Olmesartan Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 28, 2024.

Applies to olmesartan: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of olmesartan

Along with its needed effects, olmesartan 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:

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 olmesartan

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:

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur after the first dose of this medicine, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy.

Check with your doctor right away if you or your child become sick while taking this medicine, especially with severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water, and may lead to low blood pressure. You can also lose water by sweating, so drink plenty of water during exercise or in hot weather.

Severe, chronic diarrhea with weight loss may develop months to years after taking this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have these symptoms.

Ask your doctor before you use medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to olmesartan: oral tablet.

General adverse events

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]

See also:

Further information

Olmesartan 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.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer