Telmisartan (Micardis® Generic) Tablets for Blood Pressure Control

What Telmisartan Is and How It Works

Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk in select adults. It blocks angiotensin II from binding to AT1 receptors, which relaxes blood vessels and lowers pressure. Many people start with telmisartan 40 mg once daily, and some need dose changes to reach their targets. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing.

This telmisartan medication is taken by mouth as a tablet, with or without food. The drug has a long half life of about 24 hours, which supports once-daily dosing and steady control through the day and night. Telmisartan is the generic name for the Micardis brand name product. If you are comparing telmisartan price options or planning to order telmisartan online, you can review strengths and pricing before you upload your prescription.

We also work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to supply authentic brands and a wide selection at affordable pricing.

Telmisartan is prescribed for hypertension, and in some adults at high cardiovascular risk who cannot take an ACE inhibitor. It may also help reduce protein in the urine in people with diabetes, which supports kidney protection over time. You can learn more about the condition on our High Blood Pressure page.

Dosage and Usage

• Starting dose: 40 mg once daily is common. Some adults may begin with telmisartan 20 mg if they are volume-depleted or sensitive to blood-pressure medicines.
• Titration: Your prescriber may increase to telmisartan 80 mg once daily after 2–4 weeks if additional lowering is needed.
• Maximum dose: 80 mg once daily.
• Administration: Take at the same time each day. You can take it with or without food. Swallow tablets with water.
• Missed dose: Take it when remembered the same day. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses.
• Combination products: If blood pressure remains elevated, a thiazide diuretic may be added. Some patients use a fixed-dose combination such as telmisartan HCTZ 80 25 as directed by their prescriber.
• Special populations: Dose changes may be needed if you have liver issues. Your clinician will guide this.

• Store tablets at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are usually acceptable.
• Keep in the original bottle or blister to protect from moisture and light.
• Do not store in a bathroom or humid area.
• When traveling, keep tablets in your carry-on in a cool, dry place.
• If a tablet looks damaged or discolored, do not use it.

Benefits and Savings

Telmisartan helps lower blood pressure, which reduces the risks of stroke, heart attack, and kidney complications. Its long half-life supports smooth 24-hour coverage. Once-daily dosing is convenient, and it pairs well with other classes such as thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers when more control is needed.

Buying from Canada often lowers your out-of-pocket telmisartan cost. Typical savings are 60–80% compared with common US prices, especially for higher strengths like telmisartan 80 mg. Multi-month supplies can lower your per-month telmisartan price, and you can set gentle reorder reminders so you don’t run out.

If you are looking for deals, see our telmisartan coupon page for current promotions.

Brand products such as Micardis may be available, but many choose the micardis generic for further savings. Price can vary by strength and quantity, so compare options like telmisartan 40 mg price and telmisartan 80 mg price before checkout.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, or back pain, especially when starting or increasing the dose.
• Digestive: diarrhea or abdominal discomfort may occur in some people.
• Respiratory: nasal congestion or sinus discomfort can happen occasionally.
• Laboratory: small increases in potassium or creatinine may be seen.
• Blood pressure: excessive lowering can cause faintness when standing up.

Serious but less common risks include high potassium, kidney function changes, allergic reactions or angioedema, and very low blood pressure in volume-depleted patients. Drugs that affect the renin-angiotensin system can harm an unborn baby; telmisartan is contraindicated in pregnancy. Do not use with aliskiren if you have diabetes. Avoid combining an ACE inhibitor and an ARB.

Telmisartan does not cause low blood sugar. If you also use insulin or a sulfonylurea for diabetes, monitor as directed for those medicines.

Onset Time

Some blood-pressure lowering appears within the first week. Many patients see a clearer response by two weeks, with full effect by about four weeks at a steady dose. If the response is not adequate after two to four weeks, your prescriber may adjust the dose or add another agent. Because of its 24-hour half-life, once-daily dosing maintains control between doses.

Compare With Alternatives

Micardis is the brand product containing telmisartan. Some people prefer branded tablets, while most choose the generic for cost savings. You can compare the brand on our Micardis® page.

Other ARBs include valsartan and olmesartan. These agents also block the angiotensin II receptor and are generally dosed once daily. Differences appear in dose ranges, interaction profiles, and formulary coverage. Your prescriber will match the medicine to your blood-pressure goals and medical history.

Combination therapy is common. Losartan with hydrochlorothiazide is one option. If you need an ARB with a diuretic, a losartan-based alternative like Hyzaar® Ds may be considered. Your clinician decides if a combination or a higher dose of telmisartan is the next step.

Combination Therapy

• Thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide): often added when monotherapy is not enough; fixed-dose combinations such as telmisartan HCTZ 80 25 may simplify dosing.
• Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine): effective pairing to reach targets in resistant hypertension.
• Beta blockers: used for compelling indications such as heart rate control or post-MI care.
• Loop diuretics: considered in heart failure or chronic kidney disease with fluid retention.
• Avoid ACE inhibitor + ARB together due to higher risks without clear added benefit.
• Use caution with NSAIDs and potassium supplements; these can affect kidney function or potassium levels.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with hypertension who would benefit from an ARB, such as those with cough on an ACE inhibitor or those needing once-daily control. It may also suit adults with diabetes who need kidney-friendly blood-pressure options. People with a history of intolerance to ARBs, severe liver disease, or high potassium may require different therapy.

Do not use telmisartan if you are pregnant. Stop it if pregnancy is detected and contact your prescriber. It is usually not recommended while breastfeeding. Use with aliskiren in diabetes is contraindicated. Those with bilateral renal artery stenosis, significant dehydration, or very low baseline pressure need careful supervision. Report any swelling of the face or tongue, severe dizziness, or signs of high potassium such as muscle weakness.

To save on medication costs, compare strengths and quantities for the best unit pricing. Multi-month supplies can reduce your monthly telmisartan cost, and you can set simple reminders to reorder before your last refill is low. Generics are usually priced lower than brands, and Canadian pharmacy pricing may lower your out-of-pocket burden compared with local options.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information for Telmisartan

Health Canada Product Monograph: Telmisartan

Micardis (Boehringer Ingelheim) Product Information

Order telmisartan from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This content is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s guidance and your local patient information leaflet.