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Common uses
Micardis is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.
Micardis may also be used for other purposes not listed here.
Before using
You should not use Micardis if you are allergic to telmisartan.
Before using Micardis, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• congestive heart failure; or
• if you are dehydrated.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Micardis may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Do not use Micardis without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Micardis passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Directions
Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. You may take this drug with or without food. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This medicine can raise your potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeats. Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug occurs. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
Cautions
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of Micardis. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Micardis, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Possible side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
• feeling like you might pass out;
• painful or difficult urination;
• chest pain;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; or
• swelling in your hands or feet.
Less serious side effects may include:
• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough;
• muscle or back pain;
• nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea;
• headache, dizziness;
• tired feeling;
• weakness; or
• increased sweating.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
If you take too much
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include fast or slow heartbeat, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out.
Additional information
Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Micardis may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using Micardis and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. You should not use this medication if you are allergic to telmisartan. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of Micardis. Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking Micardis, unless your doctor has told you to.
Drug interactions
Before taking Micardis, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
• a diuretic (water pill);
• digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin); or
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Micardis. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
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