olmesartan
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.
What is Olmesartan (Benicar)?
What is Olmesartan (Benicar) used for?
- High blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older
How Olmesartan (Benicar) works
Olmesartan (Benicar) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). Angiotensin II is a hormone that acts on multiple areas in the body. When it acts on the blood vessels, the blood vessels narrow, which raises blood pressure.
Olmesartan (Benicar) blocks angiotensin II in the blood vessels. In doing so, this medication tells the blood vessels to relax, which helps to lower blood pressure.
Drug facts
More on Olmesartan (Benicar) essentials
Side effects of Olmesartan (Benicar)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Facial swelling
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Hair loss
- Rash
- Diarrhea
Olmesartan (Benicar) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious kidney problems: urinating less often than usual, swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands, unexplained weight gain
- Dangerously low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
- High blood potassium levels: nausea, muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeat
- Severe diarrhea: having watery bowel movements 10-20 times daily, nausea, weight loss
More on Olmesartan (Benicar) side effects
The following Olmesartan (Benicar) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Blood in the urine
body aches or pain
chills
cough or cough producing mucus
difficulty with breathing
ear congestion
headache
loss of voice
runny or stuffy nose
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
Rare
Bladder pain
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
cloudy urine
difficult, burning, or painful urination
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
frequent urge to urinate
joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
lower back, side, or stomach pain
swelling of the feet or lower legs
Incidence not known
Confusion
dark-colored urine
diarrhea (severe) with weight loss
dizziness
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
muscle cramps or spasms
muscle pain or stiffness
nausea or vomiting
weakness or heaviness of the legs
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Blurred vision
chest pain or discomfort
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness
sweating
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Back pain
flushed, dry skin
fruit-like breath odor
general feeling of discomfort or illness
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
loss of appetite
muscle aches
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
shivering
tender, swollen glands in the neck
trouble sleeping
trouble swallowing
unexplained weight loss
Rare
Acid or sour stomach
belching
difficulty with moving
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
indigestion
rapid weight gain
rash
sensation of spinning
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual weight gain or loss
Incidence not known
Hair loss or thinning of the hair
lack or loss of strength
redness of the skin
welts
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Olmesartan (Benicar)
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
Pharmacist tips for Olmesartan (Benicar)
- You might feel dizzy when you start taking olmesartan (Benicar), and when the dose is raised. This should get better over time as you continue taking the medication and your body gets used to your new blood pressure.
- Make sure to mark your calendar with your appointments to see your provider and to get any blood work done when you take olmesartan (Benicar). Your provider might order tests (e.g., potassium level, kidney function, blood pressure) during treatment and might change your dose of olmesartan (Benicar) based on your lab results.
- Take olmesartan (Benicar) exactly as prescribed. Don't change your dose or suddenly stop taking the medication without talking to your provider first. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to rise quickly. If you want to stop olmesartan (Benicar), ask your provider if it's safe to do so. You might need to lower your dose slowly over time before you can completely stop taking it.
- Let your provider know if you experience severe diarrhea that doesn't seem to get better over time. This can be a rare, but serious, side effect of olmesartan (Benicar). It's possible to develop stomach problems even months or years after starting olmesartan (Benicar). And if left untreated, this can lead to weight loss and cause electrolyte levels to be out of balance. If you experience severe diarrhea, your provider might need to switch you to a different medication.
- Olmesartan (Benicar) can raise your potassium levels, which can be serious. Contact your provider if you experience nausea, vomiting, or muscle weakness because these might be signs of high potassium levels.
- It's recommended you measure and record your blood pressure at home and bring a record to your medical appointments. This will help your provider see how well the medication is working for you and guide any dose changes.
- Make sure to have a healthy diet, including a low-salt diet, while taking olmesartan (Benicar) to help lower your blood pressure. Depending on your risk factors and other medical problems, it's possible you might be able to stop taking olmesartan (Benicar) if your blood pressure gets within goal.
- Don't use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), while taking olmesartan (Benicar) unless your provider specifically said it was safe for you to do so. This is because taking NSAIDs and olmesartan (Benicar) together can cause kidney problems.
Common questions about Olmesartan
No, Olmesartan is neither a beta blocker nor a diuretic (water pill). But rather, it's an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). While all three classes of medications are used to lower blood pressure, they do so in different ways. Beta blockers work by acting on the heart and blood vessels, while diuretics do so by telling the body to get rid of more fluids. Olmesartan lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. If you're taking Olmesartan, your provider might consider adding on a beta blocker or diuretic, depending on factors like what other medical conditions you have and how high your blood pressure is.
When you first start Olmesartan, you might notice a drop in your blood pressure within a day after your first dose. But it typically takes about 2 weeks to see the full blood pressure-lowering effect of the medication. If your blood pressure is still high after this time, your provider might raise your dose and it'll take another 2 weeks to see the full effects of the new dose. To keep track of how well Olmesartan is work, measure your blood pressure regularly at home. You're recommended to share the blood pressure numbers with your provider at your appointments so they can better care for your health.
