PTCE Top 200 · #184

Telmisartan

Micardis

Telmisartan is the generic name for the brand-name drug Micardis. It is an arb (angiotensin ii receptor blocker) used to treat hypertension. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Telmisartan ranks #184 and is one of the most frequently tested cardiovascular medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.

Generic nameTelmisartan
Brand name(s)Micardis
Drug classARB (angiotensin II receptor blocker)
Class groupCardiovascular
Common usehypertension
DEA scheduleUnscheduled
AvailabilityPrescription only (Rx)

What is Telmisartan used for?

Treatment of hypertension; reduction of cardiovascular risk in certain high-risk patients (product-specific).

What drug class is Telmisartan?

Telmisartan is an ARB (angiotensin II receptor blocker) in the Cardiovascular group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.

Common side effects of Telmisartan

Major interactions

Is Telmisartan a controlled substance?

No. Telmisartan is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

warning Boxed warning

Fetal toxicity: discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected; drugs acting on the renin-angiotensin system can injure or kill the developing fetus.

How to remember Telmisartan (PTCE mnemonic)

MI-cardis MIxes BP control — telmi-SARTAN is the LONGEST T½ ARB. 'SARTAN = stop in pregnancy', watch K+ and creatinine; renoprotective in diabetics.
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PTCE exam tip

Telmisartan's claim is the LONGEST half-life of the ARBs (forgiving of a late dose) — same -sartan rules: no cough, stop in pregnancy.

Telmisartan FAQ

What is the brand name for Telmisartan?

The brand name for Telmisartan is Micardis.

What is Telmisartan used for?

Telmisartan is used to treat hypertension. Treatment of hypertension; reduction of cardiovascular risk in certain high-risk patients (product-specific).

What drug class is Telmisartan?

Telmisartan is an ARB (angiotensin II receptor blocker) (Cardiovascular group).

Is Telmisartan a controlled substance?

No. Telmisartan is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

Related drugs in the Cardiovascular group

Drill Telmisartan the way the PTCE asks it

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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).