Olmesartan (Benicar) for hypertension

Kristina E. Ward, University of Rhode Island
Anne L. Hume, University of Rhode Island

Abstract

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.