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What are hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; olmesartan tablets?

HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE; OLMESARTAN (Benicar HCT®) is a combination of two drugs used to lower blood pressure. Olmesartan controls high blood pressure (hypertension) by relaxing blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. This medicine does not cure high blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, olmesartan; hydrochlorothiazide can help reduce your risk of having damage to your kidneys, heart, or other organs. Generic tablets are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• autoimmune disease (like lupus), or suppressed immune function
• diabetes mellitus
• gout
• heart or blood vessel disease (such as heart failure)
• liver disease
• recent heart attack or stroke
• kidney disease (such as renal failure or renal artery stenosis)
• pancreatitis
• electrolyte imbalance (such as low or high levels of potassium in the blood)
• if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet (such as using potassium substitutes)
• an unusual reaction to hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ, olmesartan, sulfonamides (sulfa), thiazide diuretics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take hydrochlorothiazide; olmesartan tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink 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.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and need smaller doses.

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 drug(s) may interact with hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; olmesartan?

• allopurinol
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• blood pressure medications
• calcium supplements
• dofetilide
• drospirenone; ethinyl estradiol
• griseofulvin
• hawthorn or horse chestnut
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Azilect®, Eldepryl®, Emsam®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Zelapar™)
• potassium salts or potassium supplements
• prochlorperazine
• some antibiotics which increase sensitivity to sunlight (sulfa antibiotics, tetracyclines)
• some cholesterol-lowering medications (examples, cholestyramine or colestipol)
• some medicines for mental disorders which increase sensitivity to sunlight
• vitamin A-related (retinol) creams, pills, or supplements
• water pills (especially potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone, triamterene or amiloride)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription 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 hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; olmesartan?

Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Ask your prescriber 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 prescriber or health care professional. You must not get dehydrated. Ask your prescriber or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. 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.

Check with your prescriber or health care professional 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.

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To avoid dizzy or fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly. Alcohol may increase the possibility of dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks until you have discussed their use with your prescriber or health care professional.

If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

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

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your prescriber or health care professional. Do not take medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Do not treat yourself for a fever or sore throat; check with your prescriber or health care professional first.

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving hydrochlorothiazide, HCTZ; olmesartan?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet
• unusual rash, bleeding or bruising, or pinpoint red spots on the skin
Other:
• confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells
• decreased amount of urine passed
• decreased sexual function
• fast or uneven (irregular) heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
• fever or chills
• muscle cramps or pain
• stomach pain
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• worsened gout pain
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• cough
• diarrhea
• headache
• increased sensitivity to the sun

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

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

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.