Olmesartan, sold under the brand name Benicar among others, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).[1] It is taken orally (swallowed by mouth). Versions are available as the combination olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan/amlodipine. It is available as a prodrug, olmesartan medoxomil.
Common side effects include dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, and back pain. Serious side effects may include kidney problems, low blood pressure, and angioedema. Use in pregnancy may harm the fetus and use when breastfeeding is not recommended.[2] It is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist and works by blocking the effects of angiotensin II.[3]
It was patented in 1991 and came into medical use in 2002.[4]