Olmesartan Side Effects
Some side effects of olmesartan may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.
For the Consumer
Applies to olmesartan: oral tablet
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking olmesartan: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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little or no urinating;
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chest pain, fast heart rate; or
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swelling in your hands or feet.
Common side effects may include:
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dizziness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to olmesartan: oral tablet
Nervous system
Nervous system side effects have included dizziness (3% vs. 1% with placebo), vertigo (0.5% to 1% with placebo), and insomnia (0.5% to 1% with placebo). Asthenia has been reported in postmarketing experience.
Respiratory
Respiratory side effects have included cough (0.9% vs. 0.7% with placebo), bronchitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and upper respiratory tract infection.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal side effects including abdominal pain, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, and nausea have been reported in 0.5% to 1% of patients. Vomiting has been reported in postmarketing experience. Diarrhea has been reported in more than 1% of patients but at the same or greater incidence than placebo.
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects including tachycardia, chest pain, and peripheral edema have been reported in 0.5% to 1% of patients. At least 5 cases of facial edema and at least one case of olmesartan-induced angioedema, which resolved over 7 to 10 days after discontinuing olmesartan, have been reported.
Metabolic
Metabolic side effects have included hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Hyperkalemia has been reported in postmarketing experience.
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal side effects including arthralgia, arthritis, myalgia, and skeletal pain have been reported in 0.5% to 1% of patients. Rhabdomyolysis have been reported during postmarketing experience in patients receiving angiotensin II receptor blockers.
Dermatologic
Dermatologic side effects have included rash (0.5% to 1%), alopecia, pruritus, and urticaria.
Genitourinary
Genitourinary side effects including urinary tract infection have been reported in 0.5% to 1% of patients. Hematuria has been reported in more than 1% of patients but at the same or greater incidence than placebo.
Hematologic
Hematologic side effects have included decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit.
Hepatic
Hepatic side effects have rarely included liver enzyme and serum bilirubin elevations.
Other
Other side effects including back pain, increased creatine phosphokinase, headache, inflicted injury, influenza-like symptoms, and have been reported in more than 1% of patients but at the same or greater incidence than placebo. Fatigue and pain have been reported in 0.5% to 1% of patients.
Renal
Renal side effects associated with ACE inhibitors have included increases in serum creatinine or BUN in patients with renal artery stenosis. Acute renal failure and increased serum creatinine levels have been reported in postmarketing experience.
Hypersensitivity
Hypersensitivity side effects including rare cases of angioedema and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients receiving olmesartan.
More olmesartan resources
- olmesartan MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- olmesartan Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Benicar Consumer Overview
- Benicar Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Olmesartan Medoxomil Monograph (AHFS DI)
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