Brand Name: Micardis®
Active Ingredient: telmisartan
Strength(s): 20mg, 40mg and 80mg
Dosage Form(s): Tablets
Company Name: Boehringer Ingelheim
Availability: Prescription only
Date Approved by FDA: November 10, 1998

What is Micardis used for?

Micardis is used to treat high blood pressure. It may be used alone or with other drugs to treat high blood pressure.

Special Warning(s) for Micardis:  Do not take Micardis when you are pregnant, except in extremely rare cases. If you find out you are pregnant while taking Micardis, call your health care provider as soon as possible. Taking Micardis or similar drugs during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy may cause harm and even death to the unborn baby. These effects do not appear to happen if you take Micardis or similar drugs only during the first trimester. Infants who have been exposed to Micardis while in the uterus should be closely monitored.

General Precautions with Micardis: 

• When taken together with digoxin, Micardis can raise the amount of digoxin in your blood. If you are taking digoxin your doctor will monitor your digoxin levels and may need to adjust the dose.
• If you are being treated with diurectics (water pills), watch for signs of low blood pressure, such as dizziness or fainting. If you experience any of these signs, contact your health care provider right away for treatment. You can still continue being treated with Micardis.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a child.

What are some possible side effects of Micardis? (This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Micardis. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)

When side effects occur they are generally mild and do not last long. Some possible side effects include:

• Cold-like symptoms
• Back pain
• Sinus inflammation
• Diarrhea
• Sore throat

Date Posted: 2/25/99
Updated: 7/25/00, 12/29/04