Telmisartan is from the angiotensin receptor blocker class of medication. It is used to treat high blood pressure and to reduce the chances of a heart attack, stroke, and other similar conditions from occurring. But it can also be used in combination with other blood pressure medications.

Follow all guidelines from your doctor and prescription label. It will take two to four weeks for you to receive the full benefit of telmisartan, which can help you deal with your high blood pressure or risk of heart attacks and similar conditions, so do not change up the dose in any way unless requested by your doctor.

Before taking telmisartan, be sure that you have kept each of its tablets stored in its blister pack.

Once you’re ready, you can take telmisartan with or without food. For either case, make sure to swallow the tablet whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking it.

Please note that while on this medication, you will need to have your blood pressure checked frequently.

While getting your blood pressure checked, you may discover that your blood pressure has lowered drastically. If that happens in combination with frequent vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating, alert your doctor right away.

There are a few other issues to consider while on telmisartan. If you usually drink, reconsider it for the time being. When combined with alcohol, telmisartan can increase your risk for low blood pressure, which can cause faintness and dizziness.

The same advice goes for you if you are considering pregnancy. While pregnancy and telmisartan will not increase your risk for low blood pressure, the combination will increase the risk of serious problems for the fetus during the second and third trimester. The medication should only be taken during pregnancy if the benefits to your well-being outweigh the risks to the pregnancy.

Lastly, if you deal with severe heart failure or kidney problems, telmisartan might reduce how much urine you produce or increase your risk of kidney injury.

Please discuss all these concerns and any others you might have with your doctor. They will be able to inform you of the most appropriate steps to take.

Common side effects from taking telmisartan include a stuffed nose, sinus pain, back pain, and diarrhea.

For some people, telmisartan can cause allergic reactions. Symptoms for a reaction include trouble breathing; swollen face, throat, or tongue; and hives.

If you have any or all of these symptoms, seek immediate medical assistance.

Once you’ve had an allergic reaction to this medication, do not take it again as your next reaction could be fatal.