Telmisartan Side Effects

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

Applies to telmisartan: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Drugs with direct action on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury or death to the developing fetus.

Stop therapy as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected.

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:

Less common side effects

• abdominal or stomach pain
• back pain
• bloating or gas
• changes in appetite
• coughing
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• ear pain or hearing problems
• fever
• general tiredness or weakness
• headache
• heartburn
• increased sweating
• muscle pain or spasm
• nausea
• nervousness
• runny or stuffy nose
• sneezing
• sore throat

Incidence not known

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• difficulty with moving
• inability to have or keep an erection
• indigestion
• joint pain
• lack or loss of strength
• leg cramps
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• muscle aching
• stomach discomfort or upset
• swelling
• weakness

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:

Rare side effects

• changes in vision
• dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• fast heartbeat
• large hives
• painful urination or changes in urinary frequency
• swelling in the hands, lower legs, and feet

Incidence not known

• blurred vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• confusion
• dark-colored urine
• decreased urine output
• dilated neck veins
• extreme fatigue
• flushing
• hives or welts
• hoarseness
• irregular breathing
• irritation
• itching
• joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• muscle cramps or stiffness
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• pounding in the ears
• rash
• redness of the skin
• slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• sweating
• swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips
• tightness in the chest
• trouble breathing or swallowing
• trouble with speaking or walking
• trouble with thinking
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusually warm skin
• weakness or heaviness of the legs
• weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs
• weight gain

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]

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.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer