Micardis (telmisartan) is a prescription angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to lower blood pressure in adults with hypertension and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and death in certain high-risk individuals. By selectively blocking the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, Micardis relaxes and widens blood vessels, decreasing vascular resistance, easing the workload on the heart, and improving blood flow.
Lowering elevated blood pressure is one of the most important steps in preventing long-term cardiovascular damage. Consistent blood pressure control helps protect the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Micardis is often chosen for its once-daily dosing, long half-life, and well-established profile in patients who need an ARB either as initial therapy or as an alternative to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, especially for those who experience ACE inhibitor–related cough or angioedema.
Beyond treating hypertension, Micardis is indicated to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults at high risk—such as those with established coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, prior stroke, or diabetes with end-organ damage—particularly when ACE inhibitors are not tolerated or deemed inappropriate. It is not a rescue medication and does not provide immediate relief of dangerously high blood pressure; rather, it works steadily over time to maintain controlled readings.
Micardis can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensives, including thiazide diuretics and calcium channel blockers. Fixed-dose combinations such as telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide and telmisartan/amlodipine may be considered when a single agent is insufficient to achieve target blood pressure.
Always take Micardis exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Typical dosing recommendations for adults are as follows:
Micardis may be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain steady levels. Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew unless your pharmacist confirms the tablet is scored and suitable for splitting.
General dosing guidance and special situations:
Time to effect: Blood pressure improvement often begins within the first dose but may take up to 4 weeks to fully manifest. Do not stop the medication abruptly unless directed by your clinician, as uncontrolled blood pressure can rebound and increase cardiovascular risk.
Combination therapy: For patients not at goal blood pressure on Micardis alone, adding a complementary agent can improve outcomes. Options include a thiazide diuretic (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide), a calcium channel blocker (e.g., amlodipine), or other classes as individualized by your provider. Fixed-dose combinations may simplify your regimen.
Discuss your full medical history with your clinician before starting Micardis. Important considerations include:
Self-monitoring: Checking blood pressure at home helps track response and facilitates dose adjustments. Keep a log to share with your clinician.
Do not use Micardis if you:
Use of Micardis in combination with ACE inhibitors or aliskiren is generally discouraged due to the risk of dual renin–angiotensin system blockade, especially in patients with diabetes or impaired kidney function.
Most people tolerate Micardis well. When side effects occur, they are often mild and transient. Commonly reported effects include:
Less common but potentially serious adverse effects include:
ACE inhibitor–related cough is uncommon with ARBs like Micardis. However, if you develop persistent cough or wheezing, consult your healthcare provider to rule out other causes.
Report side effects that interfere with daily activities or do not resolve. Your clinician may adjust the dose, add supportive measures, or consider alternative therapies.
Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. Notable interactions include:
Herbal and dietary products can also affect blood pressure or potassium (e.g., licorice, high-potassium salt substitutes). Discuss any supplements before starting them.
If you miss a dose of Micardis, take it as soon as you remember the same day. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Setting a daily reminder can help maintain consistency.
Symptoms of overdose may include pronounced low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, or, less commonly, a slow heartbeat. Severe overdose can compromise kidney function and electrolyte balance.
If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical care immediately. Management is supportive: monitoring vital signs, placing the patient supine, administering IV fluids if indicated, and checking kidney function and electrolytes. Because telmisartan is highly protein-bound, dialysis is unlikely to effectively remove the drug.
Store Micardis at 68°–77°F (20°–25°C); excursions permitted to 59°–86°F (15°–30°C). Protect from moisture and excessive heat. Keep tablets in the original blister pack until use to maintain stability. Do not store in a bathroom, and keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets past their expiration date or if packaging is damaged.
In the United States, Micardis (telmisartan) is an FDA-approved prescription medication for the treatment of hypertension and for reducing cardiovascular risk in select high-risk adults. A licensed healthcare professional must determine whether Micardis is appropriate for you, select the right dose, and monitor your response and safety labs (e.g., kidney function, potassium), especially after dose changes.
Key points for U.S. patients:
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital at MountainView offers a legal and structured solution for accessing Micardis through a compliant evaluation pathway. Patients can complete a guided intake and consult with a licensed clinician who, when clinically appropriate, issues a prescription that is transmitted to a U.S.-licensed pharmacy. This process enables eligible patients to obtain Micardis without a prior in-person prescription visit, while fully adhering to U.S. prescribing laws and patient safety standards.
Always avoid sources that claim to ship Micardis “without any prescription,” as such offers may be illegal, unsafe, or involve counterfeit medications. For your safety, use accredited pharmacies and seek care from licensed U.S. healthcare professionals.
This material is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. The authors and publishers are not responsible for any adverse outcomes resulting from the use or misuse of this information.
Micardis (telmisartan) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that relaxes blood vessels by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that tightens arteries. This lowers blood pressure and reduces strain on the heart and kidneys.
Micardis is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It may also be used to reduce cardiovascular risk in certain high‑risk adults who cannot take ACE inhibitors, as directed by a clinician.
You may notice improvement within 1–2 weeks, with the full effect often seen by 4 weeks. Your clinician may adjust the dose based on blood pressure readings over this period.
Typical adult doses are 20–80 mg once daily, often starting at 40 mg. Your exact dose depends on your blood pressure, other conditions, and how you respond to treatment.
