Micardis, also known as telmisartan, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering the risk of hypertension helps prevent strokes, kidney problems, and heart attacks. Telmisartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs) that works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This process reduces the pressure within your blood vessels. This drug should be used in combination with diet and exercise to improve heart health.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Take this medication by mouth, with or without food.
• This drug is typically taken once a day.
• Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit.
• It is essential to continue taking this drug even if you feel well.
• It may take up to 4 weeks to get the full benefit of this drug for high blood pressure.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• If you have a medical history of liver disease, bile duct blockage, high blood levels of potassium in the blood, or dehydration.

You should also know:

• Do not operate machinery before knowing how this drug affects you.
• Marijuana and alcohol can increase side effects of dizziness.
• You may experience excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Report these symptoms to your doctor if these symptoms persist.
• This drug may increase your potassium levels.
• Micardis is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby.
• It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.

Common side effects of Micardis include but are not limited to:

• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of telmisartan.

• Fainting
• Symptoms of high potassium blood levels (such as muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat)
• Signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine)

What else should I know about Micardis?

When taking Micardis, you will need frequent lab or medical tests to check the function of your kidneys and potassium levels. If you have side effects of kidney problems, tell your doctor right away.