Compare Micardis vs. Atacand

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Micardis (telmisartan)

Prescription only

Atacand (candesartan)

Prescription only
Lowers blood pressure.

Micardis (telmisartan) is a good blood pressure-lowering medicine that protects your kidneys and has few side effects.

Lowers blood pressure.

Atacand (candesartan) is a good blood pressure-lowering medicine that protects your kidneys and has few side effects.

Upsides
  • Micardis (telmisartan) lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • It's similar to ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril), but it doesn't cause the same side effects like coughing.
  • Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.
  • Atacand (candesartan) lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • It works similar to ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril), but it doesn't have the same side effects like coughing and facial swelling.
  • Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.
  • It's recommended for people with heart failure since it lowers the risk of death and further damage to your heart.
  • Can be used in children older than 12 months.
Downsides
  • You'll need to get regular blood tests while taking Micardis (telmisartan) to see how it is affecting your body.
  • It's not safe to use Micardis (telmisartan) if you're pregnant.
  • Micardis (telmisartan) can cause the level of potassium in your blood to go up.
  • You'll need to get medical help if you notice any unusual swelling around your head and neck.
  • Micardis (telmisartan) is eliminated by the liver, so people who have liver problems should use it carefully.
  • You'll need to get yearly blood tests while taking Atacand (candesartan) to see how it is affecting your body.
  • It's not safe to use Atacand (candesartan) if you're pregnant.
  • Atacand (candesartan) can cause the level of potassium in your blood to go up.
  • You'll need to get medical help if you notice any unusual swelling around your head and neck.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
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$18.13
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$32.21
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Reviews
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Side effects
4possible side effects
  • Common cold
    7%
  • Back pain
    3%
  • Sinus infection
    3%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
See more detailed side effects
5possible side effects
  • Upper respiratory infection
    6%
  • Dizziness
    4%
  • Back pain
    3%
  • Sore throat
    2%
  • Runny nose
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Harm to fetus
    • Women of childbearing age
  • Worsening kidney problems
    • History of kidney problems
  • Swelling of face and head
    • African descent
  • Heart problems due to high potassium
    • Current kidney problems
    • Medicine that increase potassium
    • Use of salt substitutes
  • Low blood pressure
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that lower your blood pressure
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Birth defects and harmful to babies less than one year of age
    • Women of childbearing age
    • Infants less than one year old
  • Worsening kidney problems
    • History of kidney problems
  • Swelling in the face and head
    • African descent
  • High potassium levels
    • Current kidney problems
    • Using medicines that increase potassium
    • Using salt substitutes
  • Low blood pressure
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that lower your blood pressure
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Micardis (telmisartan)
Learn more about Atacand (candesartan)