Generic name:telmisartan [ TEL-mi-SAR-tan ]
Drug class:Angiotensin receptor blockers
What is Micardis?
Micardis is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB). Telmisartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Micardis is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Micardis 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.
Warnings
Stop using Micardis and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Telmisartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
If you have diabetes, do not take Micardis with any medicine that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine e.g. Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You may also need to avoid taking Micardis with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
In rare cases, Micardis 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 unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Micardis if you are allergic to telmisartan.
To make sure Micardis is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
a heart condition other than one being treated with Micardis;
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
