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Compare Monopril vs. Benicar

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

Key takeaways

Fosinopril (generic name: fosinopril) and Olmesartan (generic name: olmesartan, brand name: Benicar) are both medications used to treat high blood pressure, but they belong to different drug classes. Fosinopril is an ACE inhibitor, which works by blocking a chemical that tightens blood vessels, making them more relaxed. On the other hand, Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that lowers blood pressure by blocking a hormone that narrows blood vessels. Fosinopril is also used for heart failure and is approved for use in children 6 to 16 years old weighing 50 kg, while Olmesartan is approved for use in children as young as 6 years old. Both medications are taken once daily, but Fosinopril may cause a dry cough, which is not a common side effect of Olmesartan. Additionally, both medications can raise potassium levels and are not safe to use during pregnancy. Both medications require blood tests to check kidney health, whereas Olmesartan may cause severe diarrhea in rare cases.

  • Fosinopril
    Olmesartan (Benicar)
  • Fosinopril
    Olmesartan (Benicar)

  • Summary of Monopril vs. Benicar

    Summary for ACE inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Fosinopril sodium (Monopril) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It's used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children. It can also treat heart failure. Fosinopril comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth once daily. Most people don't experience any side effects from fosinopril. But people who did reported cough and dizziness. Though rare, fosinopril and other ACEI inhibitors can cause angioedema, which can be serious. Brand name Monopril has been discontinued; fosinopril is only available as a generic medication.

    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 Monopril vs. Benicar

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in people ages 6 years and older
    •Heart failure (in combination with other medications)
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Monopril vs. Benicar

    Pros and Const for ACE inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Taken once a day
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause a cough that might not go away until you stop the medication
    •Not safe to use if you're pregnant
    •Might not work as well for lowering high blood pressure in Black adults
    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 Monopril vs. Benicar

    Common Side Effects for

    For the treatment of high blood pressure

    •Cough (2%)
    •Dizziness (2%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (1%)

    For the treatment of heart failure

    •Dizziness (12%)
    •Cough (10%)
    •Low blood pressure (4%)
    •Muscle pain (3%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (2%)
    •Diarrhea (2%)
    •Chest pain (2%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (3%)

  • Warnings of Monopril vs. Benicar

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    •Angioedema (swelling) and serious allergic reactions
    •Risk of infection (lower white blood cell count)
    •Low blood pressure
    •Worsening kidney problems
    •High potassium levels
    •Risk of 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 Monopril vs. Benicar

    Learn more about Fosinopril
    Learn more about Olmesartan

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