What is telmisartan?
Telmisartan is the generic name (International Non-proprietary Name) of a blood pressure lowering agent, used in the treatment of essential (ie, not caused by any other condition) hypertension. Drugs based on telmisartan are Micardis (Boehringer Ingelheim), Pritor and Kinzalmono (Bayer HealthCare).
General
Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. By inhibiting the action of angiotensin II, a hormone in the blood that constricts the blood vessels. When the operation thereof is prevented, the blood vessels to dilate back, blood pressure can drop and the risks associated with high blood pressure (eg. Stroke) decrease.
Other angiotensin II antagonists losartan, eprosartan, valsartan, irbesartan, tasosartan, candesartan and olmesartan medoxomil.
Telmisartan dosage
The recommended dose is 40 mg once daily orally. In order to increase the effect, the dose can be increased to 80 mg per day, or telmisartan can be combined with another blood pressure lowering agent, such as hydrochlorothiazide (PritorPlus contains both telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide). Telmisartan should not be administered to children or adolescents under 18 years.
Telmisartan side effects
The most common side effects are:
- symptoms of infection (inter alia, of the urinary tract or of the upper respiratory tract);
- abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disorders;
- skin conditions (e.g. eczema.);
- arthralgia (joint pain), back pain, leg cramps or leg pain, muscle pain or chest pain;
- flu-like symptoms.
Interactions
- The concomitant use of telmisartan with potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, is not recommended. Angiotensin II antagonists reduce the potassium loss is designed with these agents, which can lead to a significant increase in serum potassium.
- Analog concomitant use of angiotensin II antagonists and lithium is not recommended because it can lead to increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity.
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may reduce the effect of angiotensin II antagonists.
Contraindications
Do not use:
- hypersensitivity to telmisartan or any component of the drug on the basis of telmisartan;
- people who are pregnant or breastfeeding;
- people who have severe liver or galproblemen.
More information about side effects, interactions, overdose etc. can be found in the package leaflet of medicinal products, which are available on the European Medicines Agency.