hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan

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Pronunciation: HYE droe KLOR oh THYE a zide and ol me SAR tan

Brand: Benicar HCT

Benicar HCT 20-12.5 mg

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Benicar HCT 40-12.5 mg

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

Do not use hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

You should not use this medicine if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

If you have diabetes, do not use hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (such as Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo).

What is hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan?

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

Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Olmesartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan is a combination medicine is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide, olmesartan, or sulfa drugs, or if you are unable to urinate.

If you have diabetes, do not use hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan together with any medication that contains aliskiren (such as Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo).

You may also need to avoid taking hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

To make sure hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver disease;
  • glaucoma;
  • congestive heart failure;
  • low or high levels of potassium in your blood;
  • asthma or allergies;
  • high cholesterol or triglyceride levels;
  • gout; or
  • lupus.

Do not use if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor right away. Olmesartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.

Hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using this medicine.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medication. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan?

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medicine.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • eye pain, vision problems;
  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • little or no urination;
  • severe or ongoing diarrhea with weight loss;
  • chest pain, shortness of breath (even with mild exertion), swelling, rapid weight gain;
  • unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine);
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling); or
  • low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling).

Common side effects may include:

  • dizziness;
  • joint pain;
  • nausea; or
  • cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

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 other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

  • any other diuretic or blood pressure medication;
  • lithium;
  • insulin or diabetes medicine you take by mouth;
  • a barbiturate --phenobarbital and others;
  • cholesterol-lowering medicine --cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol;
  • NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) --aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others; or
  • steroids --prednisone and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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