What is the brand name for Olmesartan?
The brand name for Olmesartan is Benicar.
PTCE Top 200 · #96
Olmesartan
Benicar
Olmesartan is the generic name for the brand-name drug Benicar. It is an arb (angiotensin ii receptor blocker) used to treat hypertension. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Olmesartan ranks #96 and is one of the most frequently tested cardiovascular medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Olmesartan |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Benicar |
| Drug class | ARB (angiotensin II receptor blocker) |
| Class group | Cardiovascular |
| Common use | hypertension |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Olmesartan used for?
ARB used to treat hypertension.
What drug class is Olmesartan?
Olmesartan is an ARB (angiotensin II receptor blocker) in the Cardiovascular group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Olmesartan
- arrow_rightDizziness
- arrow_rightDiarrhea
- arrow_rightLow blood pressure (hypotension)
- arrow_rightHigh potassium (hyperkalemia)
- arrow_rightKidney function worsening (↑ creatinine)
Major interactions
- arrow_rightPotassium supplements/salt substitutes or potassium‑sparing diuretics ↑ hyperkalemia risk
- arrow_rightNSAIDs may ↓ antihypertensive effect and ↑ risk of renal impairment
- arrow_rightLithium levels may increase → toxicity (monitor)
- arrow_rightAliskiren: avoid combination in diabetes; caution in renal impairment
Is Olmesartan a controlled substance?
No. Olmesartan is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
WARNING: FETAL TOXICITY — discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected; renin‑angiotensin system drugs can injure or kill the developing fetus.
How to remember Olmesartan (PTCE mnemonic)
BENIcar BENefits BP — olme-SARTAN = ARB. 'SARTAN = stop in pregnancy', watch K+ and creatinine; rare sprue-like enteropathy (chronic diarrhea).
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PTCE exam tip
Olmesartan (-sartan) is an ARB for blood pressure — same class cautions as losartan/valsartan (watch potassium; avoid in pregnancy).
Olmesartan FAQ
What is Olmesartan used for?
Olmesartan is used to treat hypertension. ARB used to treat hypertension.
What drug class is Olmesartan?
Olmesartan is an ARB (angiotensin II receptor blocker) (Cardiovascular group).
Is Olmesartan a controlled substance?
No. Olmesartan is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Cardiovascular group
Drill Olmesartan the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).