Benicar HCTZ (Olmesartan/Hctz)

Do’s

• The dosage of Benicar HCTZ is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily.
• If this medication causes you to urinate more often, it is best to take it at least 4 hours before your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate.
• If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol), take Benicar HCTZ at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. 
• Keep taking this medication even if you feel well, as most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (e.g., your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Hyperuricemia
• Dizziness
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Chest pain
• Back pain
• Swelling in extremities
• Spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea

Less Common Side Effects:

• Loss of appetite
• Muscle pain or stiffness
• Pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
• Sensation of spinning
• Stomach discomfort or upset
• Weakness
• Nervousness
• Weakness or heaviness of the legs

Serious Side Effects:

• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever, unusual tiredness, or dark-colored urine, which could indicate a rare condition leading to kidney failure.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you experience any unusual effects, consult with your healthcare provider. Additionally, report any side effects to your healthcare provider and seek medical advice if needed.

Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. Therefore, when pregnancy is detected, Benicar HCTZ should be discontinued as soon as possible.

A medicine in Benicar HCTZ and similar medications can pass into breast milk, potentially harming the baby. Decide along with your healthcare provider whether to take Benicar HCTZ or breastfeed, as doing both is not recommended.

Hypersensitivity reactions to hydrochlorothiazide (a component in Benicar HCTZ) may occur in patients with or without a history of allergy or bronchial asthma but are more likely in patients with such a history

Patients should be advised to discontinue Benicar HCTZ and seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of acute myopia or secondary angle-closure glaucoma.

Discuss any existing medical conditions, allergies, or medications with your healthcare provider before starting Benicar HCTZ.