.

Benicar HCT can make your skin over sensitive to the sunlight. Therefore, avoid harsh lighting as far as possible and keep yourself adequately covered.

Benicar HCT can make you dizzy and blur the vision; you are not advised to take up any attention demanding work while you are under this medication period. Avoid alcohol at all costs.

Pregnant and lactating females should not take this medicine, without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Benicar HCT dose?

If you have missed a Benicar HCT dose, take it as soon as you remember, but do not take it if it’s time for your next scheduled dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Benicar HCT overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Benicar HCT, consult your doctor.

Benicar HCT interactions

Benicar HCT must not be taken with the following drugs as the interaction can cause some severe complications.

Tell your doctor, beforehand, if you are using medicines like  steroids, lithium, insulin and other diabetes medicines (taken orally), colestipol and cholestyramine,  barbiturates like secobarbital, mephobarbital, butabarbital etc; Naprosyn, aspirin, etodolac, indomethican, ketoprofen; muscle relaxants like baclofen, cyclobenaprine, dantrolene, metaxalone, orphenadrine, tinizadine etc.

Benicar HCT side effects

Side effects from Benicar HCT include diarrhea, constipation, pain, dizziness, numbness, and blurred vision. If these conditions persist, it is recommended that you visit your medical health provider.

Some of the serious side effects of Benicar HCT include dry mouth, increased thirst, hearing loss, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, uneven heartbeat, hives; swelling on the face, lips, or tongue; increased urination, bleeding, bruising, red skin rash, clayey stool, dark urine, and loss of appetite.