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Telmisartan

Rx only
Angiotensin II receptor blocker✓ FDA-verified
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Telmisartan is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and to reduce the risk of serious heart-related events in certain older patients who can't take ACE inhibitors. It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten, which helps to relax the blood vessels and lower blood pressure. You typically take it as a tablet once a day, starting with a dose of 40 mg for high blood pressure, which can be increased to a maximum of 80 mg, while for cardiovascular risk reduction, the recommended dose is 80 mg daily. It's important to know that telmisartan should not be taken by anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to it or its components. Additionally, it should not be used with aliskiren in patients with diabetes, as this combination can lead to serious side effects.

Uses

  • Hypertension.
  • Cardiovascular risk reduction in high-risk patients.

Dosage

Starting dose for hypertension is 40 mg once daily.
Dose range for hypertension is 40 to 80 mg once daily.
Recommended dose for cardiovascular risk reduction is 80 mg once daily.
Telmisartan can be taken with or without food.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.

Side effects

Common

Common side effects include back painsinusitisand diarrhea

Serious

Serious side effects may include intermittent claudication and skin ulcer
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Warnings

⚠ Important warnings

  • Discontinue telmisartan if pregnancy is detected.
  • Do not use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes.
  • Monitor blood pressure when starting treatment.
  • Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.

Drug interactions

  • Aliskirenavoid use in diabetic patientsAvoid
  • Digoxinmonitor levels when using togetherMonitor
  • Lithiummonitor serum levels for toxicityMonitor
  • NSAIDsmay worsen renal function and reduce blood pressure effect.Caution

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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).