Comprehensive medication guide to Benicar including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$15/month
Estimated Cash Pricing
$10–$350/month
Medfinder Findability Score
88/100
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Benicar is the brand name for Olmesartan Medoxomil, a prescription medication in the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) drug class. It is FDA-approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children aged 6 years and older. By lowering blood pressure, Benicar helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems. It is taken once daily by mouth, with or without food, and is available as both brand-name Benicar and generic Olmesartan.
5 mg tablet — tablet
typically used for pediatric patients (ages 6+) or when starting at a low dose
20 mg tablet — tablet
standard starting dose for most adults
![Why Is Benicar So Hard to Find? [Explained for 2026]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fvur4atr4%2Fproduction%2Fa02934831a6f4397b3d1d210bab675c4f7350a33-1024x1024.png%3Frect%3D0%2C256%2C1024%2C512%26w%3D400%26h%3D200%26auto%3Dformat&w=828&q=75)
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![How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Benicar Near You [2026 Guide]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fvur4atr4%2Fproduction%2Fd93abcdcc42e7440f71361297018c42b6520afe9-1024x1024.png%3Frect%3D0%2C256%2C1024%2C512%26w%3D400%26h%3D200%26auto%3Dformat&w=828&q=75)
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40 mg tablet — tablet
maximum recommended dose for adults needing additional blood pressure reduction
Most people tolerate Benicar well, but some side effects can occur:
Serious side effects to watch for include sprue-like enteropathy (severe chronic diarrhea with substantial weight loss — report to your doctor immediately), hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), acute kidney injury, severe low blood pressure, and angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, or throat). Benicar carries a boxed warning about fetal toxicity — it must be discontinued as soon as pregnancy is detected.
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Losartan (Cozaar)
another widely used ARB, often the first-line ARB choice; also approved for diabetic nephropathy and stroke prevention
Valsartan (Diovan)
an ARB used for hypertension, heart failure, and post-heart attack care
Irbesartan (Avapro)
an ARB indicated for hypertension and diabetic nephropathy
Telmisartan (Micardis)
the longest-acting ARB, used for hypertension and cardiovascular risk reduction
Lisinopril or Enalapril
ACE inhibitors that work on the same system but through a different mechanism; often used when ARBs are unavailable
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
a calcium channel blocker frequently combined with ARBs for enhanced blood pressure control
Prefer Benicar? We can find it.
Aliskiren (Tekturna)
moderatecontraindicated in patients with diabetes; increases risk of kidney problems and low blood pressure
Lithium
moderateOlmesartan may increase lithium levels, raising the risk of toxicity; monitor lithium levels closely
NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Celecoxib)
moderatecan reduce Benicar's blood pressure-lowering effect and increase kidney risk
Potassium-sparing diuretics
moderate(Spironolactone, Eplerenone, Triamterene) — combined use increases risk of dangerously high potassium
Potassium supplements and salt substitutes
moderatemay cause hyperkalemia when taken with Benicar
Other blood pressure medications
moderateadditive blood pressure lowering; dose adjustments may be needed
ACE inhibitors
moderatedual blockade of the renin-angiotensin system increases risks of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and kidney impairment
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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