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DRUG DESCRIPTION
MICARDIS is a non-peptide angiotensin II receptor (type AT1) antagonist.
Telmisartan is chemically described as 4'-[(1,4'-dimethyl-2'-propyl [2,6'-bi-1H-benzimidazol]-1'-yl)methyl]-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-carboxylic acid. Its empirical formula is C33H30N4O2, its molecular weight is 514.63, and its structural formula is:
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Telmisartan is a white to slightly yellowish solid. It is practically insoluble in water and in the pH range of 3 to 9, sparingly soluble in strong acid (except insoluble in hydrochloric acid), and soluble in strong base.
MICARDIS is available as tablets for oral administration, containing 20 mg, 40 mg or 80 mg of telmisartan. The tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: sodium hydroxide, meglumine, povidone, sorbitol, and magnesium stearate. MICARDIS tablets are hygroscopic and require protection from moisture.
What are the possible side effects of telmisartan (Micardis)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, telmisartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.
Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects, such as:
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Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Micardis »
What are the precautions when taking telmisartan (Micardis)?
Before taking telmisartan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood levels of potassium, severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium).
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up...
Read All Potential Precautions of Micardis »
Micardis Consumer (continued)
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, decreased sexual ability.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness, unusual tiredness, change in the amount of urine, easy bruising/bleeding, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking telmisartan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood levels of potassium, severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium).
This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the dizziness effect.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk for harm to an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. (See also Warning section.)
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Micardis Patient Information Including Side Effects
Brand Names: Micardis
Generic Name: telmisartan (Pronunciation: TEL mi SAR tan)
- What is telmisartan (Micardis)?
- What are the possible side effects of telmisartan (Micardis)?
- What is the most important information I should know about telmisartan (Micardis)?
- What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking telmisartan (Micardis)?
- How should I take telmisartan (Micardis)?
- What happens if I miss a dose (Micardis)?
- What happens if I overdose (Micardis)?
- What should I avoid while taking telmisartan (Micardis)?
- What other drugs will affect telmisartan (Micardis)?
- Where can I get more information?
What is telmisartan (Micardis)?
Telmisartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Telmisartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Telmisartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.
Telmisartan is also used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death from heart problems in people who are at least 55 years old with risk factors for serious heart disorders.
Telmisartan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of telmisartan (Micardis)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, telmisartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.
Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects, such as:
- feeling like you might pass out;
- painful or difficult urination;
- chest pain;
- feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; or
- swelling in your hands or feet.
Less serious side effects may include:
- runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
- back pain;
- stomach pain, diarrhea;
- headache, dizziness;
- tired feeling;
- weakness; or
- increased sweating.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about telmisartan (Micardis)?
Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Telmisartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to telmisartan.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of telmisartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking telmisartan, unless your doctor has told you to.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
In rare cases, telmisartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.
- Micardis
Related Drugs Index:
Micardis, Telmisartan, Buy Micardis