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.
