Micardis (Telmisartan)

General information

Micardis belongs to a class of medications known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. This medication reduce blood pressure by blocking the actions of a chemical (angiotensin II) that causes blood vessels to constrict or tighten. It is used to treat mild to moderate high blood pressure. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication may also be used to treat congestive heart failure and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.

Directions

Take Micardis exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended adult dose is 80 mg once a day at the same time each day, with or without food. People with reduced liver function are usually given 40 mg once daily to start. The recommended starting dosage for most people with high blood pressure (hypertension) is 40 mg once a day. The recommended dosage for the purpose of reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems (such as heart attacks, strokes, and related deaths) in people at high risk for such problems is 80 mg daily. Your dosage should be taken by mouth with a glass of water, with or without food. Use it at the same time each day. This medicine can raise your potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeats. Do not take potassium supplements. Continue taking this medication even if you feel well.

Precautions

Before taking Micardis you should talk with your doctor if you have heart disease, including congestive heart failure, liver disease, cirrhosis, gallstones or other gallbladder problems, kidney disease or kidney failure, high blood levels of potassium, loss of body water and minerals, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Limit alcoholic beverages. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug.

Contraindications

You should not take Micardis if you are allergic to telmisartan or to any of the ingredients of the medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have back pain, constipation, diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, palpitations, dizziness, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, eczema, fainting, skin rash, headache, heartburn, joint pain, hives, chest pain, swelling of ankles, vision changes, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: diuretics (Furosemide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Metolazone, Torsemide), ACE inhibitors (ramipril, enalapril, lisinopril), lithium, digoxin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, celecoxib, ibuprofen, meloxicam, indomethacin), potassium-containing products (potassium gluconate, salt substitutes, potassium chloride). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are back pain, fast or slow heartbeat, severe dizziness or fainting.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.