Benicar HCT (Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 25, 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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PATIENT INFORMATION

Pregnancy

Female patients of childbearing age should be told about the consequences of second and third trimester exposure to drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system and they should be told also that these consequences do not appear to have resulted from intrauterine drug exposure that has been limited to the first trimester. These patients should be asked to report pregnancies to their physicians as soon as possible.

Symptomatic Hypotension

A patient receiving BENICAR HCT® should be cautioned that lightheadedness can occur, especially during the first days of therapy, and that it should be reported to the prescribing physician. The patients should be told that if syncope occurs, BENICAR HCT® should be discontinued until the physician has been consulted.

All patients should be cautioned that inadequate fluid intake, excessive perspiration, diarrhea or vomiting can lead to an excessive fall in blood pressure, with the same consequences of light-headedness and possible syncope.

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