Telmisartan

Active composition — generic information and available medicines

Uses

Telmisartan is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
Decreasing high blood pressure lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.

How it works

Telmisartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, allowing the blood to flow more smoothly and the heart to pump more efficiently.

Side effects

Dizziness, Back pain, Diarrhoea, Sinus inflammation, Increased potassium level in blood

Expert advice

Telmisartan can be taken with or without food but preferably be taken at the same time of the day.
It is best to take the first dose before bed to reduce symptomatic hypotension.
Telmisartan may cause the level of potassium in blood to go up. Avoid taking potassium supplements and potassium-rich foods such as banana and broccoli.
Inform your doctor immediately if you have rapid swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat that may affect breathing.
Inform your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney or liver problems.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Telmisartan safe?: Telmisartan is safe if used in prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor.
Q. What is Telmisartan used for?: Telmisartan is used for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and to reduce cardiovascular events (i.e. heart attack or stroke) in adults who are at risk because they have a reduced or blocked blood supply to the heart or legs, or have had a stroke or high-risk diabetes.
Q. Is Telmisartan a blood thinner?: No, Telmisartan is not a blood thinner, it is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).
Q. Is Telmisartan an ACE inhibitor?: No, Telmisartan is not an ACE inhibitor. It is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).
Q. Can I take Telmisartan with paracetamol?: Yes, Telmisartan can be taken with paracetamol. No drug-drug interactions have been seen. However it may occur, please consult your doctor before taking these medicines together.
Q. Does Telmisartan cause cough?: Use of Telmisartan can cause cough but this is a very uncommon side effect. Please consult your doctor in case you experience a cough while taking Telmisartan.
Q. Does Telmisartan cause erectile dysfunction?: Telmisartan has not seen to be associated with erectile dysfunction. Please consult your doctor in case you experience this problem while taking Telmisartan.
Q. Can the use of Telmisartan cause hyperkalemia (increased potassium level in blood)?: Yes, Telmisartan can cause hyperkalemia (increased potassium level in blood). A regular monitoring of blood potassium levels may be advised by your doctor while you are taking this medicine.
Q. Can the use of Telmisartan cause weight gain?: Weight gain has not been reported as a side effect of Telmisartan. Please talk to your doctor in case you experience an excessive change in your weight while taking Telmisartan.
Q. Can the use of Telmisartan cause hair loss?: Hair loss has not been reported as a side effect with Telmisartan. This could be due to some other cause or condition. Please consult your doctor.
Q. Can Telmisartan cause a headache?: Telmisartan is not known to cause a headache. Please consult your doctor in case you experience a headache when you are taking Telmisartan.
Q. Does Telmisartan cause weight loss?: Weight loss has not been reported as a side effect of Telmisartan. Talk to your doctor if you experience marked weight loss while taking this medicine as this could be due to some other underlying condition.