Micardis is a medication that contains the active ingredient telmisartan. It is also known by the alternative names Kinzalmono and Pritor. Micardis is used to treat high blood pressure, helping to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
Micardis has a price point ranging from £0.81 to £2.26 per pills. Variations in price are linked to the pack’s dimension and the active ingredient dosage (30 or 360 mg).
Micardis contains the active ingredient telmisartan. Telmisartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels and releases aldosterone.
Micardis is primarily prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Additionally, it is used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack in patients aged 55 years and older who are at high risk due to a history of cardiovascular disease.
The recommended starting dose of Micardis for adults with hypertension is 40 mg once daily, but this can be adjusted to 20 mg or increased to a maximum dose of 80 mg based on the patient’s response. For cardiovascular risk reduction, the usual dose is 80 mg once daily.
Micardis should be taken orally with or without food. Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. It is recommended to take it at the same time each day to maintain an even level of medication in the blood.
Store Micardis tablets at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Keep the medication in its original packaging to protect it from moisture and light. Do not store in a bathroom or freezer.
Telmisartan, the active ingredient in Micardis, blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor located on vascular smooth muscle and adrenal gland. This prevents the vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II, leading to lowered blood pressure and decreased strain on the heart.
After oral administration, telmisartan is rapidly absorbed with peak plasma concentrations achieved in approximately 0.5 to 1 hour. The bioavailability is dose-dependent, approximately 42% at 40 mg and 58% at 160 mg. Telmisartan has a large volume of distribution, and it is highly bound to plasma proteins.
Telmisartan is metabolized minimally by the liver. It is excreted primarily unchanged in the feces via biliary excretion. Renal excretion accounts for less than 1% of the dose, and the elimination half-life is about 24 hours.
Micardis can interact with other medications. Notably, concomitant use with potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, or other substances that increase potassium levels may result in hyperkalemia. Concurrent use with NSAIDs may lead to deterioration of renal function.
In cases of overdose, symptomatic treatment and supportive measures should be instituted. Patients should be monitored and managed for hypotension and tachycardia. Intravenous fluid may be administered if needed to correct electrolyte disturbances.
The use of Micardis in patients with severe renal impairment should be undertaken with caution, as these patients may need close monitoring of renal function. The pharmacokinetics of telmisartan are not significantly changed in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
It is unknown whether telmisartan is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for adverse effects in a nursing infant from Micardis, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother.
Clinical studies have not identified any differences in response between elderly and younger patients. However, caution is advised when initiating therapy in the elderly due to the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and concomitant diseases or other drug therapy.
Micardis should not be taken during pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters. Telmisartan can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. If pregnancy is detected, Micardis should be discontinued as soon as possible.
Micardis is unlikely to impact your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, dizziness or fatigue may occasionally occur. Patients should be cautioned about engaging in activities requiring alertness until they know how the medication affects them.