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Compare Avapro vs. Benicar

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

Key takeaways

Irbesartan (Avapro) and olmesartan (Benicar) are both angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) used to treat high blood pressure. Irbesartan is also used to treat diabetic kidney disease, while olmesartan is approved for use in children as young as 6 years old. The typical starting dose for Irbesartan is 150 mg once daily, with a maximum of 300 mg, whereas olmesartan starts at 20 mg once daily for adults, with a maximum of 40 mg. Irbesartan is available in both brand and generic forms, while olmesartan is also available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of irbesartan include dizziness and tiredness, while olmesartan users may experience mild dizziness. Both medications can cause high potassium levels and are not safe for use during pregnancy. However, olmesartan has a rare but serious risk of severe diarrhea, which is not noted with irbesartan.

  • Irbesartan (Avapro)
    Olmesartan (Benicar)
  • Irbesartan (Avapro)
    Olmesartan (Benicar)

  • Summary of Avapro vs. Benicar

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Irbesartan (Avapro) is a medication that's used to treat high blood pressure; it's also used to treat diabetic kidney disease. It's a part of a drug class called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB). The dosage for irbesartan (Avapro) can differ if you've kidney problems or are taking diuretics ("water pills"). Common side effects include dizziness and tiredness. Irbesartan (Avapro) is available in both brand name (Avapro) and generic tablet.

    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 Avapro vs. Benicar

    Indications for
    •Treatment of high blood pressure
    •Slow the worsening of kidney disease from diabetes
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Avapro vs. Benicar

    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Typically taken once a day
    •Less likely to cause dry cough compared to ACE Inhibitors
    Cons
    •Not safe for use while pregnant
    •High risk of raising potassium levels
    •Requires regular blood work to make sure your kidneys are healthy
    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 Avapro vs. Benicar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (up to 10%)
    •Low blood pressure when going from sitting to standing position (5%)
    •Feeling tired (4%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Heartburn (2%)

    Please note: People who took irbesartan (Avapro) for high blood pressure were more likely to experience tiredness, diarrhea, and heartburn. People who took this medication for diabetic kidney disease were more likely to experience dizziness.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (3%)

  • Warnings of Avapro vs. Benicar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High levels of potassium
    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 Avapro vs. Benicar

    Learn more about Irbesartan
    Learn more about Olmesartan

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