Telmisartan is a medication primarily prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It may also be used to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially in individuals over 55 with diabetes or heart problems. This article delves into the uses of telmisartan, its potential side effects, and explores the question of whether it can influence weight.
What is Telmisartan?
Telmisartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It functions by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. By relaxing blood vessels, telmisartan decreases the amount of work the heart has to do, lowering blood pressure and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. It is available only with a doctor's prescription and comes in tablet form. Telmisartan oral tablet is available as both a generic and brand-name drug. Brand name: Micardis.
How Telmisartan Works
Telmisartan works by blocking the effect of angiotensin, making blood vessels relax more. It also allows kidneys to get rid of excess water and salt, which helps lower blood pressure.
Uses of Telmisartan
Telmisartan is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Telmisartan is also used to lower the risk of heart attacks or stroke in patients 55 years of age and older who have diabetes or heart problems.
Dosage and Administration
The dose of telmisartan will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. Telmisartan can be taken with or without food. The typical starting dose for adults with high blood pressure is 40 mg once a day, with a maintenance dose of 20-80 mg daily. For reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke in adults 55 years and older, the typical dose is 80 mg once daily. It is crucial to take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain a constant amount in the blood.
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Important Considerations Before Taking Telmisartan
Before using telmisartan, it's crucial to inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions, including:
- Allergies to any medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Low levels of sodium in the blood
- Diet low in salt
- Congestive heart failure
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding
Potential Side Effects of Telmisartan
Like all medications, telmisartan can cause side effects.
Common Side Effects:
The more common side effects that occur with telmisartan include:
- Sinus pain and congestion
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Sore throat
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever and body aches
- Upset stomach
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
These side effects are usually mild and may disappear within a few days or weeks. If they are severe or persist, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects:
It is essential to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
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- Low blood pressure: Symptoms include faintness and dizziness.
- Kidney disease: If you already have kidney disease, this drug may make it worse. Symptoms include swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands and unexplained weight gain.
- Allergic reaction: Symptoms include swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, and skin rash.
- High potassium level: muscle weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Kidney injury: decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
Rare Side Effects:
- Changes in vision
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Fast heartbeat
- Large hives
- Painful urination or changes in urinary frequency
- Swelling in the hands, lower legs, and feet
Other Side Effects:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients.
Drug Interactions
Telmisartan can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use.
Medications that may interact with telmisartan include:
- Blood pressure medications: Taking telmisartan with other medications that affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, such as aliskiren, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, can lead to adverse effects.
- Pain medications: Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with telmisartan can increase your risk of kidney problems.
- Digoxin: Telmisartan may increase the levels of digoxin in your blood.
- Lithium: Telmisartan may increase the levels of lithium in your blood.
- Diuretics
Telmisartan and Weight: Is There a Connection?
While weight gain is listed as a potential side effect, it is a rare occurrence. Some side effects of telmisartan may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Other Precautions
- Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur with this medicine, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position.
- Check with your doctor right away if you become sick while taking this medicine, especially with severe or continuing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water and may lead to low blood pressure.
- Ask your doctor before you use medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.
- Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes nonprescription medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since they may increase your blood pressure.
Storing Telmisartan
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Protect the tablets from moisture. Do not remove them from the blister pack until you are ready to take a dose.
Telmisartan: Key Takeaways
- Telmisartan is used to treat high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- It works by relaxing blood vessels, decreasing the workload on the heart.
- Common side effects include back pain, sinus pain, and diarrhea.
- Serious side effects, such as allergic reactions and kidney problems, require immediate medical attention.
- Telmisartan can interact with other medications, including blood pressure medications and NSAIDs.
- Weight gain is a rare side effect.
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