Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is a combination medication that contains two first-choice options for treating high blood pressure. In addition, these two medications work together to lower your risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. It can take up to 4 weeks to get the full benefit of the medication.
High blood pressure
Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is a combination of two medications that lower blood pressure.
Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Angiotensin II is a hormone that normally attaches to its signaling proteins (receptors) in the body to raise your blood pressure. Olmesartan blocks this interaction from happening to lower your blood pressure.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It works in your kidneys to remove extra water and certain electrolytes (like sodium and potassium). This helps lower blood pressure.
Source:Â DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Bladder pain
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
bloody or cloudy urine
blurred vision
difficult, burning, or painful urination
flushed, dry skin
frequent urge to urinate
fruit-like breath odor
increased hunger
increased urination
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
lower back, side, or stomach pain
rapid weight gain
sweating
swelling of the feet or lower legs
tingling of the hands or feet
troubled breathing
unexplained weight loss
unusual weight gain or loss
Rare
Swelling or puffiness of the face
Incidence not known
Convulsions
decrease in amount of urine
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
rash
severe diarrhea with weight loss
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Back pain
body aches or pain
chills
difficulty with breathing
ear congestion or pain
headache
head congestion
hoarseness or other voice changes
loss of voice
runny or stuffy nose
Less common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
difficulty with moving
dizziness or lightheadedness
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
indigestion
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
loss of appetite
muscle pain or stiffness
pain, swelling, or redness in the joints
sensation of spinning
stomach discomfort or upset
weakness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Contains two first-choice blood pressure medications in one pill
Can slow the worsening of kidney problems in some people
Taken by mouth
Taken once daily
Can make you urinate more often
Must be avoided in pregnant females
More difficult to customize the dose since Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is a combination of two medications
Can take up to 4 weeks to get the full benefit of the medication
You can take Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) with or without food, any time of the day.
Mark your calendar with your appointments to see your provider and to get any blood work done during treatment with Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). Your provider might measure your blood pressure, blood potassium level, and kidney function to keep track of how well the medication is working and how safe it is for you.
It's recommended that you check your blood pressure at home, record them, and bring your log to your medical appointments. Discuss with your provider how well Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is working for you.
Take Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) exactly as prescribed. Don't change your dose or suddenly stop taking the medication without talking to your provider first. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to rise quickly.
If you accidentally forget to take Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), take it as soon as you remember. But if the time you typically take your medication next is soon, then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses of Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) at the same time to make up any missed doses, because this can cause dangerously low blood pressure.
You might feel dizzy when you start taking Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) and when your provider raises your dose. This side effect should lessen over time as your body gets used to your new blood pressure. If it doesn't, call your provider.
Make sure to wear sunscreen and protect your skin from the sun while taking Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). Hydrochlorothiazide can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Let your provider know if you experience severe diarrhea that don't seem to get better over time. This can be a rare, but serious, side effect caused by the olmesartan in Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). It's possible to develop stomach problems even months or years after starting Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). And if left untreated, this can lead to weight loss and cause electrolyte levels to be out of balance. If you experience severe diarrhea, your provider might need to switch you to a different medication.
Make sure to keep a healthy diet, including a low-salt diet, while taking Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) to help lower your blood pressure. But try to avoid foods high in potassium or using potassium-containing salt substitutes. Eating these types of foods with Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) might raise your potassium levels too much, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, or muscle weakness.
Make sure to tell your provider about all of the medications you're taking, especially if you're taking other blood pressure medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), or lithium (Lithobid). Don't start any new medications while taking Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) without talking to your provider or pharmacist first.
Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) shouldn't be taken by pregnant females because it can cause severe harm and even death to unborn babies. If you find out that you're pregnant while taking Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), stop and let your provider know right away. If you're pregnant before starting Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) or thinking of becoming pregnant during treatment, discuss with your provider about safer options to treat your blood pressure.
Risk factors: Not enough fluid in your body | Having diarrhea or vomiting for a long time | Low salt levels in your body | Taking higher doses of diuretic medications
Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause your blood pressure to drop too much, which can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. This side effect is more common when you first start Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) or when the dose is raised. Make sure to stay well-hydrated. If your blood pressure drops too much and you feel dizzy, make sure to sit down slowly while holding onto something and let your provider know. If you fall and hit your head, get medical help right away. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, faint, tired, or confused while taking Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), contact your provider right away.
Risk factors: Severe heart failure | Kidney problems | Not enough fluid in your body | Taking other medications that can cause kidney damage
Sometimes, Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can affect your kidneys and cause them to not work as well. The risk is higher for people who have certain types of kidney problems, such as renal artery stenosis, or very severe heart failure. Your provider might order lab tests every so often to make sure your kidneys are healthy and working properly. If you develop kidney problems, or if your kidney problems worsen while taking Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), your provider might recommend that you stop taking this medication. Let your provider know if you're urinating less often than usual, as this could be a sign that your kidneys aren't working as well.
Risk factors: Taking other medications that can change electrolyte, blood sugar, or cholesterol levels
Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can affect the level of certain electrolytes in your body, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride. Also, it can cause changes in your blood sugar levels and raise the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat). You'll likely need bloodwork done regularly while taking this medication to make sure your electrolyte, blood sugar, and lipid (fat) levels are in the normal range. Let your provider know about all of the medications you take before and during treatment with Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) and if you experience fast heart beat, weakness, low energy, muscle pain or cramps, less urination than usual, nausea, or vomiting. These can be signs of electrolyte changes in your body.
Risk factors: Sulfa or penicillin allergies
Though rare, some people experience vision changes within hours or weeks after starting Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) because of the hydrochlorothiazide part of the medication. Tell your provider right away about any vision changes or eye pain and stop taking Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) as soon as possible. In some cases, surgery might be required to avoid permanent vision loss.
Rarely, Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause or worsen lupus. Let your provider know if you notice a rash across your cheeks and nose or feel very tired.
The typical starting dose for Benicar HCT is 20 mg/12.5 mg (olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) by mouth once daily. If needed, your provider will slowly adjust your dose. The maximum recommended dose of Benicar HCT is 40 mg/25 mg (olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) by mouth once daily.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Anuric (don't produce urine)
Taking at the same time as aliskiren (Tekturna) in people with diabetes
High blood pressure
High blood pressure
High blood pressure in adults
By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Bashari, D. R. (2020). Severe sprue-like enteropathy and colitis due to olmesartan: Lessons learned from a rare entity. Gastroenterology Research.
Lifestar Pharma LLC. (2022). OLMESARTAN MEDOXOMIL AND HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE- olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Momoniat, T., et al. (2019). ACE inhibitors and ARBs: Managing potassium and renal function. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2014). Renal artery stenosis.
Podymow, T., et al. (2008). Update on the use of antihypertensive drugs in pregnancy. Hypertension.
Pugh, D., et al. (2019). Management of hypertension in chronic kidney disease. Drugs.
Shah, P. B., et al. (2017). Diuretics for people with chronic kidney disease. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Sinha, A. D., et al. (2019). Clinical pharmacology of antihypertensive therapy for the treatment of hypertension in CKD. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
You and Your Hormones. (2019). Angiotensin.
Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.