Benicar (generic name: olmesartan, brand names include: Olmetec / Olmezest / Olmecip) is a type of high blood pressure medication called an angiotensin receptor blocker or ARB. This medication blocks the action of a substance in the body called angiotensin II that increases blood pressure.
Benicar is indicated for the treatment of hypertension in adults and in certain pediatric patients. It can be used by itself or combined with other blood pressure medicines to help reach target blood pressure goals and reduce cardiovascular risk. While ARBs like olmesartan are not a cure, lowering blood pressure significantly lowers the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney complications, and other hypertension-related problems. Although clonidine also lowers blood pressure, it works through a different mechanism; if you are comparing options, your prescriber can help determine whether an ARB such as Benicar or another agent is a better fit for your overall health plan. For informational reading, see Clonidine pills.
What is Benicar (olmesartan)? Key facts for patients
Benicar is the brand name for olmesartan medoxomil, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). By selectively blocking the AT1 receptor, it prevents angiotensin II from constricting blood vessels and stimulating aldosterone. The result is relaxation of blood vessels, improved blood flow, and a reduction in blood pressure.
Benicar is commonly prescribed when lifestyle changes alone are not enough, or when other first-line medications such as thiazide diuretics are not sufficient. It is also a frequent choice for people who develop cough with ACE inhibitors. Benicar is available as a stand-alone medicine (olmesartan) and in a combination product with hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT) when a single agent does not achieve adequate control.
How Benicar (olmesartan) works in hypertension
The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) tightly regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Angiotensin II is a potent chemical messenger within that system, causing vasoconstriction and promoting sodium retention. Benicar blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor on vascular smooth muscle and adrenal tissue. This blockade:
- Relaxes and widens arteries (vasodilation), lowering systemic vascular resistance
- Reduces aldosterone effects, helping the body excrete excess sodium and water
- Lowers blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner without significantly affecting heart rate
Initial blood pressure improvements are often seen within 1 to 2 weeks, with the maximum effect typically reached by 4 to 8 weeks of regular use.
Who can benefit from Benicar?
Benicar is indicated for adults with elevated blood pressure and may be used in certain children 6 years of age and older with hypertension. It can be particularly useful for people who:
- Need once-daily blood pressure control with a well-tolerated agent
- Experienced cough or angioedema with ACE inhibitors (though angioedema can rarely occur with ARBs)
- Require combination therapy; Benicar can be paired with thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers
Note: In some patients of African ancestry, ARBs used alone may have a smaller blood pressure effect than in other groups; combining with a thiazide diuretic often improves response.
Recommendations
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Benicar exactly as directed by your doctor.
Take Benicar by mouth with or without food.
It may take up to 2 weeks before you feel the full benefit of Benicar. Continue to take Benicar even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor.
If you miss a dose of Benicar, take it as soon as possible. If you are only taking one dose a day and do not remember your missed dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Store this medication at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture. For any questions about how to store or use Benicar, feel free to contact our support team or call your pharmacist for additional information.
Benicar dosage and administration (educational overview)
The appropriate dose is individualized. The information below is general and not a substitute for your prescriber’s instructions.
- Typical adult dosing: Many adults start at 20 mg once daily; some require 40 mg once daily for adequate control. Doses beyond 40 mg daily are not usually more effective.
- Pediatric use: In children 6 to 16 years, dosing is weight-based and determined by a pediatric clinician. Benicar is not established in children under 6 years.
- Combination therapy: If one agent is not enough, your prescriber may add a thiazide diuretic (for example, hydrochlorothiazide as Benicar HCT) or a calcium channel blocker.
- Consistency: Take Benicar at the same time each day to help maintain steady blood levels and support routine adherence.
- Onset and reassessment: Blood pressure response is usually assessed after 2 to 4 weeks; adjustments are made based on readings and tolerability.
Do not change your dose or stop Benicar on your own, even if your blood pressure numbers improve. Suddenly stopping may cause your blood pressure to rise again.
Precautions
Before taking Benicar, tell your doctor if:
- You are allergic to any medicines or have other medical conditions;
- You are currently taking diuretics (water pills);
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Some common side effects of Benicar include dizziness, nausea, and potential symptoms of fatigue. In rare cases, Benicar may also cause side effects such as skin reactions, headache, and loss of appetite. Make sure to discuss any side effects with your healthcare provider to ensure proper treatment and care. For additional safety, regularly check for signs of unusual side effects that may need medical attention. It is essential to follow your prescribed dose and contact your doctor if any adverse symptoms persist.
Important warnings and safety information
- Pregnancy warning (boxed warning): Medicines that act on the RAAS, including Benicar, can harm or cause death to an unborn baby, especially during the second and third trimesters. If you become pregnant, stop Benicar and contact your healthcare provider right away.
