Telmisartan Tablet Uses, Dosage, Benefits, Side Effects, and Precautions

Telmisartan is a drug used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), primarily. It’s part of a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). How it works is it inhibits the effects of the chemical angiotensin II which constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure.

Telmisartan relaxes blood vessels so the blood can flow more easily and puts less strain on the heart. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications as determined by the patient’s blood pressure and overall health status. Other high-risk patients who are unable to take ACE inhibitors may also use the medicine as a cardiovascular risk reduction therapy.

The right dose is based on your medical condition, age, health of your kidneys, health of your liver and other medicines that you may be taking. (Mayo Clinic)

What is Telmisartan Tablet?

Telmisartan belongs to a group of medicines known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), which are mainly used to treat high blood pressure. Angiotensin II can cause blood vessels to become narrow. When combined with appropriate receptors, telmisartan inhibits its effect and prevents blood vessels from tightening.

It helps to reduce blood pressure and could help the heart to work less. Telmisartan is taken by mouth as a tablet in various strengths, the more common strengths are 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg. Telmisartan is meant to be taken regularly as prescribed. It shouldn’t be used as a medication for only when you think your blood pressure is too high.

Telmisartan Tablet: Quick Details

Detail	Information
Medicine name	Telmisartan
Medicine class	Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
Main use	High blood pressure
Other use	Cardiovascular risk reduction in selected high-risk patients
Available form	Oral tablet
Common strengths	20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg
Usual frequency	Usually once daily
Food	Can generally be taken with or without food
Prescription	Prescription medicine
Main action	Relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure

The strength and dose prescribed may vary according to the patient’s condition.

Telmisartan Tablet Uses

1. Telmisartan for high blood pressure

Telmisartan is mainly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It is a part of a group of medications called angiotensin II receptor blockers or ARBs, which work by relaxing blood vessels and stopping angiotensin II from working. This helps to lower blood pressure and decreases stress to the heart.

2. Telmisartan for the risk of heart and blood vessel disease

In certain high-risk individuals unable to use ACE inhibitors, telmisartan may be used to decrease the risk of certain cardiovascular events. It may have beneficial effects on reducing cardiovascular death, heart attack or stroke, depending on the approved indication.

3. Telmisartan for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Depending on the respective prescribing information, Telmisartan can be used to reduce cardiovascular risk in certain patients with type 2 diabetes demonstrating cardiovascular target-organ damage. This treatment is recommended or not by the doctor depending on the cardiovascular risk of the patient in general.

4. Telmisartan for long-term blood pressure control

Telmisartan is used regularly, normally as part of the treatment of long-term blood pressure management, not just when a person’s blood pressure goes up. When using regularly it will help keep blood pressure under control and decrease complications from poorly controlled blood pressure.

5. Telmisartan can be mixed with other medications used to treat blood pressure

Telmisartan may be used in combination with other blood pressure medications if further blood pressure control is required. This combination will be based upon patient’s response to treatment, their medical history and blood pressure.

Telmisartan Tablet Dosage

The correct amount of Telmisartan for you will vary depending on your indication for treatment and clinical response to the medicine. Adults who are receiving treatment for hypertension often receive 40 mg taken once a day as a starting dose. (U.S. FDA Prescribing Information). The doctor might change the dose based on the patient’s reaction to the medicine. The dosing may be different if telmisartan is used for cardiovascular risk reduction.

Also, the dose might need to be adjusted in individuals with specific kidney or liver diseases, or those who are taking other medications. Never increase or decrease the dose of Telmisartan without the advice of a doctor. If you forget to take your dose, take it as directed by your doctor/pharmacist and do not double the dose unless instructed.

Telmisartan tablet instructions for use

Follow this advice when using telmisartan:

• Take the prescribed dose: Only a certain amount and strength is prescribed by your doctor.
• Take it on a regular basis: Telmisartan is usually taken once a day.
• Follow a routine: Take it when similar times of the day as possible.
• It can be taken with or without food: Telmisartan can usually be taken with or without food.
• Take the tablet as directed:Tablet must be swallowed, do not chew.
• Don’t double the dose: If you miss a dose, follow the advice of a professional, not take 2 tablets at once.
• Take telmisartan as prescribed: Do not stop the medication if your blood pressure gets better.

If your blood pressure is monitored regularly, your doctor will be able to see if your treatment is working.

Telmisartan Tablet Precautions

Some people may get dizzy, faint or suffer from low blood pressure when taking Telmisartan because it can affect the blood pressure. Individuals with kidney disease may need to have their kidney function monitored during telmisartan use. Medicine may also make some patients have high levels of potassium in their blood. Important precautions include:

• If you have kidney disease, report it to your doctor.
• Let your doctor know if you have liver troubles.
• Let your doctor know if you have low blood pressure.
• Let your health care provider know when you have low fluids.
• Talk about all medicines or supplements that you are taking.
• Inform physician if you are pregnant or contemplating pregnancy.
• Avoid taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes with potassium without a doctor’s recommendation.
• Telmisartan should not be used with some drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system, unless they have been prescribed by a doctor.

Medicines that have an effect on the renin-angiotensin system should not be used during pregnancy because they may cause serious harm to the developing baby. (MedlinePlus)

Pros and Cons of Telmisartan Tablet

Pros	Cons
Helps lower high blood pressure	May cause dizziness
Usually taken once daily	May cause low blood pressure
Can be taken with or without food	Can increase potassium levels in some people
Can be used alone or with other blood pressure medicines	Kidney function may require monitoring
Provides long-term blood pressure control	Not suitable during pregnancy
May provide cardiovascular risk reduction in selected patients	Can interact with certain medicines

Who Should Not Use Telmisartan?

Do not use Telmisartan if you know you have an allergy to telmisartan, or to any of the ingredients of the medicine. It should also be avoided in pregnancy as it may cause a lot of harm to the fetus. If pregnant women take telmisartan, they should reach out to their medical practitioner immediately.

People with certain medical conditions may require an alternative medicine or closer monitoring. This includes people with kidney, liver disease, low blood pressure, dehydration, and disorders that lead to an increase in potassium levels.

Telmisartan is also not recommended for persons with diabetes who are using aliskiren. Before taking telmisartan, let your doctor know if you have a history of heart or blood vessel disease or if you are taking any medicines.

Conclusion

Telmisartan tablet belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) which are primarily used to treat high blood pressure. It is effective in blocking the action of angiotensin II, which helps relax the blood vessels, making it easier for blood to pass through. Additionally, it can be prescribed to lower cardiovascular risk in selected high risk patients of which cannot take ACE inhibitors.

Dose of the drug telmisartan is determined depending on the patient’s response to the treatment and his or her condition. Follow the doctor’s instructions for taking the medication, and don’t stop or reduce it without specific medical advice. Also follow the doctor’s guidelines for checking blood pressure.

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