What Is Telmisartan Used For?

Many people may wonder, "What is telmisartan used for?" Telmisartan is used for the treatment of high blood pressure. The medicine works by relaxing the blood vessels, which can reduce blood pressure and decrease the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure. Telmisartan has not been approved for use in children.

 

What Is Telmisartan Used For? -- An Overview

Telmisartan (Micardis®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to control high blood pressure (hypertension).
 
Telmisartan for High Blood Pressure
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
Based on clinical studies, telmisartan has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The higher the dose of telmisartan, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be. By lowering blood pressure, telmisartan can decrease the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). Telmisartan is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 

How Does Telmisartan Work?

Telmisartan is part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs for short).
 Telmisartan blocks angiotensin II receptors (hence its classification as an angiotensin II receptor blocker). This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, telmisartan causes blood vessels to relax, which can lower blood pressure.
 
(What Is Telmisartan Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;