Olmesartan Side Effects

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

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 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:

Less common side effects

• 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 side effects

• 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 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:

Less common side effects

• 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 side effects

• 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 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]

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