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GENERIC NAME: telmisartan

BRAND NAME: Micardis

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Telmisartan is a member of a family of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which includes losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), irbesartan (Avapro), and candesartan (Atacand). ARBs block the ability of the chemical angiotensin II to constrict or squeeze arteries and veins. As a result, the arteries and veins enlarge and blood pressure falls. The reduced pressure in the arteries also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood. Telmisartan was approved by the FDA in November of 2000.

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: No

PREPARATIONS: Tablets of 40 mg and 80 mg.

STORAGE: Telmisartan should be stored at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F). The tablets should be kept in their blister-pack packaging until they are used.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Telmisartan is used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure).

DOSING: Telmisartan is taken once daily with or without food.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Telmisartan can increase blood concentrations of digoxin.

PREGNANCY: Medications which interfere with the angiotensin converting enzyme system, such as telmisartan, have been found to cause fetal and neonatal toxicity and death when taken by pregnant women. Pregnant mothers should discontinue use of telmisartan as soon as they know they are pregnant.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if telmisartan is secreted into breast milk. Since most medicines are secreted into breast milk, potential risks and benefits need to be assessed in women who are nursing to determine if breast feeding or telmisartan need to be discontinued.

SIDE EFFECTS: Like other angiotensin receptor blockers, telmisartan generally is well-tolerated. The most common side effects have been headache (1 in 10 patients), dizziness (1 in 25), back pain (1 in 30), fatigue (1 in 30), and diarrhea (1 in 30).

Pharmacy Author: Emmanuel Saltiel, Pharm.D.
Pharmacy Editor: Jay Marks, M.D.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information


Last Editorial Review: 1/22/2002 7:41:00 PM




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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  • losartan, Cozaar - Explains the medication losartan (Cozaar), a drug indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

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telmisartan, Micardis

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, which is the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increas...

Read the High Blood Pressure Treatment article »










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