Micardis is the trade name for telmisartan, a prescription angiotensin II receptor blocker used primarily to lower blood pressure and to reduce certain cardiovascular risks in adults. It relaxes blood vessels, which makes it easier for the heart to pump and for blood to circulate. For fast access to specific sections use the navigation above or head to US consumer prices, Official legal status, or Collateral effects.
Core information
- Dosing frequency: once daily, taken with or without food.
- Telmisartan is the active ingredient.
- Common tablet strengths: 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg.
- Therapeutic class: angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).
- Onset: blood pressure may stabilize over several weeks; full benefit can take up to four weeks.
- Signs of progress: hypertension and reduction of cardiovascular risk in selected high-risk adults.
What Micardis is used for
Micardis is prescribed to manage high blood pressure in adults. By lowering blood pressure, it reduces the long-term risks of stroke, heart attack, and certain kidney problems. In patients aged 55 and older who are at increased cardiovascular risk, telmisartan may also be used to help lower the chance of heart attack, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes. Your clinician may prescribe Micardis by itself or together with other antihypertensive medicines.
Recommended dose and how to take advantage of this
Always follow the dose instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Do not alter the dosage or cease treatment without medical advice.
- Typical starting dose: 40 mg orally once a day.
- Adjustable range: doses commonly vary from 20 mg to 80 mg once daily based on response and tolerance.
- Administration tip: take at the same time each day to keep blood levels steady. Food does not have to be avoided.
- Timing of benefit: expect gradual improvement; it may take up to four weeks for the maximum effect on blood pressure.
If combination therapy is needed, doctors often add a thiazide diuretic such as hydrochlorothiazide. For guidance on i failed to take my doses or accidental they overdosed see Dose skipped and taking an overdose.
Critical safety notice of cautionary notices and critical safety required precautions
- Pregnancy risk: ARBs can cause serious fetal harm or death, particularly in the second and third trimesters. Stop the medicine and contact your clinician if you become pregnant.
- Kidney and liver issues: inform your prescriber if you have kidney disease, liver impairment, or known renal artery stenosis; dose changes or other course options may be required.
- Hyperkalemia risk: the chance of elevated potassium increases with potassium supplements, salt substitutes, potassium-sparing diuretics, or impaired renal function; monitor labs as recommended.
- Dehydration and low blood pressure: patients who are volume depleted or on diuretics may experience symptomatic hypotension; stand up slowly to reduce dizziness and limit alcohol.
- Allergic reactions: report any past reactions to telmisartan, other ARBs, or ACE inhibitors.
- Alertness: dizziness can occur; avoid driving or operating heavy equipment until you know how Micardis affects you.
- Procedures: tell dentists or surgeons you take telmisartan. See further Medicament the mutual influence during contacts are the heartbeat of social platforms..
Who should not take this?
- Anyone who is pregnant or planning pregnancy should not take telmisartan.
- People with a known hypersensitivity to telmisartan or any ingredient in the product.
- Keep separate from aliskiren in patients with diabetes; avoid dual renin-angiotensin blockade unless directed by a specialist.
- Markedly reduced liver function, significant renal artery stenosis, or uncontrolled hyperkalemia warrant specialist evaluation before first use, read instructions.
Possible collateral effects
It is not guaranteed that all users will have unwelcome lingering effects. Many lingering effects are mild and resolve with time. Seek immediate medical help for signs of severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips, throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Common: dizziness, a pounding headache, back pain, sinus discomfort, diarrhea, cough, fatigue.
- Circulatory and fluid effects: edema in the legs or ankles, and episodes of low blood pressure, particularly after starting therapy.
- Laboratory changes: elevated potassium concentrations and changes in kidney function tests.
- Less noted: nausea, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, general weakness.
- It is a rare but critical risk.: heart rhythm disturbances, worsening heart failure in susceptible patients, or severe hypersensitivity reactions.
Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist, worsen, or cause concern. For prevention of dizzinessliterature review Essential safety alerts and measures for safety.
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Certain medications and supplements can interact with telmisartan and alter its safety or efficacy.
