Micardis

Micardis is commonly used to help control high blood pressure in adults. By blocking the effects of a certain chemical, the medicine relaxes blood vessels and helps to lower blood pressure. Potential side effects of Micardis can include diarrhea, sinusitis, back pain, and upper respiratory infection. The medication comes in tablet form and is available in several different strengths.

 

What Is Micardis?

Micardis® (telmisartan) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. The drug has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click Micardis Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Micardis is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim.
 

How Does It Work?

Micardis is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs for short. It blocks angiotensin II receptors (hence, its classification as an angiotensin II receptor blocker). This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, Micardis causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 

Effects of Micardis

A
 blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking Micardis 80 mg, systolic blood pressure decreased, on average, by 12 to 13 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 7 to 8 mmHg, on average. Lower doses of the drug resulted in a smaller drop in blood pressure.
 
By lowering blood pressure, Micardis can decrease the risks that are seen with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).
 

When and How Do I Take It?

If you are taking Micardis, keep the following in mind:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form and is taken once a day.
  • Micardis may be taken with or without food.
  • Your dosage should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Micardis will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Micardis your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • How you respond to the drug.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Micardis Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Micardis

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Micardis. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common side effects include:
 
(Click Micardis Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions

Micardis can potentially interact with a number of medicines (see Micardis Drug Interactions for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Micardis?

Prior to taking this drug, you should talk with your healthcare provider if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium or potassium supplements without consulting your healthcare provider first.
 
(Click Micardis Precautions and Warnings to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Micardis may have overdose symptoms that could include extremely low blood pressure or increased heart rate.
 
If you happen to take an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Micardis Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Micardis Be Stored?

Micardis should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Micardis as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Micardis tablets are available in several strengths, including:
 
  • Micardis 20 mg
  • Micardis 40 mg
  • Micardis 80 mg.
     

Generic Micardis

Micardis is currently not available as a generic medicine (see Generic Micardis for more information).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;