- Sprue-like enteropathy: Olmesartan has been associated with severe, chronic diarrhea and weight loss, sometimes occurring months to years after starting. If you develop persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, tell your clinician. Symptoms often resolve after stopping the drug.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension): Risk is higher if you are dehydrated, on high-dose diuretics, have diarrhea/vomiting, or are on a low-salt diet. Dizziness or fainting can occur, especially after the first doses.
- Kidney function changes: ARBs can affect kidney function, particularly in those with renal artery stenosis, chronic kidney disease, or when combined with NSAIDs or diuretics. Your prescriber may check kidney function and potassium.
- High potassium (hyperkalemia): Risk increases when used with potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium, potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone), or in kidney disease. Your clinician may monitor your potassium levels.
- Angioedema: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat is rare but serious. Seek urgent care if these symptoms occur. Prior angioedema with ACE inhibitors may increase risk with ARBs.
- Liver disease: Use caution in moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Your prescriber may choose a lower starting dose or alternative therapy.
- Driving and machinery: Dizziness can occur. Until you know how Benicar affects you, use caution with activities requiring alertness.
Drug interactions: what to avoid or discuss with your clinician
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen): May reduce the blood pressure–lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney function changes—especially in older adults or those who are volume depleted.
- Potassium-raising agents: Potassium supplements, salt substitutes, potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, eplerenone, amiloride, triamterene) can increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
- Lithium: Concomitant use can increase lithium levels and toxicity; monitoring or alternative therapy may be necessary.
- Aliskiren and other RAAS blockers: Dual blockade of the RAAS (ACE inhibitor + ARB, or ARB + aliskiren) increases the risk of kidney impairment, low blood pressure, and high potassium; generally not recommended. In patients with diabetes, do not combine olmesartan with aliskiren.
- Bile acid sequestrants (e.g., colesevelam): Can reduce olmesartan absorption; if both are prescribed, your clinician may advise taking olmesartan at least 4 hours before colesevelam.
- Alcohol: May enhance blood pressure–lowering effects and dizziness.
- Herbals and supplements: Discuss any supplements with your clinician; products that affect potassium or blood pressure may interact.
Side effects: what you may notice on Benicar
Most people tolerate Benicar well. When side effects occur, they are often mild and may diminish as your body adjusts.
- Common: Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially after starting or increasing the dose), headache, back pain, fatigue.
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, abdominal discomfort, or diarrhea; report persistent diarrhea given the rare risk of sprue-like enteropathy.
- Respiratory: Upper respiratory symptoms or cough are less common than with ACE inhibitors.
- Skin: Rash or pruritus in some individuals; stop and seek care for swelling of lips or tongue (angioedema).
- Laboratory: Increases in blood potassium or changes in kidney function tests can occur; regular monitoring helps detect issues early.
Seek urgent medical help if you experience swelling of the face or throat, severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or signs of an allergic reaction.
How to get the most from Benicar therapy
- Take consistently: Same time each day, with or without food.
- Monitor at home: If you have a home blood pressure monitor, record readings at consistent times and share them with your clinician.
- Supportive lifestyle: Limit sodium, follow a heart-healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, exercise as advised, avoid tobacco, and moderate alcohol.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can increase the risk of low blood pressure and kidney issues.
- Keep appointments: Periodic lab work to check kidney function and potassium is often recommended.
Comparing Benicar to other blood pressure medications
Within the ARB class, options include losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, candesartan, telmisartan, and others. Differences include dosing frequency, interaction profiles, and data in specific conditions. For example:
- Losartan: May require twice-daily dosing in some patients; has uricosuric properties that can help in gout.
- Valsartan: Widely used; available in several fixed-dose combinations.
- Telmisartan: Long half-life; can be advantageous for 24-hour control in some cases.
Effectiveness varies by individual. Your clinician will choose based on your blood pressure profile, comorbidities, medication list, and tolerance.
Special populations
- Older adults: Start low and monitor for dizziness or kidney function changes.
- Kidney impairment: ARBs are often used in chronic kidney disease to protect kidney function, especially in proteinuric disease, but require monitoring of serum creatinine and potassium.
- Liver impairment: Use with caution in moderate to severe hepatic dysfunction.
- Pregnancy: Do not use during pregnancy. If planning pregnancy, discuss alternative blood pressure medications with your prescriber in advance.
- Breastfeeding: Limited data; discuss risks and alternatives with your clinician.
Ingredients
Active ingredient: olmesartan medoxomil.
Formulations and strengths
- Olmesartan tablets: Common strengths include 5 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg.
