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CHEMICAL NAME
ANGIOTENSIN BLOCKERS WITH HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE.
INDICATIONS
Benicar HCT(ANGIOTENSIN BLOCKERS)is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This medication may also be used to help prevent diabetic kidney problems.
DIRECTIONS
Take Benicar HCT Tablets by mouth as prescribed, usually once or twice a day. It may be taken with or without food. Your dosage depends on your medical condition and response to the drug. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions closely. Do not increase your dose, skip any doses or stop taking this without first consulting your doctor. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you do not feel sick. Many people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms. The full benefit of this drugs usually occurs within 4 weeks. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea or vomiting, dry mouth, headache, fatigue or diarrhea may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: lightheadedness or dizziness, muscle weakness or cramping. Unlikely but report promptly: stomach pain, unusual change in amount of urine (after the first several days), unusual thirst, fainting, mental/mood changes. Very unlikely but report promptly: persistent sore throat or cough, fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, joint pain. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this product, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, heart disease, liver problems, diabetes, gout, high cholesterol or lipids (triglycerides), lupus, metabolic problems (e.g., potassium or sodium imbalances), allergies (especially to sulfa drugs). Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication makes you dizzy. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also, limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which can intensify these effects. Excessive loss of body fluids (e.g., sweating or diarrhea) can cause a drop in blood pressure and make you lightheaded. Avoid excessive exercise. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Hydrochlorothiazide may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. If you become sun sensitive, use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Caution is advised when this product is used in the elderly since this group may be more sensitive to drug side effects. This product should be used only when clearly needed during the first 3 months of pregnancy and is not recommended for use during the last 6 months. Consult your doctor. The hydrochlorothiazide in this combination drug passes into breast milk. Though there are no reports (to date) of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
OVERDOSAGE
Consult Your Physician.
INFORMATION
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
NOTES
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,pharmacist,or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before taking the product.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Angiotensin blockers is not recommended for use with: dofetilide. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: potassium supplements (including salt substitutes with potassium), amiloride, lithium, digoxin, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), drugs used for diabetes, colestipol, cholestyramine, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin), ACTH, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), drugs that cause kidney problem such as gentamicin or amphotericin, allergy or cough-and-cold products (e.g., pseudoephedrine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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