You can now buy both brand-name and generic telmisartan (Micardis). The generic versions of this drug come in strengths ranging from 20 mg to 80 mg. Although these products are considered equivalent to the brand-name drug, they are allowed to contain different inactive ingredients.
Telmisartan (Micardis®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to reduce the risks of certain cardiovascular problems. 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.
Brand-name Micardis is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. It is also available in generic form.
Like the brand-name version, generic Micardis is available in the following three strengths:
- Telmisartan 20 mg
- Telmisartan 40 mg
- Telmisartan 80 mg.
Generic Micardis is made by various manufacturers, such as:
- Roxane Laboratories
- Watson Laboratories.
The version sold by Roxane is actually an "authorized generic," meaning it is the actual brand-name medication that is just packaged and sold under a generic name. It is exactly the same as Micardis in every way (it is even made by the same company), except it comes in a bottle with a generic name.