Telmisartan is an orally active- angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB). It is used to treat hypertension, diabetic nephropathy, and congestive heart failure.
Quick facts- Telmisartan
- Drug Category–angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB).
- Availability– Tablets of strengths- 20, 40, and 80 mg.
- Usual Dose– 40-80 mg once daily.
- Take this medicine before or after a meal.
- Is it safe in pregnancy?- It is classified as a ‘Category C’ Drug. It means it should be given if required and has the potential benefit of justifying risk to the fetus.
- When is it not prescribed?-
- Renal artery stenosis- a narrowing of arteries that carry blood to the kidneys.
- pregnancy
- Hyperkalemia- a higher level of potassium level.
- Are there any side effects? – Cough, angioedema (edema/swelling of the lower layer of skin)
- If there is an overdose, what are the signs? Hypotension, dizziness, and irregular heart rhythm (tachycardia, bradycardia).
How does it work?
Angiotensin II is a vasoconstrictor, which increases vascular resistance and causes an increase in blood pressure. Telmisartan blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the angiotensin II AT1-receptors. Thus, Telmisartan helps to reduce hypertension.
Telmisartan is also known to improve carbohydrate and lipid metabolism partially. It thus helps to control insulin resistance without causing side effects.
What are the uses of Telmisartan?
Telmisartan is used alone or in combination with antihypertensives to treat hypertension. It is also used to treat diabetic nephropathy in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the treatment of congestive heart failure (only in patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors).
Other indications-
- Cardiovascular Events
- Diabetic Nephropathy
- Heart Failure
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Pharmaceutical preparations and Telmisartan Brands
The pharmaceutical preparations are available as
- Telmisartan alone brands- like TELMA (Glenmark)
- Combination with other anti-hypertensives
- Telmisartan + Hydroclorthiazide- TELMA H (Glenmark)
- Telmisartan + Amlodipine + Hydroclorthiazide- TELMIKIND AMH (Mankind Pharma)
- Telmisartan + Chlorthalidone- ERITEL CH (Eris Pharma)
- Telmisartan + Amlodipine + Chlorthalidone- TRITELSAR (Torrent Pharma)
- Cilnidipine + Metoprolol + Telmisartan- METXL TRIO (Ajanta Pharma)
| Brands | Pharma Company | Strength | Pack (no. of tablets) | Price per Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEMSAN | EMCURE | 40 MG | 15 | 55.19 |
| TELVAS | ARISTO | 40 MG | 10 | 52.95 |
| TELVAS | ARISTO | 20 MG | 10 | 31.23 |
| TELSARTAN | DR. REDDYS | 40 MG | 14 | 102.51 |
| TELSAR | TORRENT | 40 MG | 15 | 110.25 |
| TELPRES | ABBOTT | 40 MG | 15 | 110.36 |
| TELMIKIND | MANKIND | 40 MG | 10 | 34.67 |
| TELMIKIND | MANKIND | 20 MG | 10 | 21.4 |
| TELMIKIND | MANKIND | 80 MG | 10 | 68.89 |
| TELMA | GLENMARK | 40 MG | 30 | 220.75 |
| TELMA | GLENMARK | 40 MG | 15 | 110.38 |
| TELMA | GLENMARK | 20 MG | 15 | 61.01 |
| TELMA | GLENMARK | 80 MG | 15 | 168.34 |
| TELLZY | ALEMBIC | 40 MG | 15 | 110.37 |
| TELISTA | LUPIN | 40 MG | 15 | 109.99 |
| TAZLOC | USV | 40 MG | 10 | 73.58 |
| TAZLOC | USV | 20 MG | 10 | 40.77 |
| TAZLOC | USV | 80 MG | 10 | 112.22 |
| SARTEL | INTAS | 40 MG | 15 | 110.38 |
| ERITEL | ERIS LS | 40 MG | 15 | 110.36 |
| CRESAR | CIPLA | 40 MG | 15 | 110.37 |
| ARBITEL | MICRO | 40 MG | 10 | 73.58 |