Benicar HCT (Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide)

Name: Benicar HCT
Brand: Organon
SKU: 6480
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Benicar HCT Tablet

Manufacturer: Organon

Country: Canada

Dosage: 20 mg/12.5 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Benicar HCT Tablet

Manufacturer: Daiichi Sankyo

Country: Turkey

Dosage: 20 mg/25 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Benicar HCT Tablet (ON BACKORDER)

Manufacturer: Daiichi Sankyo

Country: Turkey

Dosage: 20 mg/12.5 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Benicar HCT

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 20 mg/12.5 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 40 mg/12.5 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Tablet

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 40 mg/25 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Benicar HCT Information

medically reviewed by Dr. HaVy Ngo, Pharmacist on December 3, 2025.

Benicar HCT and Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

Olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide, a fixed-dose combination medication, is marketed under various brand names worldwide. Benicar HCT is the brand name primarily used in the U.S.

The manufacturer and brand name vary by region:
• In Canada, the original brand-name combination is typically known as Olmetec Plus, which is currently supplied by Organon (following divestiture from Merck). Generic versions of olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide are also widely available.
• In Turkey and many other international markets, the combination is often marketed as Olmetec Plus, with Daiichi Sankyo (the drug's originator) and its licensees (like Pfizer in some regions) being involved in its production and marketing.

Generic olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important Information about Generic Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide:

Generic olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name Benicar HCT and is required to meet the same safety, effectiveness, and quality standards as the brand-name product. This means it is designed to work in the same way as Benicar. Studies have demonstrated bioequivalence between generic and brand-name olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide, meaning they have comparable absorption rates and overall effects. However, individual responses to any medication can vary. If you have any questions about using generic olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, you can visit the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/generic-drugs.

Dosage:

At this pharmacy, Benicar HCT (olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) and its generic equivalents are typically stocked as oral tablets in the standard strengths:
• 20 mg/12.5 mg
• 40 mg/12.5 mg
• 40 mg/25 mg

Please confirm with the pharmacist for current inventory and specific generic manufacturers.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on the individual's needs and medical conditions.

Usage:

Benicar HCT is a combination medication primarily prescribed to manage high blood pressure (hypertension) by utilizing two active ingredients: olmesartan and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

Mechanism of Action: Brand Benicar HCT (olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) works by combining two different yet complementary medications to lower high blood pressure effectively. The first component, olmesartan, is an Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) that targets a hormone system that constricts blood vessels. Olmesartan selectively blocks the binding of Angiotensin II to its (AT1) receptors, causing blood vessels to relax and dilate (vasodilation), which lowers blood pressure. The second component, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), is a diuretic (water pill) that acts on the kidneys to increase the excretion of sodium and water. This diuretic action reduces the total amount of fluid circulating in the bloodstream (plasma volume). By addressing both the tension in the blood vessel walls and the volume of fluid within them, the combination provides a more substantial, sustained reduction in blood pressure than either drug alone.

Take Benicar HCT exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not change your dosage or stop using the medication without consulting your doctor. Follow the instructions in the product monograph in Canada. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Benicar HCT, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below is a partial list of side effects; individual reactions can vary. Before starting Benicar HCT, it is crucial to discuss potential side effects and risks with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects – The following are examples of some common side effects of Benicar HCT; other side effects may occur. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects persist, worsen, or concern you, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Back pain
• Bronchitis
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness (especially when standing up)
• Headache
• High uric acid levels in the blood (Hyperuricemia)
• Influenza-like symptoms
• Nausea
• Pharyngitis (sore throat)
• Rhinitis (runny or stuffy nose)
• Sinusitis
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Vertigo (spinning sensation)

Other Potential Side Effects (less common):
• Abdominal pain
• Arthralgia (joint pain)
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Increased blood glucose (sugar) levels
• Low blood potassium levels (Hypokalemia)
• Muscle pain
• Nervousness
• Palpitations (fluttering or pounding heart
• Peripheral edema (swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet)
• Rash
• Vomiting Weakness

Serious or rare side effects – Stop using Benicar HCT and seek immediate medical attention right away if you experience any of the following:
• Acute Myopia and Secondary Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Decrease in vision or eye pain (can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated).
• Angioedema: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Kidney Problems: Signs include decreased urine output, painful urination, or swelling in the feet or ankles.
• Low Blood Sodium (Hyponatremia): Symptoms include severe weakness, confusion, headache, or vomiting.
• Rhabdomyolysis: Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if accompanied by fever or dark-colored urine.
• Severe Chronic Diarrhea (Sprue-Like Enteropathy): Severe, persistent diarrhea that causes substantial, unexplained weight loss (this can develop months to years after starting the medication).
• Severe Hypotension: Fainting, lightheadedness, or feeling faint due to dangerously low blood pressure.
• Severe Skin Reactions: Such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (redness, blistering, or peeling skin).

Contraindications:

This is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. It is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are using with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Benicar HCT.

