TELMISARTAN

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Micardis

GENERIC NAME(S): TELMISARTAN

Description: Telmisartan is a nonpeptide AT1 angiotensin II receptor antagonist. It exerts antihypertensive activity by inhibiting the vasoconstricting and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II.

Onset: 1-2 hr.

Duration: Up to 24 hr.

Pharmacokinetics:

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract. Food may slightly decrease the bioavailability. Absolute bioavailability: Dose-dependent (approx 42% after 40-mg dose; 58% after 160-mg dose). Time to peak plasma concentration: Approx 0.5-1 hr.

Distribution: Volume of distribution: 500 L. Plasma protein binding: >99%.

Metabolism: Undergoes conjugation w/ glucuronic acid to form inactive metabolites.

Excretion: Via faeces (97%, as unchanged drug). Terminal elimination half-life: Approx 24 hr.

Uses

This medication is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs) that lowers high blood pressure. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This drug may also be used to treat heart failure and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.

How to use telmisartan

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking telmisartan and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take up to 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (such as yourblood pressure readings remain high or increase).

Warnings

This drug can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy.

Side Effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if dizziness or lightheadedness persists or worsens.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

fainting
unusual change in the amount of urine
symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat)

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Precautions:

Allergic reaction to this medication
Patients with medical history of:
- liver disease
- bile duct blockage
- high blood levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia)
- loss of too much body water and/or minerals (dehydration)
This drug may make you dizzy
Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may cause you to feel lightheaded
Increase in your potassium levels
Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

Interactions:

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

Aliskiren
Lithium
Ramipril
Drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as ACE inhibitors, birth control pills containing drospirenone)

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your blood pressure or worsen your heart failure.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose:

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, fainting.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney function, potassium levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Brands:

Available Brands

Micardis [ Boehringer Ingelheim ]
Pritor [ GlaxoSmithKline ]
Teli 40/Teli 80 [ Cadila Pharma ]