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Home > Medicines & Drugs > Telmisartan

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Telmisartan

  • Telmisartan is used to treat high blood pressure and prevent heart attacks and strokes in people who may be at risk of these.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor to have your blood pressure measured.
  • Side-effects are usually mild and may include dizziness and indigestion.

About telmisartan

Type of medicineAngiotensin II receptor antagonist
Used forHypertension
To reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke
Also calledMicardis®
Available asTablets

Telmisartan is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It works by causing blood vessels to relax, which in turn lowers blood pressure. It does this by blocking the action of a substance known as angiotensin II which increases blood pressure by causing blood vessels to narrow.

People with high blood pressure often do not feel unwell but, left untreated, high blood pressure can harm the heart and damage blood vessels.

Telmisartan is also used to help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people who may be at risk of these because of other conditions such as diabetes.

Before taking telmisartan

Before taking telmisartan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have gall bladder, liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from renal artery stenosis (a narrowing or blockage of the artery supplying the kidney).
  • If you have problems with your heart valves or heart muscle.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take telmisartan

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take telmisartan exactly as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken once each day with a drink of water and it may taken with or without food.
  • Try to take telmisartan at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
  • If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored. You will require blood tests to check your kidney function and your doctor will also measure your blood pressure.
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. People with high blood pressure often do not feel unwell but, left untreated, damage to the heart and blood vessels can occur.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can telmisartan cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 100 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Light-headedness, especially when standing from a sitting or lying positionMoving more slowly may help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down for a few moments so that you do not faint, then sit for a while before standing. This usually improves as your body gets used to telmisartan but if it continues let your doctor know
Feeling sick, abdominal pain, indigestionEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
DiarrhoeaDrink plenty of water to replace lost fluids
Cough and flu-like symptoms, cramps, aches and pains, urine infections, eczemaIf any of these become troublesome, discuss them with your doctor

Important: if you develop an allergic reaction with swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital straight away.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store telmisartan

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Micardis® 40 mg Tablets, Boehringer Ingelheim Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2009, accessed January 2010.
  • British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3690DocRef: dils3661Last Reviewed: 19 Apr 2010Version: 22
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