Micardis and Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride

• Generic Name: telmisartan
• Dosage Forms: tablet
• Other Brand Names: Micardis

Micardis (telmisartan) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Telmisartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.

Micardis is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), sometimes in combination with other blood pressure medications.

Micardis is also used to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death from heart problems in people who are at least 55 years old with risk factors for serious heart disorders.

• Generic Name: oxymetazoline ophthalmic
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Visine LR, Visine Long Lasting, Ocuclear

Self-medication for temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies.

As effective as other topical vasoconstrictors.

Labeled and has been used for self-medication for temporary relief of nasal congestion associated with sinusitis; however, efficacy data are lacking and/or controversial. In October 2005, FDA issued final rule to remove this indication from labeling of OTC nasal decongestants. Compliance date for preparations with annual sales <$25,000 is October 11, 2007; compliance date for all other preparations is April 11, 2007.

Self-medication for temporary relief of ocular redness due to minor irritation.

Has been used for self-medication for symptomatic prevention of otitic barotrauma (aerotitis [barotitis] media); however, no more effective than placebo.