- Potassium-raising agents: potassium supplements, salt substitutes, spironolactone and eplerenone can increase hyperkalemia risk.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): may blunt blood pressure response and increase the risk of kidney impairment, especially in dehydrated or elderly patients.
- Other antihypertensives: additive blood-pressure-lowering effects occur with diuretics and other classes; dual blockade with ACE inhibitors or aliskiren should be avoided unless under specialist care.
- Lithium: concomitant use can increase lithium levels conjoined with the risk of toxicity; monitor carefully or avoid combination.
- Cardiac glycosides and similar agents: monitor levels and clinical status as indicated by your clinician.
Always give your pharmacist an up-to-date list of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. For pregnancy-related risks see Alerts and safety basics and protective protocols.
Options and similar medications
Treatment selection is individualized. Below are common spare agents or classes used to manage hypertension; talk with your clinician to choose what fits your medical history and budget.
- Other ARBs: losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, candesartan.
- Merged line of products: telmisartan plus hydrochlorothiazide or other fixed-dose combinations for patients who need multiple agents.
- Thiazide-type diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone are often combined with ARBs or ACE inhibitors.
- ACE inhibitors: lisinopril, enalapril, benazepril; effective but avoided by those with prior ACE inhibitor cough or angioedema.
- Calcium channel blocking drugs: amlodipine, diltiazem as backup options for specific clinical scenarios.
- Beta blockers: metoprolol, atenolol, carvedilol for patients with coronary disease, arrhythmia, or heart failure.
Cost and tolerability can vary between agents. Explore cost comparison results study for United States price data summary and ask your prescriber about generic options.
Prices throughout the United States
Out-of-pocket prices depend on pharmacy, location, and insurance coverage. Below are approximate cash prices for a 30-day supply; discount programs, coupons, and insurance can reduce these amounts. All prices in USD.
- Micardis (brand) 40 mg: typically ranges from about $250 to $450 for 30 days.
- Telmisartan (generic) 40 mg: often between $5 and $20 for a 30-day supply.
- Telmisartan/HCTZ generic combination: roughly $10 to $30; branded combos may cost over $400.
- Valsartan medication option 80 mg: roughly $8 to $18.
- Losartan, a prescription antihypertensive medication 50 mg: commonly $4 to $12.
- Amlodipine 5 mg: typically $3 to $10.
If cost is a concern, ask your pharmacist about generic telmisartan, therapeutic various options, manufacturer savings programs, or pharmacy discount cards. Mail-order pharmacies and 90-day supplies can also lower monthly cost.
Legal status and regulations in the USA
- Prescription only: Telmisartan products including Micardis require a valid prescription from a licensed US prescriber and are not available over the counter.
- FDA approval: Telmisartan is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for hypertension and certain cardiovascular risk reduction signals in adults.
- Boxed pregnancy warning: Medicines acting on the renin-angiotensin system carry warning signals about fetal harm and long term potential pregnancy loss; this applies to Micardis.
- Controlled substances: Telmisartan is not a controlled substance; prescriptions may be written or electronically transmitted according to federal and state rules.
- Generic substitution: Pharmacists in most states may substitute an FDA-approved generic unless the prescriber marks "dispense as written".
- Importation: Personal importation from abroad can violate FDA policies and may present safety risks; confirm legality and authenticity before purchasing from foreign sources.
- Insurance coverage: Many plans and Medicare Part D cover generic ARBs; specific copays and prior authorization rules vary by plan.
Telemedicine appointments can provide valid prescriptions for non-controlled medicines like telmisartan in many states. Check your state board rules and your insurer's policies for telehealth coverage.
Omitted dosing and experienced an overdose
- Dose not taken this time: if you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once to equal a one dose was missed.
- Overdosing: signs may include severe dizziness, fainting, or very low blood pressure. Seek emergency medical attention or contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.
External the warehouse provides ample storage for all shipments.
- Store at 25 C (77 F); acceptable excursions are between 15 and 30 C (59 to 86 F).
- Keep medication in its original container, protected from moisture and excessive heat.
- Keep this beyond the reach of children and pets. and dispose of unused medicines properly.
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