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This product requires a valid prescription
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Benicar and Benicar HCT are indicated for the treatment of hypertension. They may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Like all ARB/diuretic fixed-dose combinations, Benicar HCT is not indicated for initial therapy. Benicar HCT is one tablet that consists of two different classes of hypertension (high blood pressure) drugs. One component is Benicar. The other component is in a class called thiazide diuretics (HCTZ) and works by increasing water excretion from the body. The two classes of drugs have a complementary effect in reducing blood pressure.
Benicar and Benicar HCT, like all members of the ARB class, are not recommended for pregnant women. Benicar should be taken as directed by your healthcare provider. Benicar may be taken with or without food. Patients should not take Benicar HCT if they are allergic to any ingredient of this product. Because of the hydrochlorothiazide component, patients should not take Benicar HCT if they have reduced kidney functions or if they have allergies to other sulfonamide-derived drugs. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is called the "silent killer" because it has no specific symptoms and increases the risk of cardiovascular and renal-related diseases such as stroke, heart attack, and heart and kidney failure. Hypertension is a condition that is sometimes associated with narrowing of the arteries. This causes blood to be pumped with excessive force against the artery walls. It is a sign that the heart and blood vessels are being overworked. Many factors such as family history and poor diet and exercise habits contribute to the incidence of hypertension. In addition, certain medications and kidney/endocrine disorders can also cause hypertension. Measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), blood pressure usually is recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure over diastolic pressure – for example, 140/90 mm Hg. -Systolic represents the pressure while the heart is beating. -Diastolic represents the pressure when the heart is resting between beats. African-Americans who live in the United States have the highest prevalence of hypertension in the world. There are many ways to lower your blood pressure, including eating right and exercising. The United States Department of Agriculture and the American Dietetic Association have developed dietary guidelines for Americans which include important facts about lowering your blood pressure. Drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes 30 minutes before having your blood pressure measured may falsely elevate the results. If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation. Smoking injures arterial walls and speeds up the process of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Don’t smoke. If you smoke, try to quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. Once a smoker gives up the habit, the risk of having a heart attack is reduced after the first year. If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Read the labels on all OTC medications. Sometimes these medications contain ingredients that may further raise blood pressure or interfere with its treatment. |
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