Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)
ol-me-SAR-tan me-DOX-oh-mil, hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide
Treats high blood pressure. This medicine contains an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and a diuretic (water pill).
Drug classes
Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist/Thiazide Combination (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, olmesartan relaxes the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine, which helps lower the blood pressure.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren.
Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Cholestyramine, colestipol, lithium An ACE inhibitor blood pressure medicine A diuretic (water pill) Insulin or diabetes medicine that you take by mouth An NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen Steroid medicine, such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasoneIf you also use colesevelam, take it at least 4 hours after you take this medicine.
Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to olmesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfa drugs, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, heart failure, diabetes, glaucoma, gout, high cholesterol, lupus, trouble urinating, or a history of allergies or asthma.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Vision changes Severe chronic diarrhea with weight loss (could occur months to years after you start taking this medicine)This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or of you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting while you are using this medicine.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine
Confusion, weakness, muscle twitching
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting
Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat, chest pain
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Severe diarrhea with weight loss
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Benicar HCT
There may be other brand names for this medicine.