Benicar Side Effects
Generic name: olmesartan
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 26, 2023.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Benicar Side Effects associated with olmesartan. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Benicar.
Applies to olmesartan: oral tablet.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Oral route (tablet)
Discontinue olmesartan medoxomil as soon as possible once pregnancy is detected since drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can case injury and death in a developing fetus.
Serious side effects of Benicar
Along with its needed effects, olmesartan (the active ingredient contained in Benicar) 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 while taking olmesartan:
Less common
- blood in the urine
- body aches or pain
- chills
- cough or cough producing mucus
- difficulty with breathing
- ear congestion
- fever
- headache
- loss of voice
- runny or stuffy nose
- sneezing
- sore throat
- tightness in the chest
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Rare
- bladder pain
- bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
- chest pain
- 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
- hives or itching
- 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 while taking olmesartan:
Symptoms of overdose
- blurred vision
- chest pain or discomfort
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness
- sweating
Other side effects of Benicar
Some side effects of olmesartan 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
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- 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
- heartburn
- 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
For healthcare professionals
Applies to olmesartan: oral tablet.
General
The most common side effect in adults was dizziness.[Ref]
Nervous system
- Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache[Ref]
Respiratory
- Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection, coughing, nasopharyngitis, pharyngolaryngeal pain, rhinorrhea[Ref]
Other
- Common (1% to 10%): Influenza-like symptoms, chest pain, fatigue, peripheral edema, pain, inflicted injury, fever
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo, asthenia, malaise
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Lethargy[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, gastroenteritis, nausea, tooth ache, abdominal pain, vomiting, dyspepsia
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspepsia
- Very rare (less than 0.01%): Sprue-like enteropathy[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
- Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, creatine phosphokinase increased, gout, arthralgia, arthritis, skeletal pain
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Myalgia
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Muscle spasm
- Postmarketing reports: Rhabdomyolysis[Ref]
Metabolic
- Common (1% to 10%): Hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperuricemia, pseudohyperkalemia
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipemia
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Hyperkalemia[Ref]
Hepatic
- Common (1% to 10%): GGT increased, AST increased, ALT increased, hepatic enzymes increased
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bilirubinemia
- Frequency not reported: Serum bilirubin elevated[Ref]
Genitourinary
Psychiatric
- Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, insomnia[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Common (1% to 10%): Hyperhidrosis
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash, exanthema, allergic dermatitis, urticaria, pruritus, face edema
- Postmarketing reports: Alopecia[Ref]
Immunologic
- Common (1% to 10%): Influenza
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anaphylactic reaction
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Angioedema[Ref]
Renal
- Common (1% to 10%): Blood urea increased
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Acute renal failure, renal insufficiency, blood creatinine increased[Ref]
Cardiovascular
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tachycardia, angina pectoris
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypotension[Ref]
Hematologic
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Thrombocytopenia
- Frequency not reported: Small decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit[Ref]
References
1. (2002) "Product Information. Benicar (olmesartan)." Sankyo Pharma
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
More about Benicar (olmesartan)
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Further information
Benicar side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.