Telmisartan
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DRUG STATUS
Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
Essential Medicine
NO
Teratogenicity
N/A
Pharmaceutical Class
Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker
Telmisartan
Know More About This Medicine -
Click HereSummary
Telmisartan is primarily used to treat high blood pressure. It is particularly beneficial for older adults aged 55 and up who are at higher risk of heart problems.
Telmisartan works by widening your blood vessels, making it easier for your heart to pump blood. This reduces the strain on your heart and blood vessels, lowering your chances of having a stroke or heart attack.
The usual starting dose is 40 mg once a day, but it can be adjusted between 20 and 80 mg daily depending on your blood pressure. The medicine is typically taken orally.
Common mild side effects include stuffy nose, back pain, and diarrhea. More serious but rare side effects include swelling of the face, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, or a skin rash.
Telmisartan should not be taken if you're allergic to it or if you have diabetes and are taking a medicine called aliskiren. It's not safe for pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant. Breastfeeding mothers should also consult their doctor before taking it.
Indications and Purpose
What is Telmisartan used for?
Telmisartan is a medicine that helps lower high blood pressure. For older adults (55 and up), it can also help reduce the chances of serious heart problems like a stroke or heart attack.
How does Telmisartan work?
Telmisartan helps your blood pressure go down by relaxing your blood vessels. This makes your heart work less hard and protects your blood vessels, reducing your chances of a stroke or heart attack. However, some people might get a sudden drop in blood pressure, so their doctor might need to adjust their dose or treat any underlying issues before they start taking it.
Is Telmisartan effective?
Telmisartan is a blood pressure medicine. It helps people over 55 with high blood pressure, especially those who can't take another similar medicine called ACE inhibitors. Studies show it lowers blood pressure and likely reduces the chances of serious heart problems, although this hasn't been directly proven for everyone taking it. About the same number of people stopped taking telmisartan as those taking a dummy pill (placebo) or another blood pressure medicine (ramipril) in studies.
How does one know if Telmisartan is working?
Many people (over 3700) took Telmisartan, and most side effects were minor and went away on their own. A smaller study comparing it to a dummy pill (placebo) showed similar side effects in both groups. Very few people needed to stop taking the medicine because of side effects.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Telmisartan?
This medicine's usual starting dose is 40 mg once a day, but it can be adjusted between 20 and 80 mg daily depending on your blood pressure. Lower doses mean less blood pressure lowering, and higher doses mean more. The best effect usually shows up after a month. If you're taking it to lower your risk of heart problems, the doctor will likely prescribe 80 mg daily. It hasn't been tested enough to know if it's safe or effective for children.
How do I take Telmisartan?
You can take Telmisartan pills with or without food. It doesn't matter what you eat with them.
For how long do I take Telmisartan?
Telmisartan is a blood pressure medicine. A single pill taken once a day keeps your blood pressure down for a full 24 hours, even at the lowest dose. If you stop taking it, your blood pressure will slowly go back to its normal level over a few days or a week. Studies show it continues to work well for at least a year.
How long does it take for Telmisartan to start working?
Telmisartan lowers blood pressure quickly—within three hours of taking a pill. One dose keeps blood pressure down for a full day (24 hours) if you take the right amount. If you stop taking it, your blood pressure will gradually go back to normal over a few days or a week.
How should I store Telmisartan?
Keep your telmisartan pills in their original packaging until you're ready to take them. Put all your medicines where kids can't get to them.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Telmisartan?
Telmisartan is a medication that shouldn't be taken if you're allergic to it or any of its parts. People with diabetes shouldn't take it with another medicine called aliskiren. It's not safe for pregnant women or those trying to get pregnant; they need to talk to their doctor. Breastfeeding mothers should also check with their doctor before using it. Keep it away from kids.
Can I take Telmisartan with other prescription drugs?
Telmisartan can boost the effects of some other medicines. Taking it with ramipril means you'll have more of the active medicine in your blood. It can also increase the levels of digoxin and lithium in your blood. Never take telmisartan with aliskiren if you have diabetes or kidney problems. However, it's safe to take with acetaminophen, amlodipine, glyburide, simvastatin, hydrochlorothiazide, warfarin, or ibuprofen.
Can I take Telmisartan with vitamins or supplements?
It's generally safe to take telmisartan with vitamins and supplements. However, tell your doctor about *everything* you're taking – pills, vitamins, even herbal remedies. Some things can affect how telmisartan works, and telmisartan can affect how other things work. It's better to be safe and let your doctor know.
Can Telmisartan be taken safely while pregnant?
Taking the blood pressure medicine telmisartan during pregnancy, especially in the later months, is very risky. It can harm the baby's kidneys, lungs, and bones, leading to serious problems or even death. If you find out you're pregnant, stop taking it right away. Although early pregnancy studies haven't shown clear differences compared to other blood pressure medicines, animal studies show harm only at very high doses. It's important to remember there's always a small chance of birth defects or miscarriage even without taking any medicine.
Can Telmisartan be taken safely while breastfeeding?
If you're taking the medicine telmisartan, it's not safe to breastfeed. The medicine might harm your baby, possibly causing low blood pressure, high potassium levels, or kidney problems. Doctors don't know for sure if the medicine passes into breast milk, but the risk is too great. You need to talk to your doctor to decide between taking the medicine and breastfeeding—you can't safely do both.
Is Telmisartan safe for the elderly?
This medicine works the same for older people (65 and up) as it does for younger people. While most older people are fine, some might be more sensitive to it. Doctors should check their blood tests regularly to make sure their salt levels are okay. If their blood pressure gets too low or they have trouble making urine, doctors will need to help raise their blood pressure and improve kidney function. In serious cases, dialysis or blood exchanges might be needed.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Telmisartan?
Exercise is safe and encouraged but monitor for dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when starting the medication. Hydrate adequately and avoid overexertion.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Telmisartan?
Drinking alcohol while taking telmisartan can enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect and may increase the risk of dizziness or fainting. Limit alcohol consumption and consult your doctor.