Generic

Telmisartan

Indications

Telmisartan is used to treat a variety of conditions.

Adults with essential hypertension are treated with hypertension medication.

Cardiovascular prophylaxis is defined as the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity in adults through the use of:

• Atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease (history of coronary heart disease, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease) or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (history of coronary heart disease, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease)
• Diabetes mellitus type 2 with verified harm to target organs.

Pharmacology

Telmisartan inhibits angiotensin II’s vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects by preventing angiotensin II’s binding to the AT1 receptor in a variety of tissues, including vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. As a result, it has no effect on the angiotensin II synthesis pathways. Telmisartan binds to the AT1 receptor with a 3,000-fold higher affinity than the AT2 receptor. Telmisartan has no effect on the response to bradykinin since it does not inhibit ACE (kinase II). Telmisartan does not bind to or block any other hormone receptors or ion channels that are known to play a role in cardiovascular control.

Dosage & Administration

Dosage must be individualized. The usual starting dose of Telmisartan tablets is 40 mg once a day. Blood pressure response is dose-related over the range of 20 to 80 mg. Most of the antihypertensive effect is apparent within 2 weeks and maximal reduction is generally attained after 4 weeks. When additional blood pressure reduction beyond that achieved with 80 mg Telmisartan is required, may switch to the combination. No initial dosage adjustment is necessary for elderly patients or patients with renal impairment, including those on hemodialysis. Patients on dialysis may develop orthostatic hypotension; their blood pressure should be closely monitored. Telmisartan tablets may be administered with other antihypertensive agents. Telmisartan tablets may be administered with or without food. Initial therapy with Telmisartan is not recommended in patients ≥75 years old or with hepatic impairment.

Interaction

• Renal impairment and loss of antihypertensive action are more likely with NSAIDS.
• Co-administration of aliskiren and Telmisartan should be avoided in diabetic patients.

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to this product or any of its components.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Telmisartan pills in hypertensive individuals include sinus discomfort and congestion (sinusitis), back pain, diarrhea, and others.

Intermittent claudication and skin ulcer are the most common side effects of Telmisartan tablets in people with cardiovascular risk reduction.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Category C (first trimester) and D (second trimester) pregnancies (second and third trimester). Because of the risk of bad effects on the nursing infant, consider whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking the drug, keeping in mind the drug’s importance to the mother.

Precautions & Warnings

• Avoid exposing a fetus or a newborn.
• Hypotension.
• Patients with compromised hepatic or renal function should be closely monitored.
• Avoid taking an ACE inhibitor and an angiotensin receptor blocker at the same time.

Therapeutic Class

Angiotensin-ll receptor blocker

Storage Conditions

Do not store above 30°C. Protect from light and high humidity. Keep out of the reach of children.

Pharmaceutical Name

SANDOZ (A Novartis Division)