Side Effects of Olmesartan Medoxomil

Olmesartan medoxomil is a medication prescribed under the brand name Benicar to control high blood pressure. It relaxes the blood vessels, allowing them to expand and blood pressure to fall. Some people take olmesartan medoxomil to treat Lyme disease and sarcoidosis. Side effects are uncommon.

Most Common Effect

• In clinical studies with olmesartan medoxomil, as noted by eMedTV, dizziness was the only somewhat common side effect, experienced by three in 100 participants. No other side effects were reported in more than one of 100 people taking this medication.

Less Common Effects

• Less common side effects in the clinical studies included hair loss, heartburn, high cholesterol, indigestion and vertigo.

Other Side Effects

• The U.S. National Institutes of Health lists some negative side effects reported after Benicar was approved and marketed to the public. These include hives, increased creatinine levels, kidney failure, weakness and vomiting. The Physicians' Desktop Reference also lists gout and upper respiratory infection as possible side effects.

Low Blood Pressure

• Olmesartan medoxomil can cause a severe drop in blood pressure, particularly when the patient first starts taking the drug. This is more likely in people taking a diuretic, who are on dialysis or who have congestive heart failure. Symptoms include dizziness and lightheadedness when getting up from a sitting or lying down position. Fainting is possible with very low blood pressure.

Pregnancy Considerations

• Pregnant women should not take olmesartan medoxomil because it can cause serious birth defects and even death to the unborn baby.

Allergic Reaction

• Rarely, people have an allergic reaction to olmesartan medoxomil. Signs are rash or hives, itching, swelling of the head or neck, wheezing and difficulty breathing or swallowing.