Medicines & Supplements A to Z > Telmisartan
Telmisartan
Last updated on 24/03/2021.
Overview | Dosage | Side Effects | Precautions | Tips | Where To Buy
GENERIC NAME: Telmisartan
CHINESE NAME: 替米沙坦
BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Micardis 美壓定, Micardis Plus / Telcord-H / Telmotens Plus (Contains Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide), Telmisartan Actavis, Telmisartan Sandoz, Twynsta 全壓達 (Contains Telmisartan and Amlodipine)
DRUG CLASS: Angiotensin II receptor blocker; Antihypertensive
USED FOR: High blood pressure, reduction of cardiovascular risk
OTHER DRUGS IN THE SAME CLASS: Azilsartan, Candesartan, Eprosartan, Irbesartan, Losartan, Olmesartan, Valsartan
What is Telmisartan for?
Telmisartan belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), just like Losartan. ARBs block the substances that constrict the blood vessels and hence more blood and oxygen can reach the heart. Telmisartan is therefore commonly used to treat high blood pressure and to prevent cardiovascular events by reducing certain risk factors.
How to use it?
Telmisartan comes as tablets and is given orally.
If you are taking Telmisartan for high blood pressure, the starting dose is 20-40 mg once daily. Your doctor will adjust the dose based on your response to the medication. The maximum daily dose is 80 mg.
If you are taking it for cardiovascular risk reduction, you may be given 80 mg once daily.
What are the side effects of Telmisartan?
Common side effects of Telmisartan include diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, high potassium levels, low blood pressure, and kidney impairment. If you have intravascular volume depletion, for example, those taking high-dose other blood pressure-lowering drugs, you may also experience postural hypotension, that is your blood pressure falls when you stand up from sitting or lying down.
Who should not take Telmisartan?
– People with an allergy to Telmisartan or any formulation ingredient
– Patients on Aliskiren and with diabetes
Pharmacist Tips:
– Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you know you are pregnant while on this medication.
– Avoid alcohol while you are taking Telmisartan to reduce dizziness.
– If you experience postural hypotension, get up slowly from lying or sitting positions or sit down until you feel better.
Common dosing schedule:
You can take Telmisartan with or without food.
Take the first dose at bedtime to avoid dizziness. You can take it at any time of day afterwards. Take the drug at the same time every day.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Telmisartan may interact with:
– Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, e.g. Captopril, Ramipril
– Heparin
– Lithium
– Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen
– Other angiotensin II receptor blockers, e.g. Azilsartan, Candesartan
– Potassium supplements
– Spironolactone
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
Where to buy Telmisartan in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, Telmisartan is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at http://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Telmisartan in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
