Telmisartan

Telmisartan is an effective treatment for hypertension and other problems, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and improving insulin sensitivity. Here, we will delve deeper into the uses, potential side effects, precautions to be taken, and other aspects of Telmisartan.

What are the uses of Telmisartan?

Telmisartan is a medication belonging to a class of drugs known as ARBs or Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers. It is primarily used for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). 

Here are some of the medical problems that Telmisartan is used for.

• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular protection
• Diabetic Nephropathy
• Chronic heart failure
• Risk reduction in high-risk heart patients

How and when to take Telmisartan?

Telmisartan is usually taken once a day, with or without food, at the same time every day. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed or chewed. If a dose of Telmisartan is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, but if it is close to the time for the next dosage, the missed dose should be skipped. It is important not to stop taking Telmisartan without consulting with a healthcare provider, as this can cause complications. Dosage and frequency may be adjusted by the healthcare provider based on blood pressure readings or other factors.

Medication Details

Available Form: Oral tablets

• Available Strengths: 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg
• Dosage Recommendations for High Blood Pressure:

For Adults (18 years and older)

• The usual starting dose: 40 mg once daily, taken orally.
• Maintenance dose: You may take between 20 mg to 80 mg once daily.

For Children (0–17 years): This drug has not been studied in children and should not be administered to individuals under the age of 18.

For Seniors (65 years and older): There are no specific dosage recommendations for older individuals. Seniors might metabolize the drug more slowly, and a standard adult dose may result in higher drug levels in the body. Adjustments to the dose or dosing schedule may be necessary for older adults, but this should be determined by a healthcare professional.

What are the side effects of Telmisartan?

Below, we have enlisted some possible side effects of Telmisartan:

• Dizziness
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Back pain
• High potassium levels
• Allergic reactions

It is essential to note that not everyone will experience side effects while taking Telmisartan, and some side effects may not be listed here. If you have any concerns/questions about the side effects of Telmisartan, talk to your healthcare provider.

What precautions should be taken?

Some precautions to keep in mind when taking Telmisartan:

• Inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to Telmisartan or any other medications.
• Let your concerned healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as Telmisartan can harm the foetus.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding, as Telmisartan can pass into breast milk and harm the nursing baby.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions, including liver or kidney disease, heart disease, or diabetes.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking Telmisartan.
• Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes without first consulting with your healthcare provider, as Telmisartan can increase potassium levels in the blood.
• Be cautious when driving or operating machinery, as Telmisartan can sometimes cause dizziness or drowsiness.
• If you experience any signs & symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention.
• Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your blood pressure and overall health while taking Telmisartan.

What if I missed the dose of Telmisartan?

If you miss a dose of Telmisartan, you can take it as and when you remember. If the next dose is due sometime soon, then you should skip the missed dose. Taking a double dose, in any case, to make up for the missed dose is not recommended as it can lead to an overdose.

What if there is an overdose of Telmisartan?

If you suspect an overdose of Telmisartan, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control centre immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, or rapid heartbeat.

What are the storage conditions for Telmisartan?

• Store Telmisartan in a cool, dry place, protected from heat, light, and moisture. 
• Also, do not put them in a place where children or pets can reach them.
• Keep them at room temperature, between 20 and 25 C (68-77F).

Caution with other medicines

It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Telmisartan, as some medications may interact with Telmisartan and increase the risk of side effects or reduce its effectiveness.

Here are some medications that may interact with Telmisartan:

• Other blood pressure medications
• Potassium supplements and salt substitutes
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Diuretics
• Lithium

These are not the only medications that may interact with Telmisartan, so it is important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking to avoid potential interactions. Your healthcare provider may adjust your medication regimen or dosage as needed to reduce the risk of interactions.

How quickly does Telmisartan show results?

Telmisartan typically begins to lower blood pressure within 2-4 weeks of starting treatment, but the exact timing may vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. It may take up to 8 weeks of regular use for Telmisartan to reach its maximum effectiveness in lowering blood pressure.

Telmisartan vs Inditel

FAQs

1. What are the uses of Telmisartan? 

Telmisartan is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and can also be prescribed for conditions like reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other cardiovascular problems in patients at risk.

2. What are the side effects of Telmisartan?

Common side effects may include dizziness, headache, and upset stomach. Less common but more severe side effects can include kidney problems, low blood pressure, and allergic reactions. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for a complete list of potential side effects and address any concerns.

3. Does telmisartan lower heart rate?

Telmisartan is not typically associated with significant effects on heart rate. It primarily works to relax blood vessels, leading to reduced blood pressure. However, individual responses may vary, so it's best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized information.

4. Does telmisartan cause constipation?

Constipation is not a commonly reported side effect of Telmisartan. If you experience constipation while taking this medication, it's advisable to discuss it with your healthcare provider, as it could be due to other factors or medications.

5. Does telmisartan work immediately?

Telmisartan does not provide immediate relief. It may take a few weeks of consistent use to observe the full effect on blood pressure. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and adjust the dosage if necessary to achieve the desired blood pressure control. It's essential to continue taking it as prescribed, even if you don't see immediate results.

References:

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/021286s040lbl.pdf https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/micardis-epar-product-information_en.pdf

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.