Olmesartan (Benicar): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

What is olmesartan used for?

Olmesartan is commonly used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension).

Olmesartan may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does olmesartan work (mechanism of action)?

Olmesartan blocks receptors in your body that normally bind to a hormone called angiotensin II. When angiotensin II binds to these receptors, it causes your blood vessels to constrict. Blocking these receptors help your blood vessels relax so that blood can move through them more easily. This can help lower blood pressure and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

How is olmesartan supplied (dosage forms)?

Olmesartan is available as Benicar and generic olmesartan in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

5 mg oral tablets
20 mg oral tablets
40 mg oral tablets

How should I store olmesartan?

Irbesartan should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of olmesartan?

The most common side effects of olmesartan are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Dizziness

There may be other side effects of olmesartan that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of olmesartan?

While less common, the most serious side effects of olmesartan are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Olmesartan may cause low blood pressure in people with low levels of fluids or salt. This can happen especially in people taking a medicine that causes you to pee more often (diuretic). If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Confusion
Feeling weak or tired

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking olmesartan. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

Reduced need to pee
Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
Weakness or unusual tiredness
Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
Confusion
Nausea
Seizures

High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Olmesartan can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.

Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
Nausea or vomiting
Trouble breathing
Abnormal heart rhythm

Diarrhea. Olmesartan may cause severe or persistent diarrhea. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following.

Severe diarrhea and weight loss
Diarrhea that does not go away
Diarrhea with weakness, dizziness, or fever

Severe Allergic Reactions. Olmesartan may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using olmesartan and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Breathing problems or wheezing
Racing heart
Fever or general ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes
Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
Stomach cramps
Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use olmesartan?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use olmesartan.

Benicar
Olmesartan
Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific olmesartan products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Olmesartan should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines and have diabetes. Before taking olmesartan, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about olmesartan before using it?

Do not take olmesartan unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share olmesartan with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep olmesartan out of the reach of children.

Your pharmacist can make a liquid form of this medicine. If you take this form, keep it refrigerated, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C), for up to 4 weeks. Before each use, shake the liquid medicine. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

Olmesartan can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how olmesartan affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using olmesartan?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if olmesartan is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Heart problems
Kidney problems
Diabetes
Electrolyte imbalance, such as high or low levels of sodium or potassium
Persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea

Pregnancy. Olmesartan can cause death or serious harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking olmesartan right away and contact your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if olmesartan passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop olmesartan.

Interactions

Does olmesartan interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between olmesartan and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect olmesartan. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking olmesartan.

Does olmesartan interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking olmesartan.

Aliskiren (Tekturna), which is a medicine for high blood pressure
A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium
A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
Colesevelam (Welchol), which is a medicine for high cholesterol and high blood sugar from type 2 diabetes
An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
Any medicine for high blood pressure

Does Olmesartan MEDOXOMIL interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much olmesartan?

If you or someone else has used too much olmesartan, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of olmesartan?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.