Benicar HCT (Olmesartan/HCTZ)

Benicar HCT Description

Benicar HCT is a drug for treating patients who are diagnosed with symptoms of hypertension or high blood pressure. The main component of this drug is olmesartan. Olmesartan belongs to the family of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. These drugs help to improve to the flow of blood into the heart by enabling the blood vessels of the heart to remain wider. This in turn helps to lower blood pressure.

Benicar HCT also contains another important drug called hydrochlorothiazide. Hydrochlorothiazide, also known as a ‘water pill’, is a substance which is useful in the prevention of water retention as it helps to absorb excess salt from your body. The medicine is available in the form of tablets which are to be taken orally. The medicine should be stored at a temperature ranging from 20- to 25 degrees C and away from heat or moisture. Make sure that the medicine is kept at a safe place beyond the reach of children and pets.

Conditions treated by Benicar HCT

Benicar HCT is primarily used to treat symptoms of hypertension among patients. Since the composition of the medicine is ideal for allowing the blood vessels to stay dilated for the proper flow of blood to the heart, doctors and physicians usually prescribe this drug in such cases. The medicine is also effective in keeping the heart muscles strong and healthy. Therefore, this medicine is mostly used to treat symptoms of hypertension and other related heart diseases.

Benicar HCT Dosage information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

Usually, a dose of 20 mg of this medicine is taken every day. However, the dosage of this medicine depends on the level of the blood pressure. The higher blood pressure level you will have, the higher your dose will be. Doctors have tried to administer this drug twice daily but the results have not been too fruitful. The doctor will prescribe this drug only after conducting various medical tests and investigations to see whether or not you actually require the medicine. Administering Benicar HCT to aged people should be done with caution. The dose of the medicine should not be interrupted or interfered with even if you face any adverse effects.

In case you feel that you are experiencing problems after having this medicine, do not stop having the medicine without consulting your doctor first. Do not self medicate and try on other similar drugs or increase the dose that you currently having without first consulting the doctor or physiologist. This medicine should be had with a proper amount of water to ensure it functions properly. Make sure that the medicine is being taken regular on the same time. Having the medicine daily on the same time will ensure maximum efficiency of the medicine.

b.) Missing a Dose

If you have missed a dose of this medicine, make sure that you take the missed dose as soon as you remember about it. However, if it’s time for the next dose of the medicine, it is best that you skip the dose you missed and take the next dose instead. Always make sure that there is a gap of a minimum of two hours between two doses of this medicine. If two doses of the medicine have been taken, it could result in overdosing which is very harmful.

c.) Overdosing

Since this drug is used to relax and widen the heart vessels, this drug can be very dangerous if it has been had in excess. Therefore, if there is a case of overdosing, you should immediately be rushed to the nearest emergency room or poison control room. Overdosing causes serious health hazards like hypotension, nausea, loss of consciousness, imbalance in the level of electrolytes, decrease in urine output, muscle pain, cramps, irregular heartbeat, fainting and many more similar effects. Consult a doctor immediately as soon as you realize that there has been a case of overdosing. However, do not discontinue taking the medicine until your doctor asks you to stop having it.

Benicar HCT Warnings

It is necessary to discuss your complete medical history with your doctor before you start having this medicine. Here are some of the things to be kept in mind before having the medicine:

The medicine is unsuitable for you if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are lactating mother. The chemicals of Benicar HCT are harmful for a developing infant and can also pass through breast milk.

Discuss with your doctor if you are allergic to any substance.

This medicine is not suitable for your if you have a history of the following- congestive heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, increased levels of cholesterol or triglyceride, diabetes, asthma, gout.

Limit the intake of alcohol while you are on this drug.

Make sure your blood pressure levels are checked regularly. Any abnormal fluctuation in the blood pressure levels while you are taking the drug should be reported immediately to the doctor

Benicar HCT Side effects

Benicar HCT can cause the following minor side effects

• dry cough
• pain in the joints
• dizziness
• headache
• constipation

Serious side effects

• swelling up of the face, mouth, tongue or lips
• hives or skin rash
• chest pain
• shortness of breath even after mild activity
• yellow color in eyes and skin
• fever
• dryness in the mouth
• gastric irritation
• swelling up of the body
• seizures
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle spasms
• restlessness

Possible Drug interactions With Benicar HCT

Benicar HCT can chemically interact with a lot of other drugs which is why it is very important that you tell your doctor all the medicines that you have been having, including herbal supplements or over-the-counter drugs. Some of the drugs that the medicine reacts are as follows:

• Barbiturate Medication:
  • amobarbital (Amytal)
  • butabarbital (Butisol)
  • mephobarbital (Mebaral)
  • secobarbital (Seconal)
  • Phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)

If you have any questions about buying discount Benicar HCT online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.