Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide 20/12.5mg

Olmesartan+Hydrochlorothiazide, Olmetec Plus (CDN)/Benicar HCT (US)
Description: Antihypertensive Agent, Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker; Thiazide Diuretic

“ALERT: US Boxed Warning

Fetal toxicity:
When pregnancy is detected, discontinue olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide as soon as possible. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus.”

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Angiotensin II constricts blood vessels and stimulates the release of aldosterone. Aldosterone increases sodium and water reabsorption which increases blood volume thereby elevating blood pressure. Olmesartan inhibits angiotensin II resulting in the opposite effect.
Hydrochlorothiazide lowers blood pressure by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal tubules which causes increased loss of sodium, water, potassium, and hydrogen ions (lower blood volume results in decreased pressure).  It is also believed to lower peripheral vascular resistance (by relaxing blood vessels).

Hypertension

Before starting Olmesartan+Hydrochlorothiazide, Olmetec Plus/Benicar HCT make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have kidney disease, an electrolyte imbalance, liver disease, adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, hypercalcemia, hypokalemia, hyperuricemia (gout), are pregnant, or breastfeeding

Olmesartan 20mg/hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg once daily to a maximum of olmesartan 40mg/hydrochlorothiazide 25mg once daily.

How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, take consistently at same times each day unless otherwise directed, store at room temperature.  If dosing once daily, the morning is preferred to avoid nocturnal awakenings for urination.

You Need to Avoid: Careful standing up too quickly as you may get dizzy, and do not supplement with potassium unless instructed by physician and avoid excessive sun exposure or tanning bed usage. 

Hypotension, renal function abnormality, dizziness, hyperkalemia, hypotension, dizziness, hypokalemia (low potassium), worsening of hyperuricemia (can result in gout attacks), skin photosensitivity

Note this is not a complete list of side effects, only relatively common ones

1. What do I do if I show signs of high potassium levels (nausea, weakness, irregular heartbeat, tingling sensation, loss of movement)
   Seek immediate medical attention, it may be a rare but potentially serious side effect.
2.  What do I do if I develop a skin reaction?
   Discontinue the medication and contact your physician or seek medical attention
3. What do I do if I show signs of low potassium levels (muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, tremor, muscle cramps, constipation)?
   Seek immediate medical attention, it is a rare but potentially serious side effect