TELMA AM 80

# AMLODIPINE BESYLATE 5 MG + TELMISARTAN 80 MG ## Short Description **Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg + Telmisartan 80 mg** is a fixed-dose combination of two antihypertensive medicines used primarily to treat **high blood pressure (hypertension)**. Amlodipine is a **calcium channel blocker (CCB)**, while telmisartan is an **angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)**. Together, they relax blood vessels through complementary mechanisms, helping lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. ## Key Benefits * Helps lower **high blood pressure**. * Combines two complementary antihypertensive mechanisms in one tablet. * Helps relax and widen blood vessels. * May improve blood-pressure control when a single medicine is insufficient. * Can help reduce the long-term risk of complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension, such as **stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage**. * Convenient once-daily treatment for many patients. ## Uses / Indications Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg + Telmisartan 80 mg may be prescribed for: * **Hypertension (high blood pressure)**. * Patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with one antihypertensive medicine. * Patients already taking amlodipine and telmisartan separately who may benefit from a fixed-dose combination. * Other cardiovascular indications only when specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional. ## How It Works ### Amlodipine Amlodipine is a **calcium channel blocker**. It reduces the movement of calcium into vascular smooth muscle cells, causing the arteries to relax and widen. This lowers **peripheral vascular resistance**, helping reduce blood pressure. ### Telmisartan Telmisartan is an **angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)**. It blocks the action of angiotensin II at AT1 receptors. Angiotensin II normally causes blood vessels to constrict and promotes sodium and water retention. Blocking its effects helps: * Relax blood vessels. * Reduce blood pressure. * Decrease aldosterone-related sodium retention. ### Combined effect Using amlodipine and telmisartan together provides complementary blood-pressure reduction and may be more effective than either medicine alone in appropriate patients. ## Dosage & Administration * Take **one tablet once daily** if this is the dose prescribed by your healthcare professional. * It may be taken **with or without food**. * Take it at approximately the same time each day. * Swallow the tablet with water. * Do not change the dose or stop treatment without medical advice. * Blood pressure should be monitored regularly. * Your doctor may adjust the individual components or dosage depending on blood-pressure response, kidney function, and tolerability. ### If You Miss a Dose Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. **Do not take two tablets together** to compensate for a missed dose. ## Side Effects Common side effects may include: * Dizziness. * Headache. * Swelling of the ankles or feet (**peripheral edema**). * Flushing. * Fatigue. * Low blood pressure. * Palpitations. * Nausea. * Mild gastrointestinal discomfort. ### Possible Telmisartan-Related Effects * Increased potassium levels (**hyperkalemia**). * Changes in kidney function. * Dizziness, particularly when starting treatment. ### Serious Side Effects Seek immediate medical attention if you experience: * Severe dizziness or fainting. * Facial, lip, tongue, or throat swelling. * Difficulty breathing or swallowing. * Severe or persistent palpitations. * Markedly reduced urine output. * Severe weakness or abnormal heart rhythm. ## Precautions & Warnings * Monitor blood pressure regularly, particularly when treatment is started or the dose is changed. * Amlodipine may cause **ankle and leg swelling**. * Telmisartan can increase potassium levels, particularly in people with kidney impairment or those taking potassium supplements. * Tell your doctor if you have **kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or high potassium levels**. * Maintain adequate hydration, especially during illness involving vomiting or diarrhea, unless fluid restriction has been advised. * Telmisartan may cause dizziness or low blood pressure, particularly when treatment is initiated. * Avoid potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes unless recommended by your healthcare professional. * Tell your doctor if you are taking diuretics or medicines affecting kidney function. * Telmisartan should generally be **discontinued when pregnancy is detected** because medicines that act on the renin-angiotensin system can cause fetal harm. * Amlodipine/telmisartan should not be used to treat an acute hypertensive emergency unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional. * Do not stop antihypertensive treatment abruptly without discussing it with your doctor. ## Drug Interactions Important interactions may include: ### Potassium-increasing medicines * Potassium supplements. * Potassium-containing salt substitutes. * Potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone. * Other medicines that may increase potassium. These may increase the risk of **hyperkalemia** when combined with telmisartan. ### Other blood-pressure medicines Combining telmisartan/amlodipine with additional antihypertensive medicines may cause excessive blood-pressure reduction. ### NSAIDs Medicines such as **ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac** may reduce the antihypertensive effect of telmisartan and increase the risk of kidney impairment, particularly in dehydrated patients or those with existing kidney disease. ### Lithium Telmisartan may increase lithium concentrations and the risk of lithium toxicity. ### Digoxin Telmisartan can affect digoxin concentrations in some patients, so monitoring may be appropriate. ### CYP3A4 inhibitors Certain medicines can increase amlodipine exposure and may increase adverse effects such as low blood pressure or edema. Tell your healthcare professional about **all prescription medicines, OTC medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements** you use. ## Storage Information * Store at room temperature according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep tablets in their original packaging. * Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. * Keep the container tightly closed. * Keep out of reach of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Dispose of expired or unused medicines according to local pharmacy guidance. ## Prescription Status **Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg + Telmisartan 80 mg is generally a prescription medicine.