Telmisartan is a drugto treat high blood pressure (hypertension). This drug can be taken as a single drug or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs.
Telmisartan will inhibit the binding of angiotensin II to its receptors, thereby helping to relax blood vessel muscles. That way, previously narrowed blood vessels will widen, blood flow will be smoother, and blood pressure will decrease.
In addition to treating hypertension, telmisartan is also used to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Trademarktelmisartan: Co-Telsaril 40/12.5, Micardis, Micardis Plus, Nuzartan, Telmisartan, Tinov 40, Simtel 80, Twynsta, Telgio, Telsat
What is Telmisartan
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) |
| Benefit | Treat hypertension and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack suffering from cardiovascular disease. |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Telmisartan for pregnant and lactating women | Category D:There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. It is not known whether Telmisartan is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Tablet |
Precautions Before Taking Telmisartan
Telmisartan should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription. Before taking telmisartan you need to pay attention to the following things:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Telmisartan should not be taken by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had angioedema, liver disease, dehydration, bile duct blockage, diabetes, high levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia), heart disease, kidney disease, or are on a low-salt diet.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking telmisartan, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you are on dialysis.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain herbal products, supplements, or medications, such as alisicren or other antihypertensive drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking telmisartan before having any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. Use effective contraception while on treatment with telmisartan.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after taking telmisartan.
Telmisartan Dosage and Directions
The dose of telmisartan is determined based on the age, condition of the patient, and the body's response to the drug.
For lowering blood pressure in hypertension, the initial dose is 40 mg, 1 time a day. The dose can be increased to 20–80, once a day according to the patient's response. The maximum dose is 80 mg per day.
To reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack in patients suffering from heart and blood vessel disease, the dose is 80 mg, 1 time a day.
How to take Telmisartan dit's true
Take telmisartan as recommended by your doctor and don't forget to read the information on the drug packaging. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not use the drug more than the recommended timeframe.
Take telmisartan regularly at the same time every day. Telmisartan can be taken before or after meals with the help of a glass of water. Swallow the medicine whole, do not chew or crush it.
If you forget to take telmisartan, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, ignore the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose of losartan to make up for a missed dose, unless directed by your doctor.
Perform regular blood pressure checks while using telmisartan to monitor the body's condition and the body's response to treatment.
Please note that this drug can help control blood pressure in people with hypertension, but cannot cure it. To help control blood pressure, you also need to maintain an ideal body weight and limit the consumption of foods that are high in salt.
Store telmisartan in a dry, closed place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Telmisartan Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are interactions that can occur if you take telmisartan with other medicines:
- Increased risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and impaired renal function if antihypertensive drugs are used, such as alisicren or other class of drugs. ACE inhibitor, such as captopril
- Increased risk of developing hyperkalemia if used with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretic drugs, such as spironolactone
- Decreased antihypertensive effect of telmisartan when used with corticosteroid drugs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin
- Increased levels of lithium or digoxin in the blood
Telmisartan Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after taking telmisartan are:
- Dizziness, especially after getting up or sitting up
- Back pain
- Nasal congestion, upper respiratory infection, or symptoms of sinus inflammation (sinusitis)
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside. Immediately see a doctor if there is an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of an itchy and swollen rash, swollen eyelids and lips, or difficulty breathing.
In addition, you should also see a doctor immediately if you experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Drastic weight gain or swelling in the feet and hands
- Hyperkalemia, which can be characterized by symptoms such as nausea, weakness, chest pain, slow or irregular heartbeat, or muscle weakness
- Infrequent urination or very little urine
- Faint
