Micardis Drug Description

MICARDIS (telmisartan) is a non-peptide angiotensin II Nizagara 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:

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 (telmisartan) 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 (telmisartan) tablets are hygroscopic and require protection from moisture.

SIDE EFFECTS:You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, or back pain as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

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.

ABOUT MICARDIS

Micardis is the brand name for the medication telmisartan. According Orexis to Drugs.com, an online drug reference, Micardis is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. The medication belongs to a class of drugs called angiotension II receptor blocker and works by decreasing chemicals in the body that cause the constriction of blood vessels. Micardis also lowers the amount of sodium and water stored in the kidneys.

Proper Use

According to the Mayo Clinic, patients may be asked to make lifestyle changes while taking Micardis. Weight control and changing the types of foods consumed may be part of the treatment regimen. You should continue to take Micardis as directed by the health care provider even if there are no signs of high blood pressure. Taking high blood pressure medications may be a lifelong treatment. Do not skip doses and always take Micardis at the same time every day. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible unless it is time for the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take double doses of this medication. The dose of Micardis differs from patient to patient. The strength of medication and medical problem establishes the number of doses taken in a day and the amount of time patients take Micardis. Store Micardis in a closed bottle at room temperature in a dry place out of direct light.

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Precautions

According to Drugs.com, pregnant women in the second or third trimester should not use this medication. Do not take other medications while taking Micardis without discussing it with a health care provider first. According to the Mayo Clinic, certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, especially those for weight loss, asthma, colds, allergies and sinus congestion can raise blood pressure. Notify a health care provider if nausea, vomiting or diarrhea occurs. The loss of water and salt may lower blood pressure. Micardis can cause a high amount of potassium (hyperkalemia) to remain in the blood. This can be dangerous and a health care provider should be notified immediately. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include stomach pain, confusion, trouble breathing, irregular heart rate, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, tingling in the hands, feet or lips and heavy or weak legs.

Side Effects

According to Mayo Clinic, rare side effects of Micardis include vision changes, lightheadedness or fainting, fast heart rate and large hives. Other less common side effects include stomach pain, back pain, bloating, changes in appetite, diarrhea, dry mouth, weakness, painful urination and headache.

Availability

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Micardis is available in 20mg, 40mg and 80mg tablets. Mayo Clinic states this medication is only available with a health care provider prescription.