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Olmesartan Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 26, 2022.

Applies to olmesartan: oral extemporaneous suspension, oral tablets.

Warning

  • May cause fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality if used during pregnancy.1 31 42 43 44 (See Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality under Cautions.)

  • If pregnancy is detected, discontinue as soon as possible.1 31 43 44

Side effects include:

Dizziness, back pain, bronchitis, diarrhea, headache, hematuria, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, influenza-like symptoms, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infection.

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." O 0

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0

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.