Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide

Olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide combines two medicines to lower high blood pressure. Olmesartan medoxomil causes blood vessels to relax; hydrochlorothiazide increases the amount of water and salt removed from the blood. As a result, the blood vessels relax and the blood volume lessens, which lowers blood pressure. By combining these medicines, olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide creates a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medication is used alone.

Olmesartan Medoxomil-HCTZ

What Is Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide?

Olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT^®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. Olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide has not been approved for use in children.

(Click What Is Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide Used For? for more information on the drug's uses, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide?

Olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide is manufactured by Sankyo Pharma, Inc.

How Does Olmesartan Medoxomil-Hydrochlorothiazide Work?

Olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two medicines: olmesartan medoxomil and hydrochlorothiazide.

Olmesartan is a newer type of blood pressure medicine known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or ARB for short. As the name implies, it blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, olmesartan causes blood vessels to relax.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is then passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.

Because of its combined effects, olmesartan medoxomil-hydrochlorothiazide causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.

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