- Fixed-dose combination: Olmesartan with hydrochlorothiazide (Benicar HCT) is available in several strength combinations when combination therapy is needed.
Storage, handling, and adherence tips
- Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Keep in the original container with the label intact so you can easily reference dosing and refills.
- Use a pill organizer or set daily reminders to support consistent use.
- Do not share your medication with others and keep out of reach of children and pets.
When to contact your healthcare provider
- Blood pressure remains above goal after several weeks of therapy.
- Symptoms of low blood pressure (fainting, severe dizziness) occur, especially after starting or increasing the dose.
- Signs of high potassium: muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat.
- Persistent diarrhea or unexplained weight loss develops.
- You become pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or start breastfeeding.
- Any severe or unusual side effects appear.
Benicar U.S. Sale and Prescription Policy
In the United States, Benicar (olmesartan) is a prescription medication. By federal law, pharmacies dispense it only pursuant to a valid prescription from a licensed clinician after an appropriate evaluation. Many states and payers allow that evaluation to occur via telehealth, which enables safe and convenient access without requiring an in‑person visit in every case.
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital at Martin supports a legal and structured pathway for eligible adults to obtain Benicar without submitting a prior, existing prescription. This pathway involves a compliant telehealth intake, review of your medical history and current medications by a licensed clinician, and, when appropriate, issuance of a prescription that is then filled and shipped by a licensed pharmacy. This ensures access that is convenient yet fully aligned with U.S. regulations and patient safety standards.
Key points to understand:
- Benicar remains a prescription-only medicine in the U.S.; no medication is shipped without a clinician’s authorization.
- Telehealth evaluations satisfy the requirement for a legitimate medical assessment in jurisdictions where permitted.
- Patients may need recent blood pressure readings and a current medication/allergy list to support safe prescribing.
- Some individuals will not be approved (for example, those who are pregnant, have certain medical contraindications, or require in‑person evaluation).
- Orders are dispensed by licensed pharmacies, and counseling is available to support safe use and adherence.
If you have questions about eligibility, telehealth intake, or pharmacy fulfillment, our support team can guide you through the process and help coordinate a clinician review while maintaining strict privacy and regulatory compliance.
Benicar FAQ
What is Benicar (olmesartan) and how does it work?
Benicar is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure. It blocks the AT1 receptor, relaxing blood vessels, lowering resistance, and reducing blood pressure to help protect the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels.
What conditions does Benicar treat?
Benicar is primarily prescribed for hypertension in adults and in certain children. It may also be used off-label to reduce protein in the urine in kidney disease, guided by a clinician.
How long does Benicar take to lower blood pressure?
You may see improvement within 1 week, with full effect in 2–4 weeks. Your clinician may adjust the dose after assessing your response and readings.
How should I take Benicar for best results?
Take it once daily at the same time each day, with or without food. Consistency matters more than timing; choose a time you can stick to long-term.
What is the usual Benicar dose?
Most adults start at 20 mg once daily and may increase to 40 mg if needed. People on diuretics or at risk for low blood pressure may start lower and titrate under medical supervision.
What are the common side effects of Benicar?
Dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and mild gastrointestinal upset can occur, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Most effects are mild and improve as your body adjusts.
What serious side effects should I watch for with Benicar?
Call your clinician for severe or ongoing diarrhea with weight loss (rare sprue-like enteropathy), facial or throat swelling (angioedema), fainting, little or no urination, or signs of high potassium such as muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat. These require prompt evaluation.
Who should not take Benicar?
Do not use Benicar if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. It is not recommended with aliskiren in people with diabetes, and it should be used cautiously or avoided in bilateral renal artery stenosis; always review your medical history with your clinician.
Will Benicar cause a cough like ACE inhibitors?
Cough is uncommon with ARBs like Benicar and far less frequent than with ACE inhibitors. If you had ACE-inhibitor cough, an ARB is often a good alternative.
Do I need lab tests while taking Benicar?
Yes. Periodic checks of kidney function (creatinine/eGFR) and potassium are recommended, especially after starting or changing the dose, adding a diuretic, or if you have kidney disease.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Benicar?
Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to your next dose. Do not double up; resume your regular schedule.
Can I stop Benicar once my blood pressure is controlled?
Blood pressure usually rises again if you stop. Discuss any changes with your clinician; many people need long-term therapy, sometimes with lifestyle improvements enabling dose reductions.
Is there a generic for Benicar, and is it as good?
Yes, generic olmesartan is available and considered bioequivalent to Benicar. Most patients do equally well on the generic, which is typically more affordable.
Can children take Benicar?
Olmesartan is approved for certain children aged 6–16 with hypertension. Dosing is weight-based, and a pediatric specialist should oversee treatment and monitoring.
