Survey of the high pointic
Telmisartan is the active substance found in Micardis and belongs to the angiotensin II receptor blocker family, commonly abbreviated as ARB.
It is prescribed mainly to lower elevated blood pressure and in selected patients to reduce their risk of cardiovascular events. It works by relaxing blood vessel tone which reduces systemic blood pressure and cardiac workload.
Typical tablet strengths supplied in the UK include 20 mg and 40 mg. An 80 mg tablet is also available from some suppliers depending on stock.
Telmisartan may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive classes such as thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers. For safety details see Safety verifications before use and for adverse outcomes consult Possible unwanted effects.
Uses in therapeutic settings
General signals for telmisartan include:
- Treating essential hypertension in adults.
- Reduction of cardiovascular risk in certain high risk patients, for example those with established atherosclerotic disease or type 2 diabetes with end organ damage, particularly when ACE inhibitors are unsuitable.
Many people notice a blood pressure change within two to four weeks; the full effect develops with continued daily dosing. Do not stop treatment abruptly without discussing this alongside your prescriber.
How to take steps this dose and guidelines for proper dosing and administration
The following gives general dosing guidance and does not replace the personalised instructions from your clinician.
- Usual starting dose for many adults: 40 mg once daily.
- Dosage range commonly used: 20 mg to 80 mg once daily, adjusted according to response.
- Take at the same time every day. It can be swallowed with or without food; aim for consistency.
- Allow several weeks for maximal blood pressure lowering. As hypertension may not cause symptoms, continue therapy even if you feel well unless advised otherwise.
Certain patients may start on 20 mg (for example the volume depleted) or be given combination therapy if the target blood pressure is not reached. Factors in dosing choices are described under coadministration dangerous drug interacting with otherss are the heartbeat of social platforms. and risk controls.
Use safety measures before use
Before you get underway telmisartan inform your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following apply to you:
- Existing kidney or liver disease, heart failure or known renal artery narrowing.
- High blood potassium, recent severe vomiting or diarrhea, or dehydration.
- Concurrent use of diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium, or other medicines that act on the renin angiotensin aldosterone system.
- Prior allergic reactions to ARBs or a history of angioedema with ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
- If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. ARBs can harm the fetus and should not be used in pregnancy; discuss other routes and contraception with input from your prescriber.
Telmisartan can cause lightheadedness, most often after the first dose or following dose increases. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions and avoid driving until you know how the medicine affects you. Limit alcohol intake while taking this medicine. If you are having planned procedures, ensure any treating clinician knows you are taking telmisartan.
Cautions and conditions that rule out this therapy and Major Cautions
- Do not use telmisartan during pregnancy. If pregnancy is confirmed stop the medicine and contact your clinician immediately.
- Known hypersensitivity to telmisartan or any excipient in the product.
- Severe hepatic dysfunction or cholestatic conditions where use may be inappropriate.
- Avoid using aliskiren together with telmisartan in patients with diabetes. Dual inhibition of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (for example combining ACE inhibitors, ARBs and renin inhibitors) increases the risk of renal impairment, hyperkalaemia and symptomatic hypotension and is generally not recommended unless under specialist supervision with vigilant monitoring.
Possible adverse consequences
If you experience a sudden health change, seek urgent medical attention. severe allergic signs such as swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat, breathing difficulties, fainting or severe dizziness.
Other adverse reactions reported include:
- Common or mild: dizziness, experiencing headaches, back pain, nasal congestion, diarrhoea, nausea, fatigue, cough, abdominal discomfort, muscle cramps.
- Fluid related effects: peripheral oedema such as swelling of ankles or legs.
- Blood chemistry changes: elevated serum potassium (hyperkalaemia).
- Blood pressure related: symptomatic hypotension, especially in those who are volume depleted.
- In high risk groups: worsening heart failure, chest pain, atrial fibrillation or myocardial infarction can occur, though these are often linked to underlying cardiovascular disease rather than the medicine itself.
If peripheral effects are persistent or troublesome contact your healthcare professional. See cross drug conversational exchanges in the user journey shape satisfaction. for medicines that may increase certain risks.
Adverse user people relating to one anothers drive engagement and learning. when medicines are used together
The following medicines and substances can interact with telmisartan and may require dose adjustment, continuous oversight or avoidance:
- NSAIDs (for example ibuprofen, naproxen): may reduce antihypertensive effect and increase the risk of kidney injury, particularly in elderly or dehydrated patients.
- Diuretics such as thiazides or loop diuretics: can amplify blood pressure lowering and increase the chance of dizziness when starting treatment.
- Potassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium: increase risk of hyperkalaemia.
- ACE inhibitors and direct renin inhibitors like aliskiren: combined RAAS blockade raises risks of renal impairment, hyperkalaemia and hypotension and should generally be avoided.
- Lithium: telmisartan may raise lithium concentrations and requires careful monitoring in real time if combined.
- Digitalis glycoside digoxin: levels can be affected when administered with telmisartan; continuous monitoring may be necessary.
Always tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all prescribed drugs, over the counter medicines and herbal supplements to avoid harmful combinations. Related content precautionary actions.
If you miss your dose
If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is due soon. If the next scheduled dose is near, skip the i skipped a dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not compensate for a i skipped a dose by taking a second dose.
Drug suspected overdose response guidance
Signs of non-fatal overdose may include marked dizziness, fainting or very low blood pressure. If an non-fatal overdose is suspected contact NHS 111, your doctor or swing by to the nearest emergency department immediately. Take the medication packaging with you if possible to help identification.
Storage unit tips and instructions
Keep telmisartan in its original container. Store below 25 C with occasional excursions between 15 C and 30 C acceptable. Protect from moisture and keep out of reach and sight of children.
Similar medications and a substitute choice choices
Several other classes and agents are commonly used to treat hypertension. Your prescriber will select an appropriate option based on your medical history, tolerability and treatment goals. Frequently used choice variations include:
- Other ARBs: losartan, candesartan, valsartan, irbesartan, olmesartan. Telmisartan typically has a long half life and suits once daily dosing; losartan is often less expensive.
- ACE inhibitors: ramipril, lisinopril, enalapril. Effective but can cause cough or, rarely, angioedema and must not be used in pregnancy.
- Calcium channel blockers: amlodipine, felodipine. Frequently recommended first line for many patients, including older adults and people of Black African or Caribbean heritage.
- Thiazide or thiazide like diuretics: bendroflumethiazide, indapamide. Often combined with ARBs when monotherapy is insufficient.
- Beta blockers: bisoprolol, atenolol. Typically chosen when there are additional pointers such as angina or arrhythmia rather than for isolated mild hypertension.
For rough cost comparison among brandss for budgeting see Current prices in the United Kingdom.
Price dynamics in the UK
Cost varies by whether the medicine is supplied on the NHS, via a private prescription, and whether a branded or generic product is chosen. The figures below are indicative private retail prices for a pack of 28 tablets and exclude consultation, dispensing or delivery fees.
- Generic telmisartan 20 mg: approximately 2 to 5 GBP per 28 tablets.
- Generic telmisartan 40 mg: approximately 3 to 7 GBP per 28 tablets.
- Generic telmisartan 80 mg: approximately 4 to 8 GBP per 28 tablets.
- Micardis brand (where stocked): typically higher, for example around 15 to 30 GBP per 28 tablets.
Representative private prices for the other option agents (approximate):
- Losartan is prescribed for high blood pressure 50 mg: about 1 to 3 GBP for 28 tablets.
- Candesartan tablets 8 mg: about 2 to 5 GBP for 28 tablets.
- Valsartan tablet form 80 mg: about 2 to 5 GBP for 28 tablets.
- Amlodipine 5 mg: often under 1 GBP for 28 tablets.
On the NHS prescription charges may apply in England for most adults per item; prescriptions are currently free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Exemptions and prepayment certificates can reduce costs. Check current NHS guidance for the latest the available information.
United Kingdom legislation information
- Regulatory status: telmisartan products such as Micardis are Prescription Only Medicines (POM) and are regulated by the MHRA.
- Supply: a valid prescription from an appropriate prescriber is required for lawful supply in the UK.
- Pharmacy standards: medicines should be dispensed by a pharmacy registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). When buying online use a UK registered pharmacy and recheck the figures its credentials.
- Online prescribing: legitimate remote services conduct a clinical assessment and will not dispense telmisartan without a prescription.
- Travel: carrying a reasonable personal quantity in original packaging is generally acceptable; telmisartan is not a controlled drug but verify destination rules and airline policies before travel.
- Driving: do not drive if you feel dizzy or otherwise impaired by the medicine; assess your response before driving.
- Pregnancy: ARBs are contraindicated in pregnancy and should be stopped immediately if pregnancy occurs. Discuss contraception and an optional path therapies with your clinician as appropriate.
For more on interacting as a shared activitys can be viewed as exchanges of the facts. and protective guidelines see Drug-conversational exchanges in a system describe exchanges between components. among drugs and Cautions before use.
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