Benicar (Olmesartan): Uses, Side Effects & Information

Benicar is the brand name for the medication olmesartan, mainly used to treat high blood pressure. Distributed by Sankyo Pharma Inc., Benicar is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, a type of drug which stops blood vessels from narrowing. Some people use it for the off-label (unapproved) purposes of treating Lyme disease and sarcoidosis. Side effects are uncommon.

Most Common Effect

• In clinical studies with Benicar, the most common side effect only occurred in about three people in 100, and that was dizziness.

Other Possible Effects

• Other possible Benicar side effects include abdominal pain, coughing, diarrhea, headache, increased perspiration, nasal congestion, joint or back pain, sore throat and weakness.

Pregnancy Considerations

• Pregnant women should not take Benicar during the second two trimesters because it can cause birth defects and even be fatal to the unborn baby.

Allergic Reaction

• Some people rarely have an allergic reaction to Benicar. Symptoms include a rash or hives, difficulty breathing and facial or mouth swelling.

Warning

• Very rarely, Benicar can cause rhabdomyolysis, a disorder which involves breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue. This breakdown releases proteins into the bloodstream, which can cause kidney damage. Symptoms include muscle pain or weakness, fever, nausea and dark-colored urine.