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Avapro vs. Benicar

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.

• Treatment of high blood pressure
• Slow the worsening of kidney disease from diabetes

• 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.

• Harm to unborn baby
• Low blood pressure
• Worsening kidney problems
• High levels of potassium

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)