Benicar HCT (Olmesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide tablet)

What are olmesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide tablets?

HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE and OLMESARTAN is a combination of a drug that relaxes blood vessels and a diuretic. It is used to treat high blood pressure.

What should my health care professional know before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• decreased urine
• if you are on a special diet, such as a low salt diet
• immune system problems, like lupus
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual reaction to hydrochlorothiazide, olmesartan, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• corticosteroids like prednisone
• diuretics, especially triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for high blood pressure
• NSAIDs like ibuprofen
• potassium salts or potassium supplements
• prescription pain medicines
• skeletal muscle relaxants like tubocurarine
• some cholesterol lowering medications like cholestyramine or colestipol

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. When you check your blood pressure, write down the measurements to show your doctor or health care professional. If you are taking this medicine for a long time, you must visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Make sure you schedule appointments on a regular basis.

You must not get dehydrated. Ask your doctor or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. Check with him or her if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine.

Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child, particularly in the second or third trimester. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before changing the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or health care professional.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• dark urine
• fast or irregular heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
• feeling faint or lightheaded
• muscle cramps
• persistent dry cough
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• stomach pain
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• worsened gout pain
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance
• headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store your medicine at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.