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olmesartan
Used for Hypertension
Used for Hypertension
Olmesartan medoxomil, also known by its brand name Benicar, treats high blood pressure in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It's an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by widening and relaxing your blood vessels. Olmesartan (Benicar) comes as tablets that are taken by mouth once a day. The dosage is typically started low and slowly raised based on your blood pressure. Most people usually don't have many side effects, though few have had 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). It works by blocking a hormone called angiotensin II. This hormone makes your blood vessels narrow, which raises your blood pressure.
By blocking angiotensin II, olmesartan (Benicar) helps your blood vessels relax and widen. This helps lower your blood pressure.
When does Olmesartan (Benicar) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Benicar |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | ARB |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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
- Diarrhea
- Hair loss
- Rash
Olmesartan (Benicar) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Very low blood pressure: dizziness, lightheadedness, pale skin, feeling faint
- Serious kidney problems: urinating less often than usual; swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands; unexplained weight gain
- High potassium levels: nausea, muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeat
- Severe diarrhea: watery bowel movements 10 to 20 times daily, nausea, weight loss
When do Olmesartan (Benicar) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Dizziness
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.
Pros and cons of Olmesartan (Benicar)
Pros
- A first-choice blood pressure medication
- Taken once a day
- Can be made into a suspension (liquid) for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
Cons
- Can raise potassium levels
- Rare risk of severe, long-lasting diarrhea
- Not safe to take during pregnancy
Pharmacist tips for Olmesartan (Benicar)
- Take olmesartan (Benicar) once a day, with or without food. You can take it at any time of the day. Try to take it around the same time each day to help you remember.
- If you have trouble swallowing olmesartan (Benicar) tablets, ask your pharmacist about a liquid form. A pharmacist can make a liquid from the tablets. If you use this liquid, shake it well before each dose and keep it in the fridge. Throw away any liquid left after 4 weeks.
- Keep taking olmesartan (Benicar) every day, even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Don't stop taking it or change your dose without talking to your prescriber because it can make your blood pressure spike. Keeping your blood pressure under control helps lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Check your blood pressure at home as your care team recommends. Write down your readings and bring them to your medical visits. This helps your care team see how well olmesartan (Benicar) is working. This also helps them decide if they need to adjust your treatment to control your blood pressure better.
- Get your routine blood tests done while taking olmesartan (Benicar). Your prescriber might check your potassium levels and kidney health. These tests help make sure the medication is safe for you.
- You might feel dizzy when you first start olmesartan (Benicar) or when your dose goes up. This should get better as you keep taking the medication and your body gets used to your new blood pressure. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until you feel better. Tell your prescriber if the dizziness doesn't go away or you feel faint.
- Tell your prescriber if you have severe diarrhea that doesn't get better over time. This can be a rare but serious side effect of olmesartan (Benicar). It can happen even months or years after starting the medication. Severe diarrhea can lead to weight loss or dehydration.
- Check with your prescriber or pharmacist before starting any new medications or supplements. Olmesartan (Benicar) can interact with some medications. This can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil). It's also risky to take potassium supplements, certain salt substitutes, and other medications that can raise your potassium levels. Your care team can tell you which products are safe to take with olmesartan (Benicar).
- If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant: Talk your prescriber. Olmesartan (Benicar) can seriously harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking it, stop taking the medication and tell your prescriber right away. Your prescriber can help you find a safer blood pressure medication.
- If you're breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed: Tell your prescriber. It's not known if olmesartan (Benicar) passes into breast milk or how it might affect your baby. Talk to your prescriber or a lactation expert about the risks and benefits. They can help suggest safe feeding options.
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 an unborn baby
Don't take olmesartan (Benicar) if you're pregnant. This medication can seriously harm your unborn baby, especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. It can affect how your baby's kidneys, lungs, and bones develop. This can be life-threatening.
If you become pregnant while taking olmesartan (Benicar), stop taking it and tell your prescriber right away. If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk to your prescriber about safer medications to control your blood pressure.
Low blood pressure
- Risk factors: Not enough fluid in your body | Having diarrhea or vomiting for a long time | Low salt levels in your body | Taking higher doses of diuretics (water pills)
Olmesartan (Benicar) can sometimes cause your blood pressure to drop too low. This can make you feel dizzy, tired, or lightheaded. The risk might be higher when you first start taking olmesartan (Benicar) or when your dose goes up. You might also be at higher risk if you also take high doses of water pills or if you're dehydrated from diarrhea or vomiting.
Make sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until you feel better. Tell your care team know if you often feel dizzy, weak, or faint while taking olmesartan (Benicar). Get medical help right away if you faint or fall and hit your head.
Possible worsening of kidney problems in certain people
- Risk factors: Kidney problems (e.g., narrowed arteries in the kidneys) | Severe heart failure | Taking medications that affect your kidneys
In some people, olmesartan (Benicar) can make the kidneys work less well. The risk might be higher if you have certain types of kidney problems, such as narrowed arteries in your kidneys, or severe heart failure. It can also be higher if you take other medications that can affect your kidneys. In rare cases, this can lead to kidney failure.
Your prescriber might order blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working while you're taking olmesartan (Benicar). Tell your care team if you're urinating less than usual or notice new swelling. These can be signs of kidney problems.
High potassium levels
- Risk factors: Taking other medications or supplements that can raise potassium levels | Diabetes | Kidney problems
Olmesartan (Benicar) can raise your potassium levels. It can be dangerous if they get too high. Your risk might be higher if you have diabetes or kidney problems. It can also be higher if you take other medications or supplements that raise potassium. Tell your care team about your health conditions and the medications you take.
Symptoms of high potassium can include tiredness, nausea, muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling. It might also cause an irregular heartbeat. Tell your care team right away if you notice these symptoms while taking olmesartan (Benicar). Your prescriber might check your potassium levels with a blood test.
Severe, long-lasting diarrhea (sprue-like enteropathy)
In rare cases, people who've taken olmesartan (Benicar) have had severe, long-lasting diarrhea. This is called sprue-like enteropathy. It can happen months or even years after starting the medication. You might also have weight loss, stomach pain, bloating, nausea, or tiredness.
Tell your prescriber right away if you have severe diarrhea that doesn't get better while taking olmesartan (Benicar). Drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes to help prevent dehydration.
Olmesartan (Benicar) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 40mg of Olmesartan (Benicar) is $12.58 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 87.94% off the average retail price of $104.33. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 90 tablets | $21.50 | $0.24 |
| 20mg | 90 tablets | $23.20 | $0.26 |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $12.58 | $0.42 |
Typical dosage for Olmesartan (Benicar)
-
Adults: The typical starting dose is 20 mg by mouth once daily. If you need more blood pressure control, your prescriber might raise your dose after 2 weeks. The maximum recommended dose is 40 mg daily.
-
Children ages 6 years and older: The dose depends on body weight. If your child needs more blood pressure control, their prescriber might raise the dose after 2 weeks.
- Weighing 44 to 76 pounds: The typical starting dose is 10 mg by mouth once daily. The maximum recommended dose is 20 mg daily.
- Weighing 77 pounds and over: The typical starting dose is 20 mg by mouth once daily. The maximum recommended dose is 40 mg daily.
Interactions between Olmesartan (Benicar) and other drugs
Olmesartan (Benicar) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Olmesartan (Benicar). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
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?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
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) for people with diabetes
What are alternatives to Olmesartan (Benicar)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Olmesartan (Benicar). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Olmesartan (Benicar)
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Olmesartan (Benicar) images
