A 39-year-old member asked:
Does benicar (olmesartan) have fewer side effects than lisinopril?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Steven Ajlunianswered
Cardiology 36 years experience
ARB's vs ACEI: Benicar (olmesartan) an arb works similarly in many ways to lisiniopril (acei). They both block at different points in the renin-angiotensin system. A by-product of the acei however is a buildup in a chemical called bradykinin, which can produce throt irritation and a dry cough in 5-10% patients. A cough like this is much less likely with an arb agent like benicar (olmesartan).
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Thomas Wrightanswered
Phlebology 30 years experience
Side effect: A recent study found sprue-like enteropathy in patients taking benicar. The label has been changed to reflect this recent information. The condition mimics gluten intolerance and results and produces abdominal cramping and loose stool. This condition goes away when patients cease taking olmesartan, but can result in misdiagnosis of celiac or other GI conditions.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 34-year-old member asked:
How do Benicar (olmesartan) and lisinopril differ?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Calvin Weisbergeranswered
52 years experience
benicar (olmesartan): Benicar (olmesartan) is an angiotensin receptor blocker and Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. They work in the same pathway but in different places. Their results are similar.
4.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Does Benicar (olmesartan) have lesser side effects than lisinopril?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Reginald Gohhanswered
Nephrology and Dialysis 32 years experience
User dependent: Both Benicar (olmesartan) and Lisinopril are used to treat high blood pressure. Both block the effects of angiotension--a hormone that causes constriction of blood vessels and increases blood pressure. Lisinopril has been available for several years and is available as a generic (cheaper) but can cause an annoying cough. Benicar (olmesartan) is a newer drug and is more expensive. Both can cause high potassium levels.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Has anyone suffered sexual side effects from lisinopril or benicar (olmesartan)?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Thomas Nameyanswered
Rheumatology 49 years experience
Few.: Ace inhibitors and arbs are sexually safe for the vast majority of users. The antihypertensives with the greatest sexual side effects are thiazide diuretics and beta blockers. Clonidine (catapres) rates high as well. The drugs from the calcium blocker family are also generally sex side-effects free.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 3, 2020
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