Telmisartan

Fact Checked

Medically reviewed by Joseph Blais, Pharmacist

Last updated on 12/07/2021.

GENERIC NAME: Telmisartan

CHINESE NAME: 替米沙坦

BRAND NAME(S) IN HONG KONG: Micardis 美壓定, Twynsta 全壓達

DRUG CLASS: Antihypertensives

SUB CLASS: Angiotensin II receptor blockers

USED FOR: High blood pressure, cardiovascular risk reduction

AVAILABLE DOSAGE FORMS: 40 mg, 80 mg (tablets)

What is Telmisartan for?

Telmisartan belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). ARBs block the substances that constrict the blood vessels and hence more blood and oxygen can reach the heart. Telmisartan is therefore used in treating high blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart failure and myocardial infarction.

How to use it?

Telmisartan is taken by mouth as tablets. It may be taken with or without food. The dosage may be adjusted by your doctor depending on your medical condition and response to medication.

High blood pressure
Adult
Initially 40 mg once daily, which may be adjusted to 20-80 mg once daily according to clinical response. Maximum dose is 80 mg once daily.

Cardiovascular risk reduction
Adult
80 mg once daily.

What are the side effects of Telmisartan?

Common side effects of Telmisartan include diarrhea, dizziness, headache, high potassium levels, low blood pressure, and kidney impairment. If you are also taking other blood pressure-lowering medications and have intravascular volume depletion, 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 allergic to Telmisartan, other angiotensin II receptor blockers, or any formulation ingredient.
– Patients on Aliskiren with poor kidney function or diabetes.
– Patients with severe liver disease or biliary obstructive disorder.

Pharmacist Tips:

– This medication can make you dizzy. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how you respond to Telmisartan.
– Do not stop the medication abruptly if you have used Telmisartan over long periods of time.

Common dosing schedule:
Telmisartan may be taken with or without food.

This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.

Some common medications Telmisartan may interact with:
– Potassium supplements
– Lithium
– Aliskiren
– Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, e.g. Captopril, Ramipril
– Other medicines for treating hypertension, such as nitrates and calcium channel blockers
– Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. Ibuprofen, Ketorolac, Mefenamic Acid

Telmisartan can interact with a number of drugs. 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 https://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.