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.
