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Compare Benicar vs. Bystolic

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

Key takeaways

Olmesartan (Benicar) and Nebivolol (Bystolic) are both used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different classes of medications and work in different ways. Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that helps lower blood pressure by relaxing and widening your blood vessels. It is typically taken once a day and is available as a generic. Nebivolol, on the other hand, is a beta blocker that lowers blood pressure by slowing down your heart rate and also relaxing blood vessels. It is also taken once a day and is available in both brand and generic forms. While Olmesartan is often a first-choice medication for high blood pressure, Nebivolol is not usually the first option. Nebivolol is less likely to cause erectile dysfunction and weight gain compared to other beta blockers, but it can hide symptoms of low blood sugar and is not recommended for people with certain heart or lung conditions. Both medications can cause dizziness, but Olmesartan may also lead to severe diarrhea and high potassium levels, while Nebivolol can cause tiredness and headaches.

  • Olmesartan (Benicar)
    Nebivolol (Bystolic)
  • Olmesartan (Benicar)
    Nebivolol (Bystolic)

  • Summary of Benicar vs. Bystolic

    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.

    Summary for Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Nebivolol (Bystolic) is a beta blocker. It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults, but it's not a first-choice medication for this condition. The typical dose is to take one tablet by mouth daily. Some of the more common side effects of nebivolol (Bystolic) include dizziness and tiredness. Don't drink alcohol while taking this medication because doing so can worsen dizziness. Nebivolol (Bystolic) is less likely to cause erectile dysfunction and weight gain compared to other beta blockers. It's available as both brand name Bystolic and generic nebivolol.

  • Indications of Benicar vs. Bystolic

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

  • Pros and Cons of Benicar vs. Bystolic

    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
    Pros and Const for Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Only need to take it once a day
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Less likely to cause certain side effects, like erectile dysfunction, compared to other beta blockers
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice medication to lower blood pressure
    •Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar if you have diabetes
    •Not recommended if you're breastfeeding
    •Can't suddenly stop the medication because it can raise your risk of chest pain or heart attack

  • Common Side Effects of Benicar vs. Bystolic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (6-9%)
    •Tiredness (2-5%)
    •Dizziness (2-4%)
    •Diarrhea (2-3%)
    •Nausea (1-3%)

  • Warnings of Benicar vs. Bystolic

    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)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart attack or irregular heart rhythm
    •Risk of difficulty breathing
    •Hiding symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hiding symptoms of high thyroid hormone
    •Risk during surgery
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Benicar vs. Bystolic

    Learn more about Olmesartan
    Learn more about Nebivolol

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