What is Benicar HCT? Uses, warnings & side effects

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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Benicar HCT

Benicar HCT contraindications - Who shouldn't take Benicar HCT?

• 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 & what to avoid when taking Benicar HCT

• 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.