Benicar

Special warnings about Benicar

Benicar or Benicar HCT can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, especially when you first start taking the drug. The problem is more likely to occur if your body's supply of water has been depleted by diuretics (water pills). If your blood pressure drops too low, you could also experience light-headedness, dizziness, and faintness (lying down may relieve these symptoms). If you develop any of these problems, contact your physician. You may need to have your dose adjusted.

Likewise, excessive sweating, severe diarrhea, or vomiting could deplete your body's fluids and cause your blood pressure to drop too low. If you feel severely dehydrated, contact your doctor. Be careful, too, about avoiding excessive fluid loss when exercising and during hot weather.

Use Benicar and Benicar HCT with caution if you have a history of allergy or bronchial asthma.

If you have congestive heart failure, liver or kidney disease, lupus, gout, or diabetes, Benicar and Benicar HCT should be used with caution. Both drugs have been known to impair kidney function or even lead to kidney failure. They could also bring out hidden diabetes. If you are already taking insulin or oral diabetes drugs, your medication may have to be adjusted. The hydrochlorothiazide component of Benicar HCT also has a tendency to increase cholesterol levels.

The diuretic in Benicar HCT can lower the levels of electrolytes (salts and other minerals) in the blood, especially if you become dehydrated. Signs include dry mouth, thirst, weakness, sluggishness, drowsiness, restlessness, confusion, seizures, muscle pain or cramps, muscle fatigue, low blood pressure, decreased urination, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and vomiting. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these problems.

Likewise, the diuretic in Benicar HCT can cause excessive potassium loss. Signs include muscle weakness and rapid or irregular heartbeat. To boost your potassium level, your doctor may recommend eating potassium-rich foods or taking a potassium supplement. If you think you need a supplement, check with your doctor; do not start taking one on your own. Also check with your doctor before using a potassium-containing salt substitute.