Telmisartan
Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used primarily to treat high blood pressure. It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, allowing blood vessels to relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure and reduces strain on the heart.
Telmisartan is a blood pressure medication that relaxes blood vessels by blocking angiotensin II, a hormone that causes vasoconstriction.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- C09CA07
- RxNorm
- 73494
- Generic
- Telmisartan
- Class
- atc-c09
- Brands
- Twynsta, Semintra, Micardis, Widaplik, Micardis-HCT
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 40-80mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 1mg/kg once daily (not routinely recommended)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 40mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; consider alternative antihypertensives
regular fetal monitoring including ultrasound
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second third trimesterdiscontinue immediately if pregnancy detected
contraindicated in second and third trimester due to high risk of fetal toxicity
close fetal monitoring for renal function and amniotic fluid volume
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingnot recommended
telmisartan is excreted in breast milk; use alternative antihypertensive or discontinue breastfeeding
monitor infant for hypotension
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower dose (20mg daily)
use with caution due to increased sensitivity to hypotensive effects; monitor renal function closely
regular blood pressure monitoring, renal function tests, and electrolyte monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot established for pediatric population
safety and efficacy not established in children and adolescents; limited data available
blood pressure and renal function monitoring if used
renal_impairment
mild moderateno initial dose adjustment needed; monitor closely
use with caution; may cause reversible worsening of renal function; monitor serum creatinine
regular monitoring of renal function (creatinine, BUN) and potassium levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeuse lower dose, consider reduced frequency
use with extreme caution; avoid in bilateral renal artery stenosis
frequent renal function monitoring, potassium and electrolyte checks
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild moderatedose reduction may be required
use with caution; telmisartan is highly protein bound and metabolized by liver
monitor liver function tests and blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeuse lowest effective dose
use with caution in severe hepatic impairment; consider alternative therapy
close monitoring of liver function and blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA Approval Year
FDA approval year for Telmisartan (Micardis)
Drug class
Telmisartan belongs to the ARB class of antihypertensive medications
Primary indications
Main therapeutic uses of Telmisartan
Brand names
Common brand names for Telmisartan
Treatment of essential hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults. May also be used to reduce cardiovascular events in patients at high risk or with established cardiovascular disease.
Telmisartan blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors. Angiotensin II normally causes vasoconstriction and stimulates aldosterone release, leading to increased blood pressure. By blocking this receptor, telmisartan produces vasodilation, reduces sodium and water retention, and lowers blood pressure.
May cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when starting treatment. Avoid use during pregnancy as it can cause fetal harm. Patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis should not use this medication. May interact with potassium-sparing diuretics and NSAIDs. Blood pressure effects may take 2-4 weeks to fully develop.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy