Am Fam Physician. 2005;72(4):673-674
Synopsis
Olmesartan (Benicar) is an angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB) labeled for the treatment of hypertension as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. Olmesartan blocks the binding of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, to angiotensin type 1(AT1) receptors located in vascular smooth muscle.1
| Name | Starting dosage | Dose form | Approximate monthly cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olmesartan (Benicar) | 20 mg daily | 5-mg, 20-mg, or 40-mg tablet | $54 |
Safety
No serious safety issues were reported with olmesartan in clinical trials. The safety record of olmesartan was similar to placebo in seven randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II and III trials that included 2,540 patients with hypertension.2 Adverse effects were reported in 42.2 percent and 42.7 percent of olmesartan-treated patients and placebo-treated patients, respectively. Olmesartan may cause hypotension and acute renal failure in patients who are sodium-or volume-depleted or whose renal perfusion is dependent on the renin-angiotensin system. Like all ARBs, olmesartan may precipitate acute renal failure in patients with renal artery stenosis. Significant hyperkalemia has not been reported with olmesartan, although it is possible, especially in patients with other risk factors for hyperkalemia. Of 3,825 patients treated with olmesartan during clinical trials, five reported angioedema.1 It is not known whether patients who have developed angioedema with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or other ARBs have an increased risk of developing this side effect with olmesartan. No dosage adjustments are needed in older patients or in patients with moderate to marked hepatic or renal impairment. As with other ARBs, olmesartan is U.S. Food and Drug Administration category C during the first trimester of pregnancy and category D during the second and third trimesters.1 In rare instances, angioedema and rhabdomyolysis from olmesartan have been reported in postmarketing surveillance.1
Tolerability
Olmesartan generally is well tolerated. In clinical trials, dizziness occurred in 2.8 percent of olmesartan-treated patients and in 0.9 percent of placebo-treated patients.2 In a study3 comparing olmesartan to other ARBs, the incidence of dizziness was similar in olmesartan (1.4 percent), losartan (Cozaar; 0.7 percent), valsartan (Diovan; 1.4 percent), and irbesartan (Avapro; 3.4 percent). Headache was reported by 1.3 percent of patients receiving olmesartan and 2.5 percent receiving candesartan (Atacand).4 As with other ARBs, the incidence of cough with olmesartan is comparable to that with placebo (0.9 and 0.7 percent, respectively).1
Effectiveness
Short-term studies have shown that blood pressure control with olmesartan is similar to that achieved with other ARBs or amlodipine (Norvasc). Olmesartan in a dosage of 20 mg produces an average drop in diastolic blood pressure of 10 mm Hg and a comparable reduction in systolic blood pressure; this is in line with the reductions effected by equivalent dosages of other ARBs,3,4 or a 5-mg dosage of amlodipine.5 Olmesartan has been studied in combination with hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix) and has been found to produce an average additional diastolic blood pressure lowering of 7 to 10 mm Hg (with 20 mg or 40 mg olmesartan, respectively) compared with hydrochlorothiazide alone.6
Olmesartan has not been evaluated for the treatment of patients with heart failure or diabetic nephropathy. Although ARBs have been shown to decrease recurrent stroke in hypertensive patients,7 and mortality and morbidity in patients with hypertension accompanied by left ventricular hypertrophy,8 no studies have been performed to determine the effect of olmesartan on morbidity and mortality in patients with uncomplicated hypertension.
Price
A one-month supply of Benicar in 20-mg tablets costs approximately $54, which is comparable to the price of other ARBs. Unlike other ARBs, however, the 5-mg, 20-mg, and 40-mg tablets of Benicar are similarly priced, which may be advantageous for self-paying patients.
Simplicity
The recommended starting dosage of olmesartan is 20 mg daily, taken with or without food. If blood pressure control is inadequate after two weeks, the dosage may be increased to a maximum of 40 mg daily. Dosages above 40 mg daily do not provide additional benefit. For patients who may be at risk for volume- or salt-depletion, such as those who have renal impairment and receive diuretics, a lower starting dosage is suggested. Olmesartan is available in 5-mg tablets if needed for dose reductions.
Bottom Line
Olmesartan is a safe and effective antihypertensive agent. There is no evidence that olmesartan is more effective than other ARBs or ACE inhibitors. The longest peer-reviewed studies of olmesartan are of two months’ duration; thus, there is no evidence showing olmesartan’s long-term benefit for cardiovascular or all-cause mortality. Because of its greater expense and lack of proven benefit over ACE inhibitors, olmesartan should be considered a second-line agent for hypertension except in patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors.