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Compare Atacand vs. Benicar

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Candesartan (Atacand) and olmesartan (Benicar) are both angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) used to treat high blood pressure. Candesartan is also used to lower the risk of worsening heart failure in adults, while olmesartan is not. Candesartan can be taken once or twice daily, whereas olmesartan is typically taken once a day. Both medications can be used in children, but the dosing varies based on age and weight. Candesartan may take 4-6 weeks to show full benefits, while olmesartan usually takes about 2 weeks. Common side effects of candesartan include upper respiratory tract infections, dizziness, and back pain, whereas olmesartan commonly causes dizziness. Olmesartan has a specific warning for severe diarrhea that can occur even months after starting the medication. Both medications should be avoided during pregnancy and can raise potassium levels.

  • Candesartan (Atacand)
    Olmesartan (Benicar)
  • Candesartan (Atacand)
    Olmesartan (Benicar)

  • Summary of Atacand vs. Benicar

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Candesartan (Atacand) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's one of the first-choice medication for treating high blood pressure in adults and children. It can also help lower the risk of worsening heart failure in adults. Candesartan (Atacand) comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. Most people don't experience many side effects while taking this medication, but some can include upper respiratory tract infections, headache, and back pain.

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Olmesartan medoxomil (Benicar) is a medication that lowers blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It's an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and works mainly by widening and relaxing your blood vessels to lower pressure. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once per day. People don't usually experience much side effects from olmesartan (Benicar), though some people have reported mild and temporary dizziness.

  • Indications of Atacand vs. Benicar

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children
    •Lower the risk of worsening heart failure in adults
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Atacand vs. Benicar

    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •First-choice medication for high blood pressure
    •Works similarly to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, but with fewer side effects, like cough and swelling
    •Can be made into an oral suspension for people who have trouble taking tablets
    •A possible option for children
    Cons
    •Must be avoided during pregnancy
    •Interacts with NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil)
    •Can take 4-6 weeks before you notice the full benefit
    •Can raise potassium levels as a side effect
    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •A first-choice blood pressure medication
    •Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old
    •Taken once per day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Takes about 2 weeks to see full benefits of olmesartan (Benicar)
    •Not a good option for certain people with kidney problems
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Atacand vs. Benicar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (i.e., common cold; 6%)
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Back pain (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (3%)

  • Warnings of Atacand vs. Benicar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •High potassium levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn babies
    •Low blood pressure (in people who are dehydrated)
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •Severe diarrhea (sprue-like enteropathy)

  • Prices with our coupons for Atacand vs. Benicar

    Learn more about Candesartan
    Learn more about Olmesartan

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