This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Micardis Consumer Information
MICARDIS
Generic Name: telmisartan (TELL mi sar tan)
Brand Names: Micardis
What is the most important information I should know about telmisartan?
- Do not take telmisartan if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, telmisartan can cause injury and even death to the developing baby. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Rarely, telmisartan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking telmisartan.
What is telmisartan?
- Telmisartan is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Telmisartan prevents the constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (veins and arteries).
- Telmisartan is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Telmisartan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take telmisartan?
- Before taking telmisartan, tell your doctor if you
- have kidney disease;
- have liver disease; or
- are taking a potassium supplement (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others) or a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).
- You may not be able to take telmisartan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Telmisartan is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that telmisartan is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, telmisartan can cause injury and even death of the developing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- It is not known whether telmisartan passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take telmisartan?
- Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- Telmisartan can be taken with or without food.
- Store 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. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a telmisartan overdose are not well known, but might include dizziness, weakness, fainting, and a fast heartbeat.
What should I avoid while taking telmisartan?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Rarely, telmisartan may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking telmisartan.
- Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. Telmisartan can affect potassium levels in the body.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.