Benicar HCT

Benicar HCT combines Benicar and hydrochlorothiazide to treat high blood pressure. It causes blood vessels to relax and increases the amount of water removed from the blood. As a result, a decrease in blood volume and a drop in blood pressure occurs. Benicar HCT has been shown to cause a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.

 

What Is Benicar HCT?

Benicar HCT® (olmesartan medoxomil hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. The medication has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click Benicar HCT Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Benicar HCT is manufactured by Sankyo Pharma, Inc.
 

How Does Benicar HCT Work?

Benicar HCT is a combination of two medicines: Benicar and hydrochlorothiazide.
 Benicar is a newer type of blood pressure medicine known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or ARB for short. As the name implies, Benicar blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, Benicar causes blood vessels to relax.
 
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.
 
Because of the effects of both Benicar and hydrochlorothiazide, Benicar HCT can lower blood pressure. The combined effects typically cause a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.
 

Effects of Benicar HCT

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking Benicar HCT 40 mg/25 mg, systolic blood pressure decreased by 24 mmHg (millimeters of mercury), on average, and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 14 mmHg, on average. Lower doses resulted in a smaller drop in blood pressure.
 
By lowering blood pressure, Benicar HCT can decrease the risk of developing health problems, such as a heart attack or stroke, that are often caused by long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).
 

When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Benicar HCT include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken once a day.
  • Benicar HCT may be taken with or without food.  
  • Benicar HCT should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Benicar HCT will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Benicar HCT your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • How you respond to the drug.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Benicar HCT Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Benicar HCT

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Benicar HCT. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common side effects include:
 
  • Dizziness
  • Upper respiratory tract infection, such as the flu or common cold
  • Increased uric acid levels in the blood
  • Nausea.
     
(Click Benicar HCT Side Effects to learn more, including serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions

Benicar HCT can potentially interact with a number of medicines (see Benicar HCT Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Benicar HCT if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Benicar HCT and Pregnancy)
  • Are on dialysis
  • Drink alcohol regularly
  • Are breastfeeding.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium or potassium supplements without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
 
(Click Benicar HCT Precautions and Warnings for more information, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Benicar HCT may have overdose symptoms that can include an extremely low blood pressure or increased heart rate.
 
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Benicar HCT Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Benicar HCT Be Stored?

Benicar HCT should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Benicar HCT as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Benicar HCT tablets are available in three strengths, each with different amounts of either Benicar or hydrochlorothiazide. These strengths include:
 
  • Benicar HCT 20 mg/12.5 mg -- which has 20 mg of Benicar and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide
  • Benicar HCT 40 mg/12.5 mg -- which has 40 mg of Benicar and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide
  • Benicar HCT 40 mg/25 mg -- which has 40 mg of Benicar and 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide.
     

Generic Benicar HCT

Benicar HCT is not currently available as a generic medicine (see Generic Benicar HCT for more information).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;