Benicar Is a Prescription Blood Pressure Medication That Belongs to the ARB Drug Class

Benicar (Olmesartan Medoxomil) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children aged 6 and older. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs, which work by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.

Whether you've just been prescribed Benicar or you're researching it before talking to your doctor, this guide covers everything you need to know — from what it treats to how much it costs in 2026.

What Is Benicar?

Here are the key facts:

• Brand name: Benicar
• Generic name: Olmesartan Medoxomil
• Drug class: Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
• Original manufacturer: Daiichi Sankyo
• FDA approved for: Hypertension in adults and children aged 6+
• Controlled substance: No
• Generic available: Yes

Benicar is also available in combination products:

• Benicar HCT — Olmesartan + Hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic)
• Azor — Olmesartan + Amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker)
• Tribenzor — Olmesartan + Amlodipine + Hydrochlorothiazide (triple combination)

These combinations are prescribed when a single medication isn't enough to control blood pressure.

What Is Benicar Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

Benicar is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in:

• Adults
• Children aged 6 years and older

High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because it usually has no symptoms but increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious conditions. Benicar helps lower blood pressure to reduce these risks.

Off-Label Uses

Some doctors prescribe Olmesartan off-label for:

• Migraine prevention
• Diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease related to diabetes)
• Heart failure (when ACE inhibitors aren't tolerated)

Off-label use means the medication is being used for a condition not listed in its FDA-approved labeling, based on clinical evidence and a doctor's judgment.

How Is Benicar Taken?

Benicar is taken as an oral tablet, once daily, with or without food. Here's what you need to know about dosing:

• Available strengths: 5 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg tablets
• Typical starting dose (adults): 20 mg once daily
• Maximum dose: 40 mg once daily
• Dose adjustment: Your doctor may increase from 20 mg to 40 mg after 2 weeks if blood pressure needs further reduction

Tips for taking Benicar:

• Take it at the same time every day to maintain consistent blood pressure control
• Swallow the tablet whole
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — unless it's close to your next dose, in which case skip the missed dose
• Don't take two doses at once to make up for a missed one
• For patients who can't swallow tablets, your pharmacist can prepare a liquid suspension

It may take 2 to 4 weeks to see the full blood pressure-lowering effect. Don't stop taking Benicar because you feel fine — high blood pressure often has no symptoms, and stopping suddenly can cause a dangerous spike.

Who Should Not Take Benicar?

Benicar is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take it if:

• You are pregnant (second or third trimester) — Benicar carries a boxed warning for fetal toxicity. It can cause serious harm or death to a developing fetus.
• You take Aliskiren and have diabetes — This combination is contraindicated due to increased risks of kidney problems, high potassium, and low blood pressure.
• You have a known allergy to Olmesartan or any ingredient in the medication.

Use Benicar with caution if you have:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease (severe)
• Dehydration or low salt levels
• A history of angioedema

Always tell your doctor about all medications you take — including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. For a detailed list of Benicar drug interactions, see our interaction guide. For information about Benicar side effects, see our side effects guide.

How Much Does Benicar Cost?

The cost of Benicar depends on whether you get the brand name or generic:

• Brand-name Benicar: $200 to $350 for 30 tablets
• Generic Olmesartan: $10 to $15 for 30 tablets with a coupon

Generic Olmesartan contains the exact same active ingredient and works the same way. Unless your doctor specifically requires the brand, always ask for generic to save money.

Insurance Coverage

Generic Olmesartan is covered by most Medicare and commercial insurance plans, typically as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 preferred generic. Brand Benicar may require prior authorization or step therapy (trying a generic ARB first).

Ways to Save

• Coupon cards — GoodRx, SingleCare, and other discount cards can bring the cost of generic Olmesartan down to as low as $10 for a 30-day supply.
• Patient assistance — Daiichi Sankyo's AccessCentral program helps eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. NeedyMeds and RxAssist list additional programs.
• Mail-order pharmacy — 90-day supplies through your insurance's mail-order program or services like Cost Plus Drugs or Amazon Pharmacy often cost less per pill.

For a complete breakdown, see our guide to saving money on Benicar.

Final Thoughts

Benicar (Olmesartan) is a well-established, effective blood pressure medication that's been on the market for over two decades. With generic versions widely available at $10 to $15 per month, it's one of the more affordable options for managing hypertension.

If you've been prescribed Benicar, take it consistently, keep your follow-up appointments, and don't hesitate to ask your doctor about side effects or cost concerns. To find Benicar at a pharmacy near you, use Medfinder to check stock and compare prices.