Telmisartan

💊 What is Telmisartan used for?

• •The label says telmisartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and to lower blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. It is also used for cardiovascular risk reduction in patients who cannot take ACE inhibitors, another type of blood pressure medicine. The label says it is not known if telmisartan is safe and effective in children.

How it works

The label describes telmisartan as a non-peptide angiotensin II receptor (type AT1) antagonist, which means it blocks the AT1 receptor that angiotensin II acts on. The label does not explain this in more detail.

How it is usually taken

• •The label says telmisartan is taken one time each day, at the same time each day. It may be taken with or without food. Your prescriber decides how much to take and when. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist and do not change the amount unless your doctor tells you to.

Comes as

• •80 mg white to off-white, uncoated oval tablets, marked '038' on one side (the product listed on this label)
• •The label's description also says telmisartan tablets are available in 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg strengths

⚠️ Telmisartan side effects

🛑 Who should not take Telmisartan, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You are allergic (hypersensitive) to telmisartan or any other ingredient in the product.
• 🚨You have diabetes and are taking aliskiren. The label says not to take these together.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• •Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. The label says it is not known if telmisartan passes into breast milk.
• •Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, kidney problems, or heart problems, or any other medical conditions.
• •Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• •Tell your doctor if you have diabetes and are taking aliskiren.
• •The label says that low blood pressure is most likely if you take water pills (diuretics), are on a low-salt diet, get dialysis, have heart problems, or get sick with vomiting or diarrhea.

🔀 Telmisartan with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Aliskiren: do not use with telmisartan in patients with diabetes. The label also says to avoid it in patients with reduced kidney function (GFR below 60 mL/min).
• •Digoxin: telmisartan raised digoxin levels in a study. The label says digoxin levels should be monitored.
• •Lithium: lithium levels can rise and cause toxicity. The label says to monitor lithium levels.
• •NSAIDs, including aspirin and COX-2 inhibitors: these may reduce telmisartan's blood pressure effect and may harm kidney function. The label says kidney function should be checked periodically.
• •ACE inhibitors: the label says to avoid using an ACE inhibitor and an angiotensin receptor blocker together.
• •Water pills (diuretics) and other blood pressure medicines: these can increase the risk of low blood pressure.
• •Potassium supplements and salt substitutes that contain potassium: do not use these without first talking to your prescriber, as they can raise potassium levels.
• •Ramipril: the label notes that using telmisartan with ramipril was linked to kidney problems in a trial.

Alcohol and food

The label says telmisartan may be taken with or without food. The label does not give specific information about alcohol.

🤰 Telmisartan in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label warns that telmisartan can cause fetal harm. Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system in the second and third trimesters reduces fetal kidney function and increases fetal and neonatal illness and death. When pregnancy is detected, the label says to stop telmisartan as soon as possible. Women who could become pregnant should discuss treatment options with their doctor, and any pregnancy should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible.

Breastfeeding

The label advises nursing women not to breastfeed during treatment with telmisartan. The patient information says it is not known if telmisartan passes into breast milk, and that you and your doctor should decide whether to take telmisartan or breastfeed, not both.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

Store at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed.

If a dose is missed

The label says to take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time.

If too much is taken

The label says limited data are available on overdose in humans. The most likely signs are low blood pressure, dizziness, and a fast heart rate, and a slow heart rate could also occur. The label says supportive treatment should be given if low blood pressure occurs. Telmisartan is not removed by hemodialysis. If you take too much, the label says to call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Telmisartan

• Is telmisartan safe for me if I plan to become pregnant, and what other options could I discuss?
• What should I do if I feel dizzy or faint after starting telmisartan?
• Which of my current medicines, including over-the-counter pain relievers, could interact with telmisartan?
• Will you check my kidney function and potassium levels while I take this medicine, and how often?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• Should I avoid salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking telmisartan?

❓ Telmisartan: frequently asked questions