Olmesartan Hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT) Tips from Pharmacists

• You can take olmesartan hydrochlorothiazide at any time of the day, with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, taking it with food might help. Avoid taking the medicine too close to bedtime because this may cause you to wake up at night to urinate.

• Measure your blood pressure at home, keep a log, and bring it to all your doctors’ appointments.

• Keep all your medical and lab appointments during treatment with olmesartan hydrochlorothiazide. Your doctor may want to order certain lab tests and adjust your dose based on response.

• This medication can make you drowsy and dizzy. Avoid driving or doing other hazardous activities until you are fully awake and alert.

• Olmesartan hydrochlorothiazide can cause lightheadedness when arising from a sitting or lying position. Get out of bed slowly to avoid falls.

• This medicine can increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors.

• Eat a healthy salt-restricted diet and get regular exercise to help in controlling high blood pressure.