It takes about 2-3 days for most of Olmesartan to leave your body. This timeframe is estimated based on the half-life of Olmesartan. Because Olmesartan is cleared from your body by the liver and through urine, this medication can stay in your body longer if you have liver or kidney problems. If you're concerned about how long Olmesartan stays in your system, talk with your provider.
Olmesartan is typically prescribed just once per day. A small study looked into how well Olmesartan worked at controlling blood pressure if you take it once a day versus twice a day. Results showed that the twice-daily dosing doesn't control blood pressure better compared to once-daily dosing. Talk with your provider if you've more questions about how to take Olmesartan.
Olmesartan isn't likely to cause significant change in heart rate. People didn't report low heart rate as a side effect of this medication during clinical studies.
No, erectile dysfunction (ED) wasn't reported as a side effect by males who took Olmesartan in clinical studies. While certain blood pressure medications are linked to ED, you're unlikely to experience it with Olmesartan. If you're concerned about ED and blood pressure medications, talk to your provider.
No, people who took Olmesartan during clinical studies didn't report weight gain as a side effect. Speak with your provider if you experience unusual or unexpected weight gain while you're taking Olmesartan. They can try to help you figure out the cause behind the weight gain.
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Risks and warnings for Olmesartan (Benicar)
Olmesartan (Benicar) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Harm to unborn babies
Olmesartan (Benicar) shouldn't be used in pregnant females because it can cause severe harm and even death to unborn babies. If you find out that you're pregnant while taking olmesartan (Benicar), stop and let your provider know right away. If you're pregnant before starting olmesartan (Benicar) or thinking of becoming pregnant during treatment, discuss with your provider about safer options to treat your blood pressure.
Low blood pressure (in people who are dehydrated)
- Risk factors: Not enough fluid in your body (dehydration) | Having diarrhea or vomiting for a long time | Low salt levels in your body | Taking higher doses of diuretic mediations
Olmesartan (Benicar) is taken to lower blood pressure. But sometimes, having a lower blood pressure can be dangerous for certain groups of people, especially those who are dehydrated or those who've lost a lot of body fluids through diarrhea, vomiting, or taking water-pills.
Make sure to stay well-hydrated while taking olmesartan (Benicar). If your blood pressure drops too much and you feel dizzy, make sure to sit down slowly while holding onto something and let your provider know.
Worsening kidney problems
- Risk factors: Kidney problems | Heart failure | Taking medications that affect your kidneys | Not enough fluid in your body
In some people, olmesartan (Benicar) can cause the kidneys to not work as well. The risk is higher if you have certain types of kidney problems, such as renal artery stenosis or very severe heart failure, or if you're taking other medications that can affect your kidneys. Your provider might order blood tests to make sure your kidneys are healthy and working properly. Let your provider know if you're urinating less often than usual or notice any swelling, as these could be signs that your kidneys aren't working as well.
High potassium levels
- Risk factors: Kidney problems | Heart failure | Taking other medications that raise potassium | Use of potassium-containing salt substitutes
Olmesartan (Benicar) can raise the amount of potassium in your body. In some people, this can lead to certain symptoms, such as a tingling sensation, nausea, or muscle weakness. The risk is higher if you're taking other medications that can raise your potassium, or if you have certain medical conditions. Your provider might order blood tests to monitor your potassium on a regular basis.
Severe diarrhea (sprue-like enteropathy)
Rarely, people who take olmesartan (Benicar) experience serious diarrhea (sprue-like enteropathy). Sometimes, this happens months to years after starting the medication. In severe cases, the diarrhea can lead to weight loss, stomach pain, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience severe diarrhea that doesn't seem to get better after a few day, get medical help right away. Make sure to stay hydrated with fluids and electrolytes.
Olmesartan (Benicar) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 90 tablets | $16.34 | $0.18 |
| 20mg | 90 tablets | $17.67 | $0.20 |
| 40mg | 90 tablets | $22.11 | $0.25 |
Typical dosage for Olmesartan (Benicar)
Adults
- The typical starting dose is 20 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider might raise your dose after 2 weeks. The maximum recommended dose is 40 mg daily.
Children (6 years and older)
- Body weight 44-76 pounds: The typical starting dose is 10 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider might raise your dose after 2 weeks. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg daily.
- Body weight 77 pounds and over: The typical starting dose is 20 mg by mouth once daily. Your provider might raise your dose after 2 weeks. The maximum recommended dose is 40 mg daily.
Interactions between Olmesartan (Benicar) and other drugs
More on Olmesartan (Benicar) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Benazepril
- Captopril
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Fosinopril
- Lisinopril
- Lithium
- Moexipril
- Perindopril
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Trandolapril
- Trimethoprim
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Celecoxib
- Choline Salicylate
- Clonixin
- Colesevelam
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyrone
- Droxicam
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Proglumetacin
- Propionic Acid
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Valdecoxib
How much does Olmesartan (Benicar) cost?
Olmesartan (Benicar) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Olmesartan (Benicar) will not be safe for you to take.
- Taking at the same time as aliskiren (Tekturna) in people with diabetes
What are alternatives to Olmesartan (Benicar)?
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