Is Benicar (olmesartan) a combination medication?

Benicar (Olmesartan) is Not a Combination Medication

Benicar (olmesartan medoxomil) is a single-agent medication that belongs to the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class, not a combination medication. 1

Medication Classification and Composition

Olmesartan medoxomil (Benicar) is:

• A selective AT1 subtype angiotensin II receptor antagonist 1
• Available as a single-agent oral tablet in 5 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg strengths 1
• A prodrug that is hydrolyzed to olmesartan during absorption from the gastrointestinal tract 1

Related Combination Products

While Benicar itself is not a combination medication, there are combination products containing olmesartan that are available:

• Olmesartan medoxomil/hydrochlorothiazide (marketed as Benicar HCT or Olmetec Plus) - a fixed-dose combination of olmesartan with the thiazide diuretic hydrochlorothiazide 2, 3

Clinical Use of Olmesartan

Olmesartan is used for:

• Treatment of hypertension as monotherapy 2
• Initial therapy in patients with mild to severe essential hypertension 4
• Step 1 of the AB/CD algorithm when no special considerations apply 5

Combination Therapy Considerations

When olmesartan monotherapy is insufficient for blood pressure control:

• Fixed-dose olmesartan/HCTZ combination therapy may be initiated 2
• This combination provides greater antihypertensive efficacy than either component alone 3
• According to current guidelines, combination therapy with a RAS blocker (such as olmesartan) plus either a dihydropyridine CCB or thiazide/thiazide-like diuretic is recommended for most patients with confirmed hypertension 5

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Confusion with combination products: Don't confuse Benicar (olmesartan alone) with Benicar HCT (olmesartan + hydrochlorothiazide)

2. Inappropriate combinations: Avoid combining olmesartan with:

   • Another RAS blocker (ACE inhibitor or another ARB) as this combination is not recommended 5
   • Medications during pregnancy as ARBs are contraindicated 5

3. Monitoring requirements: When initiating olmesartan, remember to:

   • Check renal function and serum electrolytes before starting treatment 5
   • Re-check renal function and serum electrolytes 1 and 4 weeks after starting treatment 5
   • Monitor for potential adverse effects including hyperkalaemia and worsening renal function 5

In summary, Benicar contains only olmesartan medoxomil as its active ingredient and is therefore not a combination medication, though combination products containing olmesartan do exist for patients requiring multiple agents to achieve blood pressure control.