What is Telmisartan
TelmisartanThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryTelmisartan is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Studies have also suggested that telmisartan may have additional benefits in improving metabolic health.
Micardisis the brand name
Telmisartan Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Micardis
Telmisartan
2000
182
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Telmisartan, also known as Micardis, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses including unable to take ACE inhibitors and prophylaxis of cardiovascular event .unable to take ACE inhibitors
prophylaxis of cardiovascular event
Hypertensive disease
Helps manage High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Cardiovascular Events
blood pressure inadequately controlled with monotherapy
Used to treat blood pressure inadequately controlled with monotherapy in combination with Amlodipine
no initial therapy
Used to treat no initial therapy in combination with Amlodipine
Effectiveness
How Telmisartan Affects PatientsTelmisartan is a drug that blocks the actions of angiotensin II, a hormone that can raise blood pressure and cause other effects in the body. Telmisartan has been found to have the highest affinity for the angiotensin II receptor, so it works better than other available drugs in blocking its effects. Recent studies also indicate that telmisartan may have properties that can help regulate metabolism, glucose and lipid levels, and reduce inflammation. This is being studied further in clinical trials. Telmisartan works by blocking the hormone angiotensin II from causing constriction of the blood vessels and increasing the
How Telmisartan works in the bodyTelmisartan blocks the effects of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict and can also trigger the release of aldosterone. This helps to reduce the pressure in your blood vessels. Telmisartan does not affect other hormone receptors or ion channels. Studies suggest that telmisartan can also improve your metabolism and control insulin resistance without causing side effects like full PPAR gamma activators can.
When to interrupt dosage
The prescribed dosage of Telmisartan is contingent upon the determined disorder, including inability to take ACE inhibitors, Hypertensive illness and Diabetic Nephropathy. The dose is contingent upon the mode of delivery (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Tablet, multilayer) as specified in the following table.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Hypertensive disease
80.0 mg, , 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg
Tablet - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Oral, , Tablet
Diabetic Nephropathy
80.0 mg, , 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg
Tablet - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Oral, , Tablet
Cardiovascular Events
80.0 mg, , 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg
Tablet - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Oral, , Tablet
no initial therapy
80.0 mg, , 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg
Tablet - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Oral, , Tablet
unable to take ACE inhibitors
80.0 mg, , 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg
Tablet - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Oral, , Tablet
blood pressure inadequately controlled with monotherapy
80.0 mg, , 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg
Tablet - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Oral, , Tablet
prophylaxis of cardiovascular event
80.0 mg, , 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg
Tablet - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Oral, , Tablet
Congestive Heart Failure
80.0 mg, , 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg
Tablet - Oral, Tablet, multilayer, Tablet, multilayer - Oral, Oral, , Tablet
Warnings
Telmisartan has one contraindication, so it should be avoided when encountering any of the conditions outlined in the following table.Telmisartan ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Type 2 Diabetes
Do Not Combine
Common Telmisartan Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Acenocoumarol
Major
The metabolism of Acenocoumarol can be decreased when combined with Telmisartan.
Amifostine
Major
Telmisartan may increase the hypotensive activities of Amifostine.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Telmisartan.
Clomipramine
Major
The metabolism of Clomipramine can be decreased when combined with Telmisartan.
Cyclophosphamide
Major
The metabolism of Cyclophosphamide can be decreased when combined with Telmisartan.
Telmisartan Toxicity & Overdose RiskTests in rats have revealed that the toxic dose of telmisartan is between 150-200mg/kg for males and 200-250mg/kg for females. Tests on both rats and dogs showed no deaths or changes even when given a dose of 2000mg/kg, the highest tested. In humans, an overdose of telmisartan could result in low blood pressure, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or slow heartbeat due to nerve stimulation.
Telmisartan Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Telmisartan?
328 active trials are investigating Telmisartan's potential to manage blood pressure inadequately controlled with monotherapy, treat those unable to take ACE inhibitors and serve as an initial therapy.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
blood pressure inadequately controlled with monotherapy
0 Actively Recruiting
unable to take ACE inhibitors
0 Actively Recruiting
no initial therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
prophylaxis of cardiovascular event
0 Actively Recruiting
Cardiovascular Events
4 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Congestive Heart Failure
318 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Early Phase 1, Phase 4
Hypertensive disease
20 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4
Diabetic Nephropathy
1 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4
Telmisartan Reviews: What are patients saying about Telmisartan?
5Patient Review
7/18/2019 I am a 71 year old woman and this treatment has lowered my blood pressure from 160/98 to 120/70. I have experienced zero negative side effects and feel great overall.
5Patient Review
3/2/2021 This medication has been working great for me. I started with a higher dosage and then lowered it as suggested by my doctor. Now, my blood pressure is that of a teenager again!
