Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Having Severe Lower Leg Cramps And On Micardis For BP. Advise?
Question: I am having trouble with severe lower leg cramps on Micardis 80mg for blood pressure for the past 2 years after switching from Atacand due to dry cough. Any suggestions before I go to my local GP here in Australia?
Brief Answer:
Try to relieve cramps; if not, change in med
Detailed Answer:
Muscle cramps and even at times stiffness of joints or muscles are some of the many side effects of Micardis (telmisartan).
Most side effects usually subside as your body gets used to the medication, but as you have been experiencing the same from the last 2 years, this side effect might either require individual treatment or a change in medication (i.e. micardis).
The treatment options would include: adequate hydration, mild stretching exercises on a daily basis, cold compress and local massages. Pain killers would generally be avoided, as they have more potential ill-effects while providing only temporary relief. If the cramps do not subside within a period of time, your doctor might have to consider shifting over to another anti-hypertensive.
I hope you found my response helpful. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications.
Take care.
Try to relieve cramps; if not, change in med
Detailed Answer:
Muscle cramps and even at times stiffness of joints or muscles are some of the many side effects of Micardis (telmisartan).
Most side effects usually subside as your body gets used to the medication, but as you have been experiencing the same from the last 2 years, this side effect might either require individual treatment or a change in medication (i.e. micardis).
The treatment options would include: adequate hydration, mild stretching exercises on a daily basis, cold compress and local massages. Pain killers would generally be avoided, as they have more potential ill-effects while providing only temporary relief. If the cramps do not subside within a period of time, your doctor might have to consider shifting over to another anti-hypertensive.
I hope you found my response helpful. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Brief Answer:
List of anti-hypertensives mentioned
Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.
Thank you for your follow up query.
I would be more than happy to help you with a list of medications, you could discuss with your doctor and initiate. But I would like to first mention that treatment of hypertension is individual-specific and your doctor might have to try a few medications before learning about which one is best suited to your requirement with least or absent side effects. The list is as follows:
- Angiotensin II receptor antagonists: Both micardis and atacand belong to this group, as selected by your doctor. Valsartan and olmesartan are a few other medications available in the same group, if your doctor wishes to stick to the same group of medications, although it might be best to avoid this group completely as you have experienced side effects to two of their medications already
- ACE inhibitors: Captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, etc.
- Diuretics: Thiazides are usually used to control blood pressure when there are complication in the heart, generalized swelling, etc. (eg. hydrochlorthiazide)
- Beta blockers: Carvedilol (is both a beta- and alpha-blocker which helps in reducing workload of the heart, keeping it healthy), labetalol, metoprolol, are other commonly used medications from this group
- Calcium channel blockers: Amlodipine, nitrendipine, nicardipine, etc
- Combination medication: Are very good for add-on therapy
I hope this information helps. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications.
Best wishes.
List of anti-hypertensives mentioned
Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.
Thank you for your follow up query.
I would be more than happy to help you with a list of medications, you could discuss with your doctor and initiate. But I would like to first mention that treatment of hypertension is individual-specific and your doctor might have to try a few medications before learning about which one is best suited to your requirement with least or absent side effects. The list is as follows:
- Angiotensin II receptor antagonists: Both micardis and atacand belong to this group, as selected by your doctor. Valsartan and olmesartan are a few other medications available in the same group, if your doctor wishes to stick to the same group of medications, although it might be best to avoid this group completely as you have experienced side effects to two of their medications already
- ACE inhibitors: Captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, etc.
- Diuretics: Thiazides are usually used to control blood pressure when there are complication in the heart, generalized swelling, etc. (eg. hydrochlorthiazide)
- Beta blockers: Carvedilol (is both a beta- and alpha-blocker which helps in reducing workload of the heart, keeping it healthy), labetalol, metoprolol, are other commonly used medications from this group
- Calcium channel blockers: Amlodipine, nitrendipine, nicardipine, etc
- Combination medication: Are very good for add-on therapy
I hope this information helps. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications.
Best wishes.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