You can take Micardis with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day for consistent blood levels.
Dizziness, fatigue, or lightheadedness can occur, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Less commonly, it can raise potassium or affect kidney function; your clinician may check labs.
Seek care for fainting, severe dizziness, swelling of the face or throat (angioedema), little or no urine, or signs of high potassium such as muscle weakness or an irregular heartbeat. These are uncommon but require prompt attention.
Do not use during pregnancy. Avoid combining with aliskiren if you have diabetes, and use caution with severe liver or biliary tract disease, a history of angioedema to ARBs, or significant renal artery stenosis; discuss risks with your clinician.
Yes, periodic checks of kidney function and potassium are recommended, especially after starting, changing doses, adding interacting drugs, or if you’re older or have kidney disease, diabetes, or dehydration.
Cough is far less common with ARBs like Micardis than with ACE inhibitors. If you develop a persistent cough, let your clinician know to rule out other causes.
Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to your next dose. Do not double up; resume your regular schedule.
Do not stop abruptly without medical advice. Blood pressure usually rises again; your clinician can guide a taper or alternative plan if needed.
Yes. Telmisartan is the generic name and is widely available, which can lower cost compared with the brand.
Keep tablets in their original blister until use to protect from moisture, and store at room temperature away from heat and humidity. Keep out of reach of children.
By lowering blood pressure and reducing intraglomerular pressure, ARBs can help protect the heart and kidneys over time, particularly in people with hypertension and certain high‑risk profiles. Your overall risk reduction also depends on lifestyle and control of other conditions.
Alcohol can amplify Micardis’s blood‑pressure‑lowering effect and increase dizziness or fainting risk. If you drink, do so lightly and cautiously, and avoid alcohol when first starting or after dose changes.
No. ARBs carry a boxed warning for fetal toxicity, especially in the second and third trimesters. If you become pregnant, stop Micardis and contact your clinician immediately.
There is limited information on telmisartan in human milk, and safer alternatives are often preferred, especially for newborns and preterm infants. Discuss options with your clinician.
Many clinicians recommend holding ACE inhibitors/ARBs the morning of elective surgery to reduce the risk of anesthesia‑related low blood pressure. Follow your surgeon and anesthesiologist’s instructions.
Dehydration can increase the risk of low blood pressure and kidney problems. Temporarily holding Micardis and certain diuretics during significant illness (“sick day rules”) may be advised; contact your clinician for guidance.
Avoid routine potassium supplements and use caution with salt substitutes that contain potassium chloride, as Micardis can increase potassium. Your clinician may monitor and advise dietary limits.
Using NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) can reduce Micardis’s effect and increase kidney risk, especially in older adults or those who are dehydrated. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time and discuss regular NSAID use with your clinician.
Until you know how Micardis affects you, be careful with driving or activities requiring alertness. Most people can exercise normally once stable; rise slowly from sitting to minimize dizziness.
Both are ARBs that lower blood pressure effectively. Micardis has a longer half‑life and may offer steadier 24‑hour control, while losartan has a uric‑acid‑lowering effect that can benefit people with gout.
Both are effective once‑daily ARBs. Micardis has one of the longest half‑lives in the class, while valsartan has specific indications in heart failure and post‑MI; choice depends on your clinical profile and tolerability.
Both lower blood pressure well. Olmesartan has a rare risk of sprue‑like enteropathy (severe chronic diarrhea and weight loss); Micardis does not share this signal, making it preferable for some patients.
Both are effective; irbesartan has strong data for diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes. Micardis offers prolonged 24‑hour coverage and cardiovascular‑risk data in ACE‑intolerant patients; selection is individualized.
Both provide 24‑hour control, but Micardis has one of the longest half‑lives among ARBs. Candesartan has robust evidence in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; your comorbidities guide the choice.
Head‑to‑head data suggest azilsartan can be slightly more potent at certain doses, while Micardis offers strong 24‑hour coverage and extensive safety data. Cost, availability, and individual response often drive selection.
Both are ARBs, but eprosartan is used less commonly today. Micardis’s long half‑life and cardiovascular‑risk data make it a more frequent first choice.
Losartan uniquely lowers uric acid, which can help in gout. If gout management is a priority, losartan may be preferred; otherwise, Micardis’s longer coverage can be advantageous.
Valsartan is indicated for heart failure and post‑MI in many regions. While Micardis may be used for blood pressure in people with heart failure, valsartan (or candesartan) is typically chosen when ARB therapy is needed for heart failure.
Both are generally well tolerated. Olmesartan’s rare enteropathy risk and Micardis’s cautious use in biliary/liver disease are notable differences; discuss your history with your clinician.
Irbesartan (and losartan) have labeled indications for diabetic nephropathy. Micardis may still be used for blood pressure in diabetes, but for albuminuric CKD, irbesartan or losartan is often selected.
Candesartan has supportive evidence for migraine prevention off‑label. Micardis is not commonly used for this purpose; if migraine benefit is desired, candesartan may be considered.
Yes. Micardis HCT combines telmisartan with hydrochlorothiazide like other ARB/HCTZ products; differences relate to the ARB’s half‑life and your individual response and tolerability.
There’s no exact milligram‑to‑milligram equivalence, but clinicians often switch to Micardis 40–80 mg once daily from standard doses of other ARBs and adjust based on blood pressure and labs after 2–4 weeks.
