Can Micardis (Telmisartan) Be Crushed?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not Micardis (telmisartan) tablets can be crushed.
Can Telmisartan tablets 40 mg be crushed and then taken with applesauce?
Oct 21, 2022- Micardis (telmisartan) can be crushed or split and mixed with food like applesauce, but must be taken right away since the medication absorbs moisture quickly and should not be stored after crushing.
- Do not mix crushed telmisartan with water or other drinks because it does not dissolve well in liquid.
- Take your entire crushed dose at once as prescribed rather than saving it for later.
Answer
Yes, telmisartan (generic for Micardis) can safely be split, cut, or crushed and sprinkled on food (like applesauce) for immediate administration.
It is important to point out that telmisartan readily absorbs moisture, so it is very important that crushed or split tablets are taken immediately. They should not be stored for later use. The prescribing information for telmisartan warns that the drug is 'hygroscopic' meaning it absorbs moisture from its surroundings:
MICARDIS tablets are hygroscopic and require protection from moisture.
It is due to the moisture-absorbing properties of telmisartan that it is sometimes dispensed by the pharmacy in a blister pack (brand name Micardis is manufactured in blister packaging).
It is also worth noting that telmisartan is essentially insoluble in water, so it is not a good candidate to mix with a drink. Sprinkling the crushed tablet on applesauce and taking it that way would be preferred.
So, again, crushing the tablets is fine if you are having trouble swallowing them, or if they need to be administered via a medical device (e.g., a G-tube), but make sure you take your entire dose at once as prescribed.
About Telmisartan
Telmisartan is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. Telmisartan is also used to decrease the chance of heart attack, stroke, or death in people 55 years of age or older who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. Telmisartan is in a class of medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists
Telmisartan works by blocking the action of certain natural substances that tighten the blood vessels, allowing the blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump more efficiently.
Final Words
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Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Hygroscopic
- A substance that readily absorbs moisture from the air or surrounding environment.
- Insoluble
- A substance that cannot dissolve or mix in a liquid, like water.
- Angiotensin II receptor antagonists
- A class of medications that lower blood pressure by blocking proteins that narrow blood vessels.
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, including heart attacks and strokes.
- G-tube
- A feeding tube inserted directly into the stomach to deliver food and medications.
- Blister pack
- A type of packaging that protects individual tablets in sealed compartments.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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