Telmisartan

Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker with the longest half-life in its class (approximately 24 hours), providing consistent 24-hour blood pressure control. It also has unique PPAR-gamma activating properties that may confer modest metabolic benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles. Telmisartan is used for hypertension and for cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with established atherosclerotic disease.

How to Take Telmisartan

Take one telmisartan tablet once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day. Blood pressure lowering is established after two to four weeks of regular use. Take your tablet consistently, even if you feel well, high blood pressure rarely causes symptoms.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Do not double up doses.

Start at 40 mg once daily. Usual maintenance: 40 to 80 mg daily. Maximum: 80 mg daily.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Dizziness (especially when standing up quickly)
• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Back pain
• Diarrhoea

Telmisartan can raise potassium levels, especially if used with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics. Your doctor may request periodic blood tests to check kidney function and potassium. Like all angiotensin receptor blockers, telmisartan must not be used during pregnancy, as it can harm the unborn baby.

Monitor renal function and potassium. Not for use in pregnancy.

Contraindicated in pregnancy, biliary obstruction, severe hepatic impairment, and known hypersensitivity to telmisartan.