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Olmesartan/HCTZ Coupon - Olmesartan/HCTZ 40mg/25mg tablet

olmesartan / HCTZ

Generic Benicar HCT
Used for Hypertension

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.

Reviewed by:
reviewerRobert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewerKristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 5, 2023
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What is Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)?

What is Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) used for?

  • High blood pressure

How Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) works

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.

Drug facts

Common BrandsBenicar HCT
Drug ClassARB / Diuretic (water pill) combo
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
side-effects-icon

Side effects of Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Dizziness (9%)
  • Upper respiratory infection (7%)
  • High uric acid levels (4%)
  • Nausea (3%)

Less Common Side Effects

  • Back pain
  • Swelling in arms and legs
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Joint pain
  • Cough
  • Rash

Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

  • Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
  • Serious kidney problems: urinating less often than usual, swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands, unexplained weight gain
  • High blood potassium levels: nausea, muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeat
  • Severe allergic reaction: swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face, trouble breathing, rash
  • Severe diarrhea

Source: DailyMed

The following Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) side effects have also been reported

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

chest pain

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

cough

difficulty with breathing

ear congestion or pain

fever

headache

head congestion

hoarseness or other voice changes

loss of voice

runny or stuffy nose

sneezing

sore throat

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

difficulty with moving

dizziness or lightheadedness

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

heartburn

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

Incidence not known

Diarrhea

muscle pain or stiffness

nervousness

weakness or heaviness of the legs

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.

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Pros and cons of Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)

Pros

Cons

  • 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
pharmacist-tips-icon

Pharmacist tips for Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)

pharmacist
  • 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.
faq-icon

Common questions about Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)

You can track how well Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is working for you by checking your blood pressure regularly at home. If you're starting Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) for the first time, it can take a week before you notice a change in your blood pressure, and up to a month before you see the full benefits of this medication. Write down your blood pressure readings and bring them to your appointments with your provider so you can discuss how well Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is working for you. If needed, your provider might need to adjust your dose. Even though you can't directly feel the effects of blood pressure medications, like Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), make sure to continue taking Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) unless your provider specifically told you it was safe to stop. Well-controlled blood pressure helps prevent severe and life-threatening health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

If you have kidney problems, let your provider know before you start Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). Studies suggest that ARBs, like olmesartan, can help slow the worsening of kidney damage in people with certain kidney problems, such as early stages chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition, thiazide diuretics, like hydrochlorothiazide, can also benefit this group of people. But Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) might not be recommended for all people who have kidney conditions. This is because ARBs can sometimes make kidney problems worse, and thiazide diuretics can cause your electrolyte levels to change. Let your provider know if you have any kidney problems, such as renal artery stenosis, or other medical conditions that can affect your kidneys, like very severe heart failure. Your provider can discuss with you about whether Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is safe for you to take.

You might consider taking Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) in the morning or early afternoon. Because this medication contains hydrochlorothiazide (a water pill), it can make you urinate more often. To minimize getting up at night to use the bathroom, try not to take it too close to bed time. But if Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) doesn't make you urinate more, then it might not matter much when you take it (unless your provider says so). What's more important is taking Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) consistently around the same time each day, so the level of this medication stays steady in your body. If you've any questions about when's the best time to take Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide), talk with your provider.

Let your provider know if you're allergic to sulfa-containing medications. The hydrochlorothiazide in Hyzaar contains sulfonamide, and is considered a sulfa medication. However, not all sulfa medications trigger the same allergic reaction. If you had a reaction to sulfa-containing antibiotics, such as sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim (Bactrim), it's unlikely that you'll be allergic to Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). However, it's still best to check with your provider if you can take this medication.

No, don't take Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) if you're pregnant. This medication contains olmesartan, which can cause severe harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. In addition, Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) contains hydrochlorothiazide. Current guidelines suggest that hydrochlorothiazide might be appropriate in low doses for some people, but there's a risk that it can cause changes in certain electrolyte levels, which might be harmful. If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, discuss with your provider about other treatments that might be safer during pregnancy.

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Risks and warnings for Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)

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.

Not for use during pregnancy

Black Box Warning 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.

Low 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.

Kidney damage

  • 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.

Changes in electrolyte, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels

  • 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.

Vision problems

  • 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.

Lupus

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.

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Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) dosage

The average cost for 30 tablets of 40mg/25mg of Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is $15.93 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 81.20% off the average retail price of $84.74.
tabletTablet
DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
20mg/12.5mg90 tablets$26.18$0.29
40mg/12.5mg90 tablets$30.92$0.34
40mg/25mg30 tablets$15.93$0.53

Typical dosage for Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)

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.

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Interactions between Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) and other drugs

Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

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.

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How much does Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) cost?

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Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) will not be safe for you to take.

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What are alternatives to Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
Used for:
  • High blood pressure
$15.93Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
$10.00Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
  • High blood pressure
$16.09Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
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Benicar HCT (olmesartan / hydrochlorothiazide) images

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This medicine is Pink, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "T 3".Pink Oval T 3 - Olmesartan Medoxomil/Hydrochlorothiazide 40mg-25mg Tablet

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References

Best studies we found

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.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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