Olmesartan

ATC code
C09CA08
Therapeutic class
Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) · Angiotensin II receptor antagonist
Forms
oral tablet
Brand names
Benicar (US) · Ixia (ES) · Olmetec (FR)
Overall confidence
high

Regulatory sources consulted

Approved indications

Contraindications

Absolute

  • Hypersensitivity to the active substance.
  • Second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
  • Biliary obstruction.
  • Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment (GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2).

Clinical warnings

Drug interactions

Adverse events

Common (≥1%)

dizziness · headache · upper respiratory tract infection · flu-like symptoms · hyperuricemia · nausea

Rare but serious

sprue-like enteropathy · acute renal failure · rhabdomyolysis · angioedema · severe hyperkalemia

Pregnancy and lactation

FDA category: D

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in the second and third trimesters. Discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected due to risk of fetal (reduced renal function, oligohydramnios, skull hypoplasia) and neonatal toxicity. Lactation: Avoid use; an alternative drug is preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.

Recent literature (PubMed)