Micardis

Micardis is a high blood pressure or hypertension medication that can be used alone or with other antihypertensive drugs.

High blood pressure brings more work to the heart and arteries. When left untreated, the heart and arteries may stop functioning well.

This can result in damage to the blood vessels of the heart, brain, and kidneys, which may cause a stroke, kidney failure, or heart failure. By lowering blood pressure, the risk of strokes and heart attacks are decreased.

Micardis is used to prevent strokes and heart attacks in patients who are 55 years old and older and have heart problems or diabetes.

Micardis is an ARB or angiotensin II receptor blocker, which works by blocking a blood vessel-constricting substance in the body.

This results in relaxed blood vessels, eventually lowering the blood pressure and increasing the supply of oxygen and blood to the heart. Micardis is only available with a prescription.

If you are about to start Micardis, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. The risks and benefits the medicine offer must be weighed.

For Micardis, you and your doctor must consider the following:

Allergies. If you have any unusual reaction to any medicine, including telmisartan, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Additionally, disclose other types of allergies - foods, preservatives, animals, or dyes, if there are any. Read the package ingredients carefully and make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.

Pediatric. There are no appropriate studies done to establish safety and effectiveness of telmisartan intake in children.

Geriatric. Most recent appropriate studies have not shown geriatric-specific problems that would hinder the effects of telmisartan in the elderly.

Pregnancy. Studies demonstrated a risk to the fetus when used by pregnant women. The benefits of the drug, however, may outweigh the potential risk if the pregnant woman is in a life-threatening situation.

Breastfeeding. Although there are no adequate studies in lactating mothers that determine potential risk in an infant when breastfeeding, the potential benefits should be weighed against the risks before taking this medication.

Drug Interactions. Certain medicines have adverse effects when used together. Make sure to inform your doctor about other drugs you are taking, so that alterations and precautions will be made if necessary.

Before taking telmisartan, talk to your doctor about possible interactions if you are taking other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol since these may interact with the drug’s effectiveness.

Other medical problems. Certain medical problems may affect the effectiveness of telmisartan. If you have other medical conditions, especially diabetes, congestive heart failure, electrolyte imbalances, kidney diseases, and liver disease, inform your doctor prior treatment.

To use Micardis properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Apart from this medicine, you may be advised by your doctor to control weight gain and shift to a more healthy diet, to help stabilize your high blood pressure.

Consult your doctor about diet changes and other things that you can do to bring down your blood pressure.

Most people with high blood pressure won’t even notice any changes that may signal a problem. Most of them feel normal, as a matter of fact. Regardless, follow your doctor’s instructions and make sure to have regular checkups.

Keep in mind that telmisartan does not cure high blood pressure, it only controls the condition. Continue taking it as directed to lower your blood pressure and maintain it at normal.

Read and follow instructions carefully and if there’s any question, do not hesitate to ask your doctor.

Dosing:

The dose of telmisartan depends on the patient's age, weight, and symptoms, as well as the strength of the medicine. Do not change the dosage the doctor indicated unless he or she told you otherwise. The number of doses and the number of hours between doses generally depend on the reason why you are taking telmisartan.

Generally, dosage will be as follows:

In controlling high blood pressure, adults may start with 40 mg taken once a day. The dose may be adjusted as per doctor’s order when needed. Nevertheless, the normal dosage does not usually exceed 80 mg a day. The dose is determined by age and weight in children.

In lowering the risk of stroke or heart attacks, adults may be given 80 mg once a day. Children, on the other hand, will still be determined by the doctor.

Missed dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. In case it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and follow your regular dosing schedule. Never take double doses.

Storage:

Keep the medicine in an airtight container at normal room temperature. Keep it away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not let it freeze.

Do not take it out from the blister pack unless it is your time to take the medicine. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.

Before using Micardis, there are some precautions you must take. Regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your progress and see if the medicine is working properly. Your doctor may request blood tests to rule out unwanted effects.

For women, your doctor may advise you to consider using birth control to avoid pregnancy since using this drug can potentially harm your unborn child. Tell your doctor right away if you are taking telmisartan and you think you are pregnant.

Lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting may occur when taking this medicine, particularly when you get up suddenly.

Make sure you are familiar with your body’s reaction to the medicine before driving, operating any machine, or doing anything that may get you in danger if you are not alert enough.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience severe nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting while taking telmisartan. These conditions may result in too much water loss that may lead to low blood pressure.

Do not take any other medicine without discussing them first with your doctor.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Micardis. Not all people may suffer from these side effects, but if they do, immediate medical attention may be needed.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you encounter any of the following:

Rare side effects:

• Changes in vision
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• fainting
• large hives
• fast heartbeat
• swelling in the hands, lower legs, and feet
• painful urination or changes in urinary frequency

Some of these side effects may not require medical attention and may go away as your body adjusts to the effects of the medicine.

You may still call your doctor to inform him or her about your symptoms. Your doctor may give you instructions on how to reduce the side effects or prevent them from taking place.