What is Micardis (Telmisartan)?

Telmisartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Telmisartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Telmisartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.
Telmisartan is also used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death from heart problems in people who are at least 55 years old with risk factors for serious heart disorders.
Telmisartan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Micardis (Telmisartan)?

Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Telmisartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to telmisartan.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of telmisartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking telmisartan, unless your doctor has told you to.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
In rare cases, telmisartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Micardis (Telmisartan)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to telmisartan.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• congestive heart failure; or
• if you are dehydrated

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use telmisartan if you are pregnant. Telmisartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether telmisartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Micardis Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Micardis (Telmisartan)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, telmisartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.
Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects, such as:

• feeling like you might pass out
• painful or difficult urination
• chest pain
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; or
• swelling in your hands or feet

Less serious side effects may include:

• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough
• back pain
• stomach pain, diarrhea
• headache, dizziness
• tired feeling
• weakness; or
• increased sweating

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Micardis Interactions

What other drugs affect Micardis (Telmisartan)?

Before taking telmisartan, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• a diuretic (water pill); or
• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with telmisartan. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Micardis (Telmisartan)?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of telmisartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking telmisartan, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Micardis Dosage

How should I take Micardis (Telmisartan)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
You may take telmisartan with or without food.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
It may take 2 to 4 weeks of using this medicine before your blood pressure is under control. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
Store telmisartan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Micardis (Telmisartan)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out.

What happens if I miss a dose of Micardis (Telmisartan)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.