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Benicar Side Effects

Generic name: olmesartan

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about olmesartan. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Benicar.

Applies to olmesartan: oral tablet.

Warning

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

Rare

Incidence not known

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking olmesartan:

Symptoms of overdose

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

Rare

Incidence not known

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

Common (1% to 10%): Hematuria, impotence, urinary tract infection[Ref]

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. Product Information. Benicar (olmesartan). Sankyo Pharma. 2002.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

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.