How to use
Telmisartan should be taken orally, usually once a day, with or without food. Try and take this medication at approximately the same time every day. Taking Telmisartan at regular intervals will make this medication most effective, as it ensures there is a constant amount in your blood stream. Follow the directions of your doctor exactly, even if they differ from the usual dosage.

Overdose
Potential side effects of a Telmisartan overdose include:

• Unusually fast or slow heartbeat
• Severe dizziness
• Fainting

If you think you have taken too much of this medication you should contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.

Missed dose
If you miss a dose of Telmisartan you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember.  If you are close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled.  Do not double up on this medication to make up for a missed dosage.

Notes
When taking Telmisartan, your doctor may want you to have regular medical tests and check-ups to chart your progress and make sure you don’t suffer from any side effects. Make sure you do not miss any of these appointments. Do not share this medication with others, as they may suffer from a condition that is not effectively treated with Telmisartan.

Storage
Store Telmisartan at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL OTHER MEDICATION OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. 

Important note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

 

Precautions
Before taking Telmisartan, you should discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially the following:

• Any allergies (especially to Telmisartan or ACE-inhibitors, such as Captopril, Lisinopril)
• Kidney or liver diseases
• High blood levels of potassium
• Severe dehydration (and loss of electrolytes such as sodium)
• Diabetes

If you suffer or have suffered from any of the above conditions, you may not be able to take Telmisartan or you may need a dosage adjustment. Elderly people may be more sensitive to this medication and its side effects. Therefore, caution is advised when Telmisartan is used by anyone in this age group. Telmisartan is classed as Pregnancy Category D by the FDA. This medication may cause injury and even death to an unborn baby when taken during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. You should not take this medication when pregnant and use an effective form of birth control during treatment. It is not yet know whether Telmisartan passes into breast milk and if it could potentially harm a nursing infant. Inform your doctor before taking this medication if you are breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions
Before taking Telmisartan, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• Diuretics (e.g. Amiloride, Spironolactone, Triamterene
• Digoxin (Digitalis, Lanoxin)
• Lithium
• Ramipril

Do not take any medication containing ingredients that could increase your blood pressure, for instance cough-and-cold products, weight loss supplements, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Ibuprofen and Naproxen). Ask your pharmacist first if it is safe to use these products in combination with Telmisartan. However, it is allowed to continue treatment with a low-dose aspirin (81-325 mg per day),  as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention. This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Telmisartan. 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.

 

 

Common potential side effects of Telmisartan include:

• Runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough
• Back pain
• Stomach pain, diarrhea
• Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness
• Tired feeling
• Weakness
• Increased sweating
• Blurred vision

Notify your doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.

Also let your doctor know if you experience any of the following unlikely but serious side effects:

• Feeling like you might pass out
• Painful or difficult urination
• Chest pain
• Feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion
• Swelling of the hands or feet
• Decreased sexual ability

In rare cases, Telmisartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and ultimately leads to kidney failure. The following symptoms of this condition are highly unlikely but very serious and you should get emergency medical help immediately if you have them:

• Muscle pain, tenderness, weakness
• Unusual tiredness
• Change in the amount of urine
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine
• Persistent nausea or vomiting

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Notify your doctor if you experience any side effects other than the ones mentioned above, especially if they are bothersome.