Telmisartan (Micardis): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD

Overview: Telmisartan is a medicines used for high blood pressure and certain heart or blood vessel problems. It helps with blood flow by relaxing your blood vessels. Common side effects may include back pain, sinus swelling or inflammation, diarrhea, or pain or cramping legs while walking. Serious side effects are less likely, but may include low blood pressure or kidney problems. Contact your health care provider right away if you have dizziness, confusion, weakness, or unusual tiredness. Telmisartan is available as a tablet that you swallow.

Uses

What is telmisartan used for?

Telmisartan is commonly used for the following conditions.

• To lower high blood pressure (hypertension)
• To lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in people with heart disease or blood vessel disease who cannot use an ACE inhibitor, which is a type of medicine for high blood pressure

Telmisartan may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does telmisartan work (mechanism of action)?

Telmisartan blocks receptors in your body that normally bind to a hormone called angiotensin II. When angiotensin II binds to these receptors, it causes your blood vessels to constrict. Blocking these receptors help your blood vessels relax so that blood can move through them more easily. This can help lower blood pressure and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

How is telmisartan supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

• Micardis

Dosage forms and strengths

• 20 mg oral tablets
• 40 mg oral tablets
• 80 mg oral tablets

How should I store telmisartan?

Telmisartan should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not remove tablets from blister packs until ready to take.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of telmisartan?

The most common side effects of telmisartan are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Back pain
• Sinus swelling or inflammation
• Diarrhea
• Pain or cramping legs while walking (intermittent claudication)
• Skin ulcer

There may be other side effects of telmisartan that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of telmisartan?

While less common, the most serious side effects of telmisartan are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Telmisartan may cause low blood pressure in people with low levels of fluids or salt. This can happen especially in people taking a medicine that causes you to pee more often (diuretic). If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Confusion
• Feeling weak or tired

High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Telmisartan can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your health care provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.

• Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
• Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Abnormal heart rhythm

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking telmisartan. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

• Reduced need to pee
• Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
• Weakness or unusual tiredness
• Trouble catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Seizures

Severe Allergic Reactions. Telmisartan may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking telmisartan and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use telmisartan?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use telmisartan.

• Micardis
• Telmisartan
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific telmisartan products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Telmisartan should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines and have diabetes. Before taking telmisartan, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about telmisartan before using it?

Do not take telmisartan unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed. Do not share telmisartan with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep telmisartan out of the reach of children. Telmisartan can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how telmisartan affects you.

What should I tell my health care provider before using telmisartan?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if telmisartan is right for you. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Heart problems
• Kidney problems
• Gallbladder or liver problems
• Diabetes
• Electrolyte imbalance, such as high or low levels of sodium or potassium
• Persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea

Pregnancy. Telmisartan can cause death or serious harm to a fetus if taken during pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking telmisartan right away and contact your health care provider. Breastfeeding. It is not known if telmisartan passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop telmisartan.

Interactions

Does telmisartan interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between telmisartan and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect telmisartan. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking telmisartan.

Does telmisartan interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking telmisartan.

• Aliskiren (Tekturna), which is a medicine for high blood pressure
• A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium
• A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
• A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
• Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
• Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
• An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
• An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
• Any medicine for high blood pressure

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with telmisartan. Always check with your health care provider.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much telmisartan?

If you or someone else has used too much telmisartan, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of telmisartan?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

You Might Also Like

Are you currently using Telmisartan (Micardis)?

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.