Benicar

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Benicar

No significant drug interactions have been reported with Benicar.

The hydrochlorothiazide in Benicar HCT may interact with a variety of drugs. Be sure to check with your doctor before combining Benicar HCT with the following:

Alcohol
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and prednisone
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Insulin
Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate)
Muscle relaxants such as Tubocurarine
Narcotic drugs such as morphine or codeine products (Percocet)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, Motin, and Naprosyn
Norepinephrine
Oral diabetes drugs such as Diabeta, Diabinese, Glucotrol, Micronase
Other blood pressure medications such as Cardizem, Lopressor, and Procardia

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Drugs such as Benicar or Benicar HCT can cause injury or even death to a developing baby when used during the last 6 months of pregnancy. If you discover you're pregnant, stop taking the drug immediately and call your doctor. Likewise, alert your doctor if you plan to become pregnant.

Hydrochlorothiazide appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to avoid breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Benicar

The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams once daily. If your blood pressure hasn't dropped sufficiently after 2 weeks, the doctor may raise the dose to 40 milligrams once a day. If you are taking a diuretic, your starting dose may be smaller than usual.

Benicar HCT

The starting dose of Benicar HCT is one tablet containing 20 milligrams of olmesartan/12.5 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide once daily. If needed, the doctor may increase the dose every 2 to 4 weeks until your blood pressure is under control. The maximum dose is 40 milligrams of olmesartan/25 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide once daily.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Benicar overdose may include:
  Dehydration (dry mouth, excessive thirst, muscle pain or cramps, nausea and vomiting, weakness), dizziness, low blood pressure, slow or irregular heartbeat