Benicar HCT (Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide) should NOT be used if any of the following apply to you.
• You have anuria (inability to produce urine).
• You have a known allergy to any component of Benicar HCT (olmesartan or hydrochlorothiazide).
• You have a history of a sulfonamide or sulfa drug allergy.
• You have diabetes mellitus and are taking any medication that contains aliskiren.

Warnings and Precautions:

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Benicar HCT. This is crucial because certain conditions affect whether Benicar is right for you. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:
• Acute angle-closure glaucoma (or acute transient myopia).
• Congestive heart failure (severe).
• Dehydration (severe) or are volume/salt-depleted.
• Dialysis.
• Gout (or a history of).
• Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels).
• Hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels).
• Kidney disease (especially severe impairment or renal artery stenosis).
• Liver disease (or a history of jaundice).
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Benicar HCT, make sure to discuss all possible risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For comprehensive information about drug interactions, visit the official Benicar website at https://www.benicar.com/, and talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Benicar can interact with other medicines, but is not limited to:
• Agents that increase serum potassium (Hyperkalemia Risk): This combination increases the risk of high potassium levels in the blood, which can affect heart function.
o ACE Inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril, enalapril).
o Aliskiren (especially in patients with diabetes or moderate-to-severe kidney impairment; this combination is generally avoided or contraindicated).
o Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene).
o Potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium.
• Alcohol, Barbiturates, or Narcotics: Concurrent use can increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon standing).
• Antidiabetic Drugs (Oral Agents and Insulin): Hydrochlorothiazide can sometimes increase blood glucose levels, which may necessitate an adjustment in the dosage of your antidiabetic medication.
• Cholestyramine and Colestipol (Bile Acid Sequestrants): These medications can bind to and impair the absorption of hydrochlorothiazide.
o Action required: Benicar HCT should be taken at least 4 hours before or 4-6 hours after cholestyramine or colestipol.
• Colesevelam Hydrochloride: This can reduce the systemic exposure of olmesartan.
o Action required: Consider administering olmesartan at least 4 hours before colesevelam.
• Corticosteroids (Steroids) and ACTH: Concurrent use can intensify electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia (low blood potassium).
• Lithium: Diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide) and ARBs (olmesartan) can both reduce the renal clearance of lithium, significantly increasing the risk of lithium toxicity.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Including selective COX-2 inhibitors (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, high-dose aspirin).
o May reduce the blood pressure-lowering and diuretic effects of Benicar HCT.
o Increases the risk of worsening kidney function, especially in the elderly, dehydrated patients, or those with existing kidney problems.
• Other Antihypertensive Drugs: Combining Benicar HCT with other blood pressure medications can have an additive effect, increasing the risk of hypotension (low blood pressure) and side effects like dizziness.
• Skeletal Muscle Relaxants (e.g., Tubocurarine): The effect of these muscle relaxants may be increased when taken with hydrochlorothiazide.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Benicar HCT (olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide) is strictly contraindicated in pregnancy and carries a Black Box Warning for fetal toxicity. When pregnancy is detected, treatment must be discontinued as soon as possible, as drug exposure—particularly during the second and third trimesters—can cause severe fetal harm or death. The harm occurs by inhibiting the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS), which reduces fetal renal function; this leads to low amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) and subsequent complications like fetal lung hypoplasia and skeletal abnormalities. Due to this high risk, the medication should be avoided even when planning a pregnancy. Furthermore, the drug is not recommended during breastfeeding, as components like hydrochlorothiazide pass into breast milk, posing a risk of serious adverse effects to the nursing infant.

Use in Children

Benicar HCT (olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide), a fixed-dose combination medication, is NOT approved for use in children, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in the pediatric population; it is reserved for adult use. However, the single component, olmesartan (Benicar), is indicated for treating high blood pressure in children aged six years and older, with its dosage carefully determined by body weight. If a child needs both an ARB and a diuretic, the physician must prescribe the individual drugs separately to allow for precise, individualized, weight-based dosing, as the combination pill does not permit this necessary adjustment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Benicar at Canada Pharmacy Online

Why is Benicar HCT more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Benicar, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs than in the US, where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy is dedicated to offering you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I place an order with your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784. For additional information or to learn about the ordering process, please visit our How to Order page.

Is there a limit on how many Benicar HCT tablets I can order at once?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of a three-month supply of Benicar HCT at one time, as per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy Benicar HCT from you over the counter?

No, Benicar HCT requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes between 7 and 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Benicar HCT?

Yes, there is a generic alternative for this product, called Olmesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide.

What is the difference between Benicar and Benicar HCT?

Benicar contains only Olmesartan, but Benicar HCT has a second medicine, Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that decreases water retention, since retaining too much water can raise blood pressure.

How long does it take for Benicar HCT to work?

It may take up to 4 weeks for this medication to control your blood pressure. Use this medication as directed, even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms.

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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