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Compare Micardis vs. Benicar

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

Key takeaways

Telmisartan (Micardis) and olmesartan (Benicar) are both angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) used to treat high blood pressure, but they have some differences. Telmisartan is also used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in certain adults with heart problems, while olmesartan is approved for use in children as young as 6 years old. Telmisartan typically starts at a dose of 40 mg once daily, with a maximum of 80 mg, whereas olmesartan starts at 20 mg once daily for adults, with a maximum of 40 mg. Telmisartan can take up to 4 weeks to see the full effect on blood pressure, while olmesartan usually shows full benefits in about 2 weeks. Both medications can cause dizziness and high potassium levels, but olmesartan has a rare risk of severe diarrhea, which is not commonly associated with Telmisartan. Both are available as lower-cost generics and should not be used during pregnancy.

drug combination

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  • Telmisartan (Micardis)
    Olmesartan (Benicar)
  • Telmisartan (Micardis)
    Olmesartan (Benicar)

  • Summary of Micardis vs. Benicar

    Summary for ARB
    Prescription only

    Telmisartan (Micardis) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It's a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure in adults. Telmisartan (Micardis) is also used to lower the risk of death or heart attack in certain people with heart problems. This medication is taken by mouth, typically once a day. Side effects aren't common, but people taking telmisartan (Micardis) have reported ones like upper respiratory infection and back pain.

    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 Micardis vs. Benicar

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Lowering the risk of death, stroke, or heart attack in certain adults 55 years or older with a history of heart problems (e.g., coronary artery disease)
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Micardis vs. Benicar

    Pros and Const for ARB
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Typically taken once a day
    •Lowers the risk of heart attack or death due to heart problems in people with CAD
    •Less likely to cause dry cough compared to ACE inhibitors
    Cons
    •Can’t take while pregnant
    •Might require regular blood work and lab tests to make sure your kidneys are functioning normally
    •Not safe for use in children
    •Can take up to 4 weeks to see the full effect on high blood pressure
    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 Micardis vs. Benicar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (cough, sore throat; 7%)
    •Pain in the legs while walking (up to 7%)
    •Skin ulcers (up to 3%)
    •Back pain (3%)
    •Sinus infection (stuffy nose; 3%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (3%)

  • Warnings of Micardis vs. Benicar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Low blood pressure
    •Kidney problems
    •High levels of potassium
    •Liver problems
    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 Micardis vs. Benicar

    Learn more about Telmisartan
    Learn more about Olmesartan

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