** Because treatment requires consideration of blood pressure, kidney function, potassium levels, other medicines, and individual cardiovascular risk, it should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Prescription requirements may vary between countries. ## Genuine Medicine Assurance When purchasing Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg + Telmisartan 80 mg, obtain it from a **licensed pharmacy or authorized medicine supplier**. Before using the medicine, verify: * Correct medicine name and strengths. * Manufacturer information. * Batch or lot number. * Manufacturing and expiry dates. * Intact packaging and seals. * Clear labeling and dosage instructions. Do not use tablets if the packaging appears damaged, tampered with, incorrectly labeled, or suspicious. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### 1. What is Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg + Telmisartan 80 mg used for? This combination is primarily used to treat **high blood pressure (hypertension)** when treatment with one medicine alone may not provide adequate blood-pressure control. ### 2. What is the difference between amlodipine and telmisartan? Amlodipine is a **calcium channel blocker**, while telmisartan is an **angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)**. They lower blood pressure through different mechanisms. ### 3. Can amlodipine and telmisartan be taken together? Yes. They are specifically combined in some fixed-dose tablets because their complementary effects can provide effective blood-pressure control. ### 4. When should I take Amlodipine 5 mg + Telmisartan 80 mg? It can generally be taken **once daily, with or without food**. Taking it at the same time each day can help maintain consistent blood-pressure control. ### 5. Can I take this medicine at night? Yes, it may be taken at night if that fits your prescribed schedule. The most important factor is taking it consistently at the time recommended by your healthcare professional. ### 6. Does this medicine lower blood pressure immediately? Both medicines begin working after administration, but achieving stable blood-pressure control may take time. Continue taking it regularly even if you do not feel any symptoms. ### 7. Can Amlodipine + Telmisartan cause dizziness? Yes. Dizziness can occur, particularly when treatment is started or blood pressure falls more than expected. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions. ### 8. Does amlodipine cause swollen ankles? Yes. **Peripheral edema, especially ankle swelling, is a common side effect of amlodipine**. Contact your healthcare professional if swelling is severe or rapidly worsening. ### 9. Can telmisartan increase potassium? Yes. Telmisartan can increase blood potassium levels, particularly in people with kidney impairment or those taking potassium supplements or potassium-sparing medicines. ### 10. Can I take potassium supplements with telmisartan? Do not take potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes unless your healthcare professional recommends them. Telmisartan can increase potassium levels. ### 11. Can I take ibuprofen with telmisartan and amlodipine? Regular or high-dose NSAID use may reduce blood-pressure control and increase the risk of kidney problems. Ask your healthcare professional before using NSAIDs regularly. ### 12. Can I take this medicine with other blood-pressure medicines? Sometimes additional medicines are prescribed, but combining antihypertensives can cause excessive blood-pressure reduction. Take additional blood-pressure medicines only as directed. ### 13. Can Amlodipine + Telmisartan be used during pregnancy? **Telmisartan should not be used during pregnancy**, particularly after the first trimester, because ARBs can cause serious fetal harm. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if pregnancy occurs while taking this medicine. ### 14. Can I stop Amlodipine + Telmisartan when my blood pressure becomes normal? No. Normal blood pressure often means the treatment is working. Stopping the medicine without medical advice may cause blood pressure to rise again. ### 15. Does this medicine protect the kidneys? Good blood-pressure control can help reduce the long-term risk of kidney damage caused by hypertension. Telmisartan may provide kidney-related benefits in selected patients, but the medicine is **not appropriate for every kidney condition**. ### 16. Can I drink alcohol while taking Amlodipine and Telmisartan? Alcohol may increase the blood-pressure-lowering effect and can make dizziness or fainting more likely. Discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare professional. ### 17. What should I do if I miss a dose? Take it when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose. **Do not take a double dose** to compensate for a missed tablet. ### 18. What happens if I take too much? An excessive dose may cause **very low blood pressure, severe dizziness, fainting, rapid or slow heartbeat, or other complications**. Seek urgent medical advice if an overdose is suspected. ### 19. Is Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg + Telmisartan 80 mg available without a prescription? It is generally a **prescription-only medicine**. Local regulations may differ, so it should be obtained from an authorized pharmacy. ### 20. How long does it take for this combination to control blood pressure? Blood pressure may begin to decrease after treatment starts, but the **full therapeutic effect can take several weeks**. Regular monitoring helps your healthcare professional determine whether the dose is