Micardis 40mg, with the generic name telmisartan, is an antihypertensive medication. It is also used in individuals over 55 years of age to prevent cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events.
1. What is Micardis 40mg?
Micardis 40mg is used for treating essential hypertension and preventing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients aged 55 and above who are at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The main ingredient of the medication is telmisartan along with various excipients.
2. Effects of Micardis 40mg
Micardis 40mg is effective when taken orally and acts as a specific antagonist of the AT1 receptor of angiotensin II. Telmisartan, the main active ingredient, displaces angiotensin II due to its high affinity for the binding site on the AT1 receptor. This is the site responsible for the proven effects of angiotensin II. Telmisartan binds selectively and long-lastingly to the AT1 receptor.
Telmisartan does not act as a partial agonist at the AT1 receptor. It does not have an affinity for other receptors, including the AT2 receptor and other less typical AT receptors.
Telmisartan works by reducing plasma aldosterone concentrations. Telmisartan does not inhibit human plasma renin activity or block ion channels. It does not inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is responsible for the degradation of bradykinin (kininase II). Therefore, Micardis 40mg does not cause adverse effects mediated by bradykinin.
In the human body, two doses of Micardis 40mg nearly completely inhibit hypertension caused by angiotensin II. This inhibitory effect is maintained for 24 hours and can last up to 48 hours.
Micardis 40mg is indicated for use in the following cases:
• Treatment of essential hypertension.
• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases and mortality in individuals aged 55 and older who are at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Micardis 40mg Dosage
3.1. Adult Dosage
• Treatment of Essential Hypertension
The recommended dose is one Micardis 40mg tablet once daily. A lower dose of 20mg/day may be effective in some individuals. The dose may be increased to a maximum of two Micardis 40mg tablets, or 80mg once daily, to achieve target blood pressure.
When using Micardis 40mg, a specialist may prescribe combination therapy with thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide. This combination has been shown to have an additive antihypertensive effect with telmisartan. When increasing the dose, it should be noted that the maximum antihypertensive effect is usually achieved within 4–8 weeks of starting treatment.
For individuals with stage 3 hypertension, treatment with Micardis 40mg at doses up to 160mg as monotherapy, or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide 12.5–25mg/day, has been shown to be effective."
• Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases and Mortality
The recommended dose is 2 tablets of Micardis 40mg once daily to effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases and mortality.
It is advised to monitor your blood pressure when starting treatment with Micardis 40mg for cardiovascular prevention and adjust the dose if necessary to achieve blood pressure control.
• Kidney Impairment
No dose adjustment is required for patients with kidney impairment, including those on dialysis. The activity of Telmisartan is not removed from the body through dialysis.
• Liver Impairment
Do not exceed 1 tablet of Micardis 40mg once daily in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment.
For elderly individuals, no dosage adjustment is needed.
3.2. Dosage for Children and Adolescents
Currently, the safety and effectiveness of Micardis in children under 18 years of age have not been established.
Usage Note: The above dosage is for reference only. The specific dosage depends on the individual's condition and the progression of the disease. To determine the appropriate dosage, you should consult a cardiologist or healthcare professional.
4. What to Do in the Case of Micardis 40mg Overdose
The most obvious signs of an overdose of Micardis 40mg are hypotension (low blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heartbeat); bradycardia (slow heartbeat) may also occur.
If you experience symptoms of hypotension, you need to receive supportive treatment. Telmisartan is not removed from the body through dialysis or regular dialysis cycles.
5. Notes on Using Micardis 40mg
5.1. Cases that require caution when using the medication:
• Individuals hypersensitive to Telmisartan or any excipient of Micardis 40mg
• Women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy
• Breastfeeding women
• Patients with biliary obstruction diseases
• Severe liver impairment
• Contraindicated when using Micardis 40mg in combination with aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment (with GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m²)
• Contraindicated in patients with rare hereditary conditions that may be incompatible with any excipients of the medication
• Patients currently using other medications (including prescription, non-prescription, herbal, and dietary supplements)
5.2. For Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
For women planning to become pregnant, it is recommended to switch to alternative hypertension treatments that have proven safety data for use during pregnancy, unless continuing the use of Micardis 40mg (angiotensin II receptor antagonists) is deemed absolutely necessary.
When a woman is diagnosed as pregnant, treatment with angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including Micardis 40mg, should be immediately discontinued. If necessary, an alternative treatment regimen should be initiated.
Understanding the information about Micardis 40mg will help ensure effective use and reduce the risk of side effects.
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