Telmisartan is used to treat high blood pressure. It is a vasodilator (it widens the blood vessels) that acts by blocking the production of chemicals that may be responsible for constricting or narrowing the blood vessels. Telmisartan may be used for other medical conditions, including heart failure, when prescribed by your doctor.

Telmisartan Facts
Brand name (manufacturer): Micardis (Boehringer)

Type of drug: Antihypertensive agent

Ingredient: Telmisartan

Dosage form: Tablets (20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg)

Storage: Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Do not expose to excess heat. Do not remove tablets from the blister packet until you are ready to take the tablet.

Treatment

Telmisartan may be taken either on an empty stomach or
with food or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). To become accustomed to this medication, take telmisartan at the same time every day.

It may take several weeks before you notice the full effects of telmisartan.

If you miss a dose of telmisartan, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose or take more than prescribed by your doctor.

It is important that you take telmisartan on a regular basis as prescribed by your doctor. Telmisartan does not cure high blood pressure, but it will help you to control the condition for as long as you continue to take it.

Side Effects

Minor: Abdominal pain, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, flushing, headache, insomnia, loss of appetite, loss of sense of taste, nausea, or vomiting. Most of these side effects should diminish or disappear as your body adjusts to telmisartan.

Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy.

To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising. Do this by pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up from a sitting or lying position slowly; and be careful on stairs.

To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).

Major: Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about chest pains; chills; difficult or painful urination; fever; itching; mouth sores; palpitations; prolonged vomiting or diarrhea; skin rash; sore throat; swelling of the face, hands, or feet; tingling of the fingers or toes; unusual bleeding or bruising; or yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes.

Interactions

Telmisartan may interact with a number of other medications:

  • Diuretics (water pills) and other antihypertensive drugs can cause an excessive drop in blood pressure when combined with telmisartan (especially the first dose).

  • The combination of telmisartan with spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes can lead to hyperkalemia (dangerously high levels of potassium in the bloodstream).

  • Indomethacin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) may decrease the blood-pressure-lowering effects of telmisartan.

  • Concurrent use of telmisartan and digoxin can delay the body's elimination of digoxin and may cause digoxin toxicity. Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.

  • Alcohol should be avoided during treatment with telmisartan. This combination may cause your blood pressure to become too low.

  • Use of over-the-counter (nonprescription) cough, cold, or allergy medications may reduce the effectiveness of telmisartan and should be avoided.

BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about these or any other medications you are currently taking.

Warnings

  • Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to telmisartan, to any medication that is used to treat high blood pressure, or to any other medications, especially to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (including captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and benazepril), candesartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, or valsartan.

  • Tell your doctor if you now have or ever had kidney or liver disease, heart disease, swelling of the face or mouth, aortic stenosis, lupus or scleroderma, diabetes mellitus, too high potassium levels in your blood, or any type of blood disorder.

  • Call your doctor immediately if you experience any swelling of the face or mouth or difficulty breathing or swallowing after taking telmisartan.

  • While taking telmisartan, your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving an automobile or operating potentially dangerous machinery, may be impaired. Caution is required.

  • If you are having surgery or undergoing any type of dental procedure, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking telmisartan.

  • Excessive perspiration, dehydration, or prolonged vomiting or diarrhea can lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure while you are taking telmisartan. Contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

  • Do not stop taking telmisartan unless you first consult your doctor. Stopping this drug abruptly may lead to a rise in blood pressure.

  • The first few doses of telmisartan may cause dizziness. Try to avoid any sudden changes in posture.

  • Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Telmisartan may cause birth defects if taken during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Telmisartan can also pass into human breast milk. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant, and be sure to discuss the risks and benefits of this medication.