What is telmisartan?
Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Telmisartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Telmisartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is sometimes given together with other blood pressure medications.
Telmisartan is also used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death from heart problems in people who are at least 55 years old with risk factors for serious heart disorders.
Telmisartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about telmisartan?
Do not use telmisartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
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 telmisartan.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking telmisartan, unless your doctor has told you to.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.
In rare cases, telmisartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking telmisartan?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to telmisartan.
To make sure you can safely take telmisartan, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use telmisartan if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Telmisartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control while taking telmisartan.
It is not known whether telmisartan 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.