Does Benicar work equally well for everyone?
ARBs can be less effective as single therapy in some Black patients; combining with a thiazide diuretic or a calcium channel blocker often optimizes control. Individual response varies, so monitoring and adjustments are common.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Benicar?
Moderate alcohol may amplify dizziness or drops in blood pressure, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Limit alcohol, rise slowly from sitting or lying positions, and avoid driving until you know how you respond.
Is Benicar safe during pregnancy?
No. Benicar carries a boxed warning for fetal toxicity, especially in the second and third trimesters, and should be stopped immediately if pregnancy occurs. If you could become pregnant, use effective contraception and discuss safer alternatives.
Can I take Benicar while breastfeeding?
Data are limited; ARBs are generally not preferred during breastfeeding, especially with newborns or preterm infants. Discuss risks and alternatives with your clinician.
Should I stop Benicar before surgery or anesthesia?
Many anesthesiologists recommend holding ACE inhibitors/ARBs the morning of surgery to reduce the risk of intraoperative low blood pressure. Confirm the plan with your surgeon/anesthesiologist 24–48 hours before the procedure.
What should I do if I get dehydrated, have vomiting/diarrhea, or a high fever while on Benicar?
Dehydration can increase the risk of low blood pressure and acute kidney injury. Follow “sick day” rules: temporarily hold Benicar and other kidney-stressing drugs during significant illness and restart when eating and drinking normally—check with your clinician.
Is Benicar safe if I have kidney disease?
ARBs can protect kidneys long-term, but they may cause a small, expected rise in creatinine after starting. Your clinician will monitor kidney function and potassium and adjust the dose or regimen as needed; avoid use in bilateral renal artery stenosis.
Can I use salt substitutes or potassium supplements with Benicar?
Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes and use caution with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics. High potassium is a risk with ARBs; ask your clinician before making dietary or supplement changes.
Benicar vs losartan: which is better?
Both are ARBs that lower blood pressure effectively. Benicar may lower BP slightly more in some studies, while losartan has added uric acid–lowering benefits helpful in gout; both are available generically, and choice often depends on response, comorbidities, and cost.
Benicar vs valsartan: how do they compare?
They offer similar blood pressure control and side-effect profiles. Valsartan is widely used and well-studied; Benicar can be slightly more potent milligram-for-milligram for BP lowering in some patients—either is reasonable.
Benicar vs irbesartan: which should I choose?
Both are effective ARBs; irbesartan has an FDA indication for diabetic nephropathy, while Benicar is commonly used for hypertension and can reduce proteinuria off-label. Selection depends on kidney goals, response, and tolerability.
Benicar vs candesartan: what’s different?
Candesartan is similarly potent and has strong evidence in heart failure (an indication Benicar does not have). For pure hypertension, either works well; comorbid heart failure may favor candesartan.
Benicar vs telmisartan: which lasts longer?
Telmisartan has one of the longest half-lives among ARBs and maintains robust 24-hour control, especially if you miss a dose. Benicar also provides reliable once-daily control; individual response guides choice.
Benicar vs azilsartan: is one stronger?
Head-to-head data suggest azilsartan can produce larger average BP reductions at comparable doses. Outcome advantages are not proven; cost, availability, and personal response remain key.
Benicar vs eprosartan: any advantages?
Both lower blood pressure, but eprosartan is used less often today and may require twice-daily dosing for some. Benicar’s once-daily dosing and potency make it a common choice.
Benicar vs Benicar HCT (olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide): when to use the combo?
If Benicar alone doesn’t reach targets, adding HCTZ in a single pill improves BP, especially in salt-sensitive or Black patients. The combo increases diuretic-related risks like low sodium or potassium, so labs should be monitored.
Benicar vs generic olmesartan: is there a difference?
They contain the same active ingredient and are FDA-rated bioequivalent. Most patients have identical blood pressure control and side effects; generic is usually more cost-effective.
Is Benicar the best ARB for kidney protection?
All ARBs help reduce proteinuria and protect kidneys; losartan and irbesartan have specific diabetic nephropathy indications. Benicar can be effective for renal protection, but the labeled evidence base favors losartan/irbesartan for diabetes-related kidney disease.
Benicar vs other ARBs for gout or high uric acid?
Losartan uniquely lowers uric acid and may reduce gout flares. Benicar is neutral on uric acid, so patients with gout often prefer losartan if blood pressure control is comparable.
Which ARB provides the most consistent 24-hour blood pressure control?
Telmisartan and azilsartan have very long durations and excellent trough coverage; candesartan and olmesartan (Benicar) also provide strong 24-hour control at appropriate doses. Your home BP readings, especially morning values, help identify the best fit for you.