What is Micardis: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Micardis overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Micardis, Telmisartan

Generic Names:

  • Telmisartan

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular Agent, Renal Protective Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Micardis used for?

What form(s) does Micardis come in

  • Tablet

What are common Micardis doses?

  • Tablet 20MG

  • Tablet 40MG

  • Tablet 80MG

Common Micardis prescriptions

  • Micardis
    20mg tablet

  • Micardis
    40mg tablet

  • Micardis
    80mg tablet

How to take Micardis

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • This medicine works best when you take it at the same time every day and do not miss any doses.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not remove a tablet from the blister pack until you are ready take your medicine.

  • This medicine works best when you take it at the same time every day and do not miss any doses.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not remove a tablet from the blister pack until you are ready take your medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Micardis

Micardis contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to telmisartan, or if you are pregnant.

Micardis warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, or congestive heart failure.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Kidney problemsHigh levels of potassium in the blood

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in the normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Micardis interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren if you have diabetes.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how telmisartan works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Aliskiren, digoxin, lithiumOther blood pressure medicine, including ACE inhibitors (such as ramipril)Diuretic (water pill)NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

  • Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in the normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Micardis side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination

  • Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting