BENICAR HCT (OLMESARTAN/HCT)

Benicar HCT Description

If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe Benicar HCT in addition to some lifestyle changes. Hypertension can result from the force of blood against your artery walls as your heart is trying to supply your tissues and other organs with blood to keep things working properly. This force may be caused because your arteries are narrowed and unless the pressure is decreased, your risk of heart disease and other health concerns are greatly increased.

How Benicar HCT Helps Reduce Blood Pressure

Benicar HCT contains two active ingredients; Olmesartan is an angiotensin ll receptor blocker (ARB) that helps stop your body from producing a hormone called angiotensin ll. This hormone is responsible for constricting the muscles that surround your blood vessels/arteries and retaining salt in your body. If your body is unable to monitor these processes, your blood flow can become so forceful that it can cause damage to the inner walls of your arteries.

HCT stands for Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that helps stop your kidneys from absorbing salt and retaining fluids by increasing your urine output. Benicar HCT or generic Olmesartan/HCT can help decrease your risk of a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and other permanent damage when taken as directed. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Conditions Treated by Benicar HCT

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a tricky medical condition due to its ability to be undetectable as far as signs or symptoms that let you know something is going on in your body. Many patients are found to be hypertensive during a routine medical exam and may be shocked to learn this. Hypertension, if not diagnosed and treated, can wreak havoc with many parts of your body.

Some of the risk factors for becoming hypertensive are advanced age, a family history of hypertension, poor eating habits, consuming too much alcohol, and a lack of physical activity. You may be able to avoid high blood pressure or lower it by eating healthier, reducing salt intake, exercising, and keeping active.

Before You Take Benicar HCT

You should use adequate contraception methods while taking Benicar HCT to avoid a pregnancy if you are still of child bearing age. Inform your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and provide a list of all OTC and Rx medications you are taking so it can be determined if Benicar HCT could cause negative interactions.

Precautions for Benicar HCT

As Benicar HCT causes you to expel excess fluid, you should drink more fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Until you know how Benicar HCT will affect you, do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any unsafe tasks. If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor your blood glucose as Benicar HCT may cause higher readings. Certain lab test results may be influenced by taking Benicar HCT, so lab personnel should be alerted beforehand.

Possible Side Effects of Benicar HCT

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Dry cough
• Heartburn