Olmesartan Hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT) Uses

Olmesartan hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Untreated hypertension is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular mortality, kidney problems, and damage to other organs. 

There may be other uses of olmesartan hydrochlorothiazide—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Olmesartan Hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT) Mechanism of Action

Olmesartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers or ARBs. It blocks the action of a substance that causes the narrowing of blood vessels. Therefore, it lowers blood pressure by relaxing or widening the blood vessels. 

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic or water pill. It lowers blood pressure by increasing the amount of salt and water removed from the body by the kidneys. These two medications have an additive antihypertensive effect.

Olmesartan Hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT) Doses

Olmesartan hydrochlorothiazide combination is available as tablets in the following dosages:

• Olmesartan hydrochlorothiazide 20/12.5 mg
• Olmesartan hydrochlorothiazide 40/12.5 mg
• Olmesartan hydrochlorothiazide 40/25 mg

Because Benicar HCT is a fixed dose combination of two antihypertensive agents (olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide), it is not used for primary treatment (initial therapy) of hypertension. This combination is reserved for people who do not respond to either medication alone. 

The dose of olmesartan hydrochlorothiazide is individualized and depends on blood pressure response. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose, 20 mg olmesartan and 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide once daily. The dose can be increased at intervals of 2 weeks if needed.