Benicar HCT (Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Benicar HCT

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) »

What are angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and how do they work?

The class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), as the class name suggests, are drugs that block the action of angiotensin. Specifically, ARBs prevent angiotensin II from binding to the angiotensin II receptor on blood vessels and other tissues.

Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical that causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby narrowing the blood vessels. Narrowing of blood vessels increases the pressure within the blood vessels and may lead to high blood pressure (hypertension). Reducing the binding and activity of angiotensin II leads to widening (dilation) of blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure against which the heart must pump, the amount of work that the heart must do is reduced. ACE inhibitors also reduce blood pressure in the kidneys, slowing the progression of kidney disease due to high b...

Read the Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) article »

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Benicar HCT

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BENICAR HCT®
(olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide) Tablets

USE IN PREGNANCY

When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. When pregnancy is detected, BENICAR HCT® should be discontinued as soon as possible. See WARNINGS, Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

BENICAR HCT® (olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide) is a combination of an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (AT₁ subtype), olmesartan medoxomil, and a thiazide diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

Olmesartan medoxomil, a prodrug, is hydrolyzed to olmesartan during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.

Olmesartan medoxomil is 2,3-dihydroxy-2-butenyl 4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2propyl-1-[p-(o-1H-tetrazol-5-ylphenyl)benzyl]imidazole-5-carboxylate, cyclic 2,3carbonate.

Its empirical formula is C₂₉H₃₀N₆O₆ and its structural formula is:

Olmesartan medoxomil Structural Formula Illustration

Olmesartan medoxomil is a white to light yellowish-white powder or crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 558.6. It is practically insoluble in water and sparingly soluble in methanol.

Hydrochlorothiazide is 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzo-thiadiazine-7-sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide. Its empirical formula is C₇H₈ClN₃O₄S₂ and its structural formula is:

Hydrochlorothiazide Structural Formula Illustration

Hydrochlorothiazide is a white, or practically white, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 297.7. Hydrochlorothiazide is slightly soluble in water but freely soluble in sodium hydroxide solution.

BENICAR HCT® is available for oral administration in tablets containing 20 mg or 40 mg of olmesartan medoxomil combined with 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide, or 40 mg of olmesartan medoxomil combined with 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide. Inactive ingredients include: hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, lactose, low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, red iron oxide, talc, titanium dioxide and yellow iron oxide.

What are the possible side effects of olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Call your doctor at once if you have any...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Benicar HCT »

What are the precautions when taking olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to olmesartan or hydrochlorothiazide; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: gout, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can increase the risk for lightheadedness or a serious loss of body water (dehydration). Report prolonged...

Read All Potential Precautions of Benicar HCT »

Last reviewed on RxList: 6/9/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.