Health Library

Olmesartan to Lower Blood Pressure

HCA image Olmesartan (Benicar), an angiotensin II receptor blocker, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of high blood pressure. In studies, the medicine lowered both systolic and diastolic levels (the two values that make up a blood pressure reading).

Angiotensin II is a chemical in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Olmesartan lowers blood pressure by blocking the action of this chemical. There are many other angiotensin II receptor blockers available, like irbesartan (Avapro) and losartan (Cozaar).

Olmesartan can be taken alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medicines. Most people may need to take a combination of drugs (eg, olmesartan with a thiazide medicine) to achieve their target blood pressure.

More About Olmesartan

Olmesartan is taken once a day as an oral tablet. Doses of 20 milligrams (mg) or 40 mg per day may be the most effective for treating high blood pressure.

Benicar is for adults and children (aged 6-16 years) who have high blood pressure.

Most people tolerate olmesartan well. Common side effects may include:

Dizziness

Diarrhea
Headache
Back pain

Two studies found a possible increased risk of death from heart attack or stroke in people with type 2 diabetes who took olmesartan. In 2011, the FDA reviewed these results and concluded that the benefits of taking olmesartan outweigh the possible risks for the treatment of high blood pressure.

High blood pressure, one of the most common conditions in the US, is especially dangerous because it rarely produces symptoms and, if not treated, can lead to heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. The positive news is that high blood pressure can often be controlled by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking medicines. If you are having difficulty controlling your blood pressure with lifestyle changes, talk to your doctor about what types of medicines are available. Depending on your overall health, olmesartan may be recommended for you.

Food and Drug Administration

http://www.fda.gov/

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca/

Public Health Agency of Canada

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/

American Family Physician. Olmesartan (Benicar) for hypertension. American Family Physician website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0815/p673.html. Published August 15, 2005. Accessed June 30, 2010.

Benicar approved for kids with high blood pressure. Womens Health.gov website. Available at: http://www.womenshealth.gov/news/english/635957.htm. Published February 11, 2010. Accessed June 30, 2010.

Olmesartan. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated June 2, 2011. Accessed July 13, 2011.

Olmesartan. EBSCO Health Library, Lexi-Comp website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthLibrary/. Updated December 9, 2009. Accessed June 30, 2010.

US Food and Drug Administration. Benicar (olmesartan): ongoing safety review. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm215249.htm. Updated April 14, 2011. Accessed July 13, 2011.

Last reviewed July 2011 by Brian Randall, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.