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Olmesartan: uses, side effects & brands
Olmesartan is an ARB for high blood pressure, taken once daily. It belongs to the ARB (blood pressure) group. ARBs relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys, without the cough that ACE inhibitors can cause.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | ARB (blood pressure) |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- High blood pressure
- High blood pressure in children and teens (specialist use)
- Often combined with amlodipine or a water tablet for better control
Common brand names
- India: Olmy, Olmat, Benitec
- Worldwide: Benicar, Olmetec
Common side effects
- Dizziness, especially at first
- Headache
- Tiredness or flu-like symptoms
- Rarely, raised blood potassium
Before taking it — precautions
- Not to be used in pregnancy — tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be
- Kidney function and blood potassium are checked with blood tests
- Tell your doctor about potassium supplements, salt substitutes, pain killers (NSAIDs) or water tablets
When to see a doctor urgently
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat (rare — urgent)
- Severe, long-lasting diarrhoea with weight loss (a rare gut reaction)
- Fainting or very low blood pressure
Frequently asked questions
Does olmesartan cause a cough like ACE inhibitors?
A dry cough is much less common with ARBs like olmesartan than with ACE inhibitors such as ramipril.
Why should I report long-lasting diarrhoea on olmesartan?
Rarely, olmesartan causes a gut reaction with severe chronic diarrhoea and weight loss, sometimes months or years after starting. It settles when the medicine is stopped, so tell your doctor.
Is olmesartan used for heart failure?
No — olmesartan is used for high blood pressure. Other ARBs such as valsartan or candesartan are the ones used in heart failure.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.