What Is Micardis Used For?

Micardis contains telmisartan, which belongs to a group of medicines called angiotensin II receptor blockers. It helps lower blood pressure by blocking a substance in your body that causes blood vessels to narrow.

Primary Uses

Micardis is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and prevent cardiovascular complications including death due to cardiovascular causes in patients older than 55 years with coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, previous stroke, previous transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or high-risk diabetes with evidence of end organ damage.

How It Works

Telmisartan works by blocking the effect of angiotensin II, a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to narrow and increases blood pressure. When this effect is blocked, your blood vessels relax and your blood pressure goes down.

How to Take Micardis

Take Micardis exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water at about the same time each day, either morning or evening.

Dosage Instructions

For high blood pressure: The usual dose is one 40 mg tablet once daily. If your blood pressure is still too high after 4-8 weeks, your doctor may increase your dose to 80 mg. For preventing cardiovascular complications: The usual dose is one 80 mg tablet once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on how you respond to treatment.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you’re meant to. Otherwise, take the dose as soon as you remember, then go back to taking it normally. If you’re not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• headaches
• upper respiratory tract infections
• dizziness
• flu-like symptoms
• fatigue
• back pain
• skin rash
• itchiness
• diarrhea
• indigestion
• stomach pain
• tiredness or weakness
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• muscle aches
• trouble sleeping

Important Warnings

There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking Micardis.

Who Should Not Take Micardis

Do not take Micardis if you have an allergy to telmisartan or any ingredients, have a rare hereditary condition of fructose intolerance, severe liver disease, biliary obstructive disorders, or if you have diabetes or kidney problems and are taking aliskiren. Do not give to children under 18 years of age.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, heart problems, diabetes, primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome), fructose intolerance, recent severe diarrhea or vomiting, or if you’re following a very low salt diet.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do not take Micardis if you are pregnant, as it may affect your developing baby. Do not breastfeed while taking Micardis, as it’s not known if telmisartan passes into breast milk and there’s a possibility your baby may be affected.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Micardis and affect how it works. Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.

• ramipril or other blood pressure/heart medicines
• potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes
• diuretics or fluid tablets
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (aspirin, ibuprofen)
• lithium
• digoxin
• trimethoprim
• heparin
• corticosteroids
• immunosuppressants (ciclosporin, tacrolimus)

Alcohol & Driving

Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how Micardis affects you, and take precautions in hot weather.

Alcohol

No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Micardis affects you. Like other blood pressure medicines, Micardis may cause sleepiness, dizziness or light-headedness in some people. You may feel dizzy or light-headed when you begin taking Micardis, especially if you’re also taking a diuretic or if you’re dehydrated.

Temperature Regulation

Drink plenty of water if you exercise, sweat, or if the weather is hot. If you feel light-headed, dizzy or faint when getting out of bed or standing up, get up slowly to help your body adjust to the change in position and blood pressure.

Storage

Keep the tablets in the blister strip until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C, protected from heat, light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car or on window sills. Keep where children cannot reach it – a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is ideal.

Overdose Information

If you think you have taken too much Micardis, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort. Overdose symptoms may include feeling dizzy, light-headed or faint, faster or slower heartbeat than usual, rapid shallow breathing, or cold clammy skin due to low blood pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions