Micardis

Micardis is a prescription drug that is 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 both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Potential side effects of Micardis may include diarrhea, sinusitis, back pain, and upper respiratory infection. The medication comes in a tablet form and is available in several strengths, including 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg.

 

What Is Micardis?

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

Who Makes Micardis?

Micardis is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim.
 

How Does Micardis Work?

Micardis is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers, or ARBs for short. Micardis 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.
 

Micardis Effects

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 (the top number) decreased, on average, by 12 to 13 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) decreased by 7 to 8 mmHg, on average. Lower doses of Micardis 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).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;