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Atacand vs. Benicar

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.

• High blood pressure in adults and children
• Lower the risk of worsening heart failure in adults

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

• Harm to unborn baby
• Low blood pressure
• Kidney damage
• High potassium levels

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.

• High blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older

• Dizziness (3%)

• Harm to unborn babies
• Low blood pressure (in people who are dehydrated)
• Worsening kidney problems
• High potassium levels
• Severe diarrhea (sprue-like enteropathy)