Telmisartan Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 26, 2023.

Applies to telmisartan: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur with this medicine, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert. If you feel dizzy, lie down so you do not faint. Then sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness from returning.

Check with your doctor right away if you become sick while taking this medicine, especially with severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water and may lead to low blood pressure. You can also lose water by sweating, so drink plenty of water during exercise or in hot weather.

Ask your doctor before you use medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes nonprescription medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since they may increase your blood pressure.

Common side effects of telmisartan

Some side effects of telmisartan may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of telmisartan

Along with its needed effects, telmisartan may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking telmisartan:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to telmisartan: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common adverse events reported in hypertension trials were back pain, sinusitis, and diarrhea. The most common adverse events reported in cardiovascular risk reduction trials were intermittent claudication and skin ulcer.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, dyspepsia, nausea, abdominal pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Flatulence, vomiting, dry mouth, stomach discomfort, constipation, gastritis, hemorrhoids, gastroenteritis, enteritis, gastroesophageal reflux, toothache^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypotension, palpitation, intermittent claudication, hypertension
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, angina pectoris, flushing, dependent edema, abnormal ECG
• Postmarketing reports: Atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, blood pressure increased, hypertension aggravated^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Coughing, upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea, asthma, epistaxis, rhinitis
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Interstitial lung disease^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, myalgia, arthralgia, muscle spasms
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gout, pain in extremity, arthritis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Tendon pain, blood creatine phosphokinase increased
• Postmarketing reports: Rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, anxiety, depression
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nervousness^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Syncope, somnolence, migraine, paresthesia, hypoesthesia, cerebrovascular disorder
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Dysgeusia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash, skin ulcer
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus, hyperhidrosis, eczema, dermatitis, sweating increased
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Erythema, urticaria, drug eruption, toxic skin eruption^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Micturition frequency, impotence, cystitis
• Postmarketing reports: Erectile dysfunction^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Pain, fatigue, influenza-like illness, chest pain, peripheral edema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo, asthenia, tinnitus, earache, malaise, fever, leg edema
• Postmarketing reports: Face edema^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Infection, fungal infection, abscess, otitis media, allergy, sepsis
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, hypersensitivity
• Postmarketing reports: Angioneurotic edema^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperkalemia, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anemia, hemoglobin decreased
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Renal

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Renal impairment including acute renal failure, blood creatinine increased
• Rare (less than 0.1%): Blood uric acid increased
• Frequency not reported: Acute renal failure^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Conjunctivitis, visual disturbance^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Hepatic function abnormal/liver disorder, hepatic enzyme increased^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Telmisartan side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer