Benicar, generic name olmesartan, is a drug used to lower blood pressure. Benicar, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, blocks the actions of chemicals that narrow blood vessels, which allows the vessels to widen. Widening the blood vessels reduces the force required to move blood through the vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. Like any medication, Benicar can cause side effects.
Central Nervous System Effects
Dizziness, the most commonly reported symptom of Benicar, occurs in 3 percent of people, eMedTV states. Vertigo and insomnia occurred in clinical trials, but no more frequently than in people taking placebo, Drugs.com reports. People taking the drug also have reported weakness and loss of strength.
Cardiovascular Effects
Cardiovascular effects include facial swelling in at least 5 percent of people and rapid heartbeat, chest pain and fluid retention in the extremities in 0.5 to 1 percent of people, according to Drugs.com. Angioedema, severe facial swelling under the skin, can cause difficulty breathing from throat swelling and requires immediate medical attention.
Gastrointestinal Effects
Gastrointestinal effects reported by 0.5 to 1 percent of people in clinical trials include nausea, gastroenteritis, heartburn and abdominal pain, Drugs.com reports. Vomiting and diarrhea have also occurred.
Musculoskeletal Effects
The rate of musculoskeletal side effects ranges from 0.5 to 1 percent and includes muscle, bone and joint pain. Rare cases of rhabdomyolosis have occurred in people taking angiotensin II receptor antagonists and may affect people taking Benicar as well. Rhabdomyolosis, a breakdown of muscle fibers, releases a protein called myoglobin. Rhabdomyolosis can result in severe kidney damage and acute kidney failure in some patients.
Hematologic Effects
Benicar may cause changes in blood tests, including decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit, indicating anemia. Serum bilirubin and liver enzyme elevation have also been reported, indicating possible liver damage. High potassium and creatinine levels and acute kidney failure occur rarely. High blood sugar and increased triglyceride levels may also occur.
Allergic Reactions
Any medication, including Benicar, can cause severe allergic reactions. Facial swelling, hives, rash, difficulty breathing, weakness or collapse require immediate medical evaluation.
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