Telmisartan (Micardis) Tips from Pharmacists

• You can take telmisartan with or without food. If it causes diarrhea or stomach upset, taking it with food might help.

• Telmisartan can make you dizzy and lightheaded, especially when you first start taking it or after dose adjustments. Get out of bed slowly and be cautious while driving and doing other hazardous activities until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Keep all your medical and laboratory appointments while on telmisartan. Your doctor may adjust your dose and order certain laboratory tests to monitor you for side effects.

• Keep a record of your blood pressure numbers at home. Take them with you to your doctor’s visits. Your doctor may increase or decrease your telmisartan dose based on your response to the medicine.

• Eating a low-salt diet can help control high blood pressure. However, do not use potassium-containing salt substitutes while on telmisartan without checking with your doctor first.