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Telmisartan - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Telmisartan: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is telmisartan?

Telmisartan is a medication for treating hypertension or high blood pressure. It falls in the drug category known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists or blockers, more commonly called ARBs. It works by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing the blood to flow better in the arteries. Doctors prescribe telmisartan to those with cardiovascular conditions or to prevent heart attacks, stroke, and resultant death in those above 55 years.

Telmisartan is sold under brand names like Anzitel, Telma, etc., and in different chemical combinations.

What are the uses of telmisartan?

Telmisartan is used alone or with other drugs to reduce blood pressure. It blocks the release of a chemical substance that causes the tightening of blood vessels in the body. This relaxes the vessels and increases the blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart. In this way, telmisartan reduces blood pressure.

Controlling hypertension is crucial for long-term health. If left untreated, it can critically damage organs such as the heart, brain, or kidneys. This can turn fatal with the onslaught of heart attacks, stroke, or kidney failure. Therefore, doctors prescribe telmisartan as an initial medical step to reduce hypertension by helping the blood flow smoothly.

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What are the side effects of telmisartan?

In general, telmisartan does not cause any side effects. Some mild side effects include:

  • Sinus congestion
  • Flu-like symptoms such as fever and sore throat
  • Muscle and back pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue

The medical benefits of telmisartan far outweigh these mild side effects and their occurrence. However, seek medical attention right away if more serious side effects such as allergic reactions, sudden weight gain, little or no urination, dizziness, fast or slow heartbeat, or seizures are seen.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Telmisartan

1. How long does telmisartan take to work?

Normally, telmisartan takes about 4 weeks to show its full potential in patients with high blood pressure. You must take this drug only as per a doctor's prescription. Telmisartan is most effective when a constant amount of it is present in the blood. Hence, take it at the same time every day.

2. Is Telmisartan a beta-blocker?

No. Telmisartan is not a beta-blocker. Telmisartan belongs to the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) class of drugs. On the other hand, beta-blockers block hormonal action, like that of adrenaline, and slows down the heart. Both drugs reduce blood pressure but work on completely different pathways. Doctors may still prescribe them together for some patients.

3. Which is the best: telmisartan or amlodipine?

Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker. Amlodipine, meanwhile, is a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker. However, both work by restricting the narrowing of blood vessels in the body and relaxing them. While these drugs have similar uses, their dosages and side effects vary. Doctors prescribe amlodipine at 2.5–10 mg daily, and telmisartan at 20–80 mg daily. A combination of amlodipine and telmisartan may be prescribed if they cannot effectively control hypertension separately.

4. Does telmisartan lower heart rate?

No, studies have revealed that telmisartan does not reduce heart rate in patients. Any changes in heart rate, whether lower or higher, are considered to be one of the drug’s serious side effects and need medical intervention. You are then advised to contact an expert at the earliest.

5. Does telmisartan cause constipation?

Some patients may experience gastrointestinal side effects of telmisartan such as constipation. But remember, every individual? body reacts differently to different drugs. Consult a doctor who will prescribe the correct combination and dosage, depending on your age, medical history, current ailment, and its severity.

6. Is telmisartan a good blood pressure medication?

Yes, telmisartan can safely and effectively reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients. It prevents complex conditions such as heart attacks, stroke, and even kidney disease, which may turn fatal in the long run. You must consume an appropriate dosage and administer it as per the advice of a certified doctor.

7. Is telmisartan bad for the kidneys?

Although primarily used to treat heart conditions, doctors may sometimes prescribe telmisartan to those suffering from diabetic nephropathy. This is a chronic renal complication seen in type I and type II diabetes patients. Take strict precautions while using telmisartan if you have kidney problems. Improper dosage may worsen your condition.

8. Does telmisartan work immediately?

Any medication needs a certain amount of time to work with its full potential. Depending on the dosage prescribed by an expert and the related illness, the effects of telmisartan can be felt even within 3 hours. Overall, a hypertensive patient will see the full potential of the results in 4 weeks.

9. Can you take telmisartan at night?

The time for consuming telmisartan can vary from patient to patient. You must always adhere to your doctor? orders and prescription here. Whether you take it at night or in the morning, you must consume it after meals and at the same time every day without skipping any doses.

10. Can you drink alcohol while taking telmisartan?

Dizziness is a mild side effect of telmisartan. The addition of alcohol can worsen this. Therefore, if you’re taking telmisartan, It is advisable not to consume alcohol or alcoholic beverages. Avoid driving or using heavy machinery. If you have any queries regarding other food habits, discuss them with a trusted doctor. Have all your drug-related queries answered or get a medical opinion from our team of experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.