5Patient Review
2/17/2022 This medication worked very quickly for me, and I saw a dramatic difference in my blood pressure within the first day. My numbers went from stage 1 hypertension to normal blood pressure after just one pill. I'm not sure if it's supposed to work this quickly, but it did for me. I'm on day 2 now, and my numbers are still good.
5Patient Review
4/13/2022 I'm 74 and have tried a few different blood pressure medications. I take 40mg in the morning and at night with no side effects or coughing. My readings have been great for the past two years, and this medication is supposed to help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
4.7Patient Review
10/8/2015 This medication has been easy for me to use and I am generally satisfied with the results.
4Patient Review
5/9/2014 My blood pressure was too low, but this treatment helped me out.
4Patient Review
5/13/2017 I take this medication in addition to Diltiazem for my blood pressure. Together, they have been successful in lowering my BP.
3Patient Review
4/8/2020 I just started taking this medication, and I noticed that the pills have a sweet taste. Has anyone else experienced this?
3Patient Review
4/28/2015 I've been using this treatment for four years now, and it has definitely lowered my blood pressure. However, I have also developed muscle and joint pain as a result of taking it. Additionally, it is quite expensive compared to other treatments on the market.
2.7Patient Review
1/10/2015 There's an unfortunate interaction between this medication and my arthritis medication. The telmisartan reduces the effectiveness of my other medicine, so my blood pressure goes up and I'm in more pain.
2.7Patient Review
2/27/2022 I was on Losartan for seven years with no issues, but my pharmacy ran out and I had to switch to Telmisartan. Almost immediately thereafter, I started losing huge amounts of hair. Thankfully, Losartan was back in stock within three weeks, and I'm back on it now. However, the hair loss hasn't slowed down at all.
2.7Patient Review
6/6/2021 My GP prescribed this when Losartan became unavailable, and it has been successful in keeping my blood pressure down. However, the side effects of dizziness and fatigue have been difficult to manage. I've even fallen twice as a result.
2Patient Review
4/27/2017 I switched from Lisinopril because of a really annoying dry cough. Both medications well controlled my blood pressure, but the side effects were terrible. I felt constantly tired, had body aches and pains, was always sleepy, had difficulty thinking clearly, blurred vision, headaches, backaches, congestion...and the dry cough is returning!
1.7Patient Review
11/25/2017 I've been on this medication for five weeks now, in addition to my other bipolar disorder meds. I take the old ones in the morning and they work just fine, but the new ones at night don't seem to be doing anything. On top of that, I've developed muscle aches and pain as well as a heel spur. This medication is also causing me depression.
1.7Patient Review
5/15/2019 I am tired, short winded, and have pains in my legs, back, and stomach.
1Patient Review
12/25/2017 Despite being on Telmisartan for a few months now, my blood pressure hasn't lowered at all. If anything, it's gotten higher. The only time I see any sort of reduction is when my heart rate is raised through exercise. Otherwise, it stays high even when I'm resting. My cardiologist wasn't very helpful either; all they said was "You're not normal."
1Patient Review
9/17/2017 My blood pressure is still high.
1Patient Review
9/12/2022 I unfortunately got a lot of the rarer side effects from this medication. My doctor wasn't able to help me since he didn't recognize what was going on. It made for a really tough few weeks, but I don't hold anything against the drug itself.
Patient Q&A Section about telmisartan
Is telmisartan a safe drug?
"Although telmisartan is generally a safe drug, there is a small risk that it may lead to heart or kidney problems. Therefore, it is important to take the drug as directed by your doctor and to have your blood pressure monitored carefully." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is the best time to take telmisartan?
"Telmisartan is more effective in regulating blood pressure when taken at bedtime rather than in the morning. Bedtime dosing also results in a more gradual decline in blood pressure during sleep, without reducing the drug's 24-hour efficacy." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What are side effects of telmisartan?
"The sinuses are located on either side of the nose, behind the cheekbones, and in the forehead. Sinus pain and congestion occurs when the sinuses become inflamed or infected. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as allergies, the common cold, or the flu. When the sinuses become inflamed, they may produce excess mucus, which can lead to a stuffy nose, a feeling of pressure in the face, and pain. Back pain is a common symptom of the flu. It is caused by the inflamed muscles and joints. Diarrhea is another common symptom of the flu. It is usually caused by the virus that causes the flu, but it can also be caused by other viruses, such as the stomach flu. Sore throat is another common symptom of the flu. It is caused by the inflammation of the throat and the voice box. Flu-like symptoms, such as fever and body aches, are also common. These symptoms are caused by the same viruses that cause the flu. Upset stomach, muscle pain, and headache are also common symptoms of the flu." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer
What is the drug telmisartan used for?
"Telmisartan is a medication used to treat high blood pressure. When taken alone or with other medications, it can help to reduce the workload on the heart and arteries. If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can lead to long-term damage to the heart and arteries." - Anonymous Online Contributor
Unverified Answer