Micardis (Telmisartan) (telmisartan) is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It works by decreasing certain chemicals in the body that cause blood vessels to constrict and sodium and fluid to be stored by the kidneys.Micardis (Telmisartan) is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.Micardis (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.Micardis (Telmisartan) may also be used for other purposes not listed here.
Important information about Micardis (Telmisartan)
Do not use Micardis (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 Micardis (Telmisartan) 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 Micardis (Telmisartan). Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Micardis (Telmisartan), unless your doctor has told you to.To be sure Micardis (Telmisartan) 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, Micardis (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.
Before taking Micardis (Telmisartan)
You should not use Micardis (Telmisartan) 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 Micardis (Telmisartan): kidney disease;liver disease;congestive heart failure; orif you are dehydrated.FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Micardis (Telmisartan) if you are pregnant. Micardis (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.
How should I take Micardis (Telmisartan)?
Take Micardis (Telmisartan) 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 Micardis (Telmisartan) with or without food.To be sure Micardis (Telmisartan) 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 Micardis (Telmisartan) 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 Micardis (Telmisartan) at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
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.
What happens if I overdose?
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 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 Micardis (Telmisartan). Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Micardis (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.
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, Micardis (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; orswelling in your hands or feet.
Less serious Micardis (Telmisartan) side effects may include:runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;back pain;stomach pain, diarrhea;headache, dizziness;tired feeling;weakness; orincreased sweating.
What other drugs will affect Micardis (Telmisartan)?
Before taking Micardis (Telmisartan), tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
a diuretic (water pill); ordigoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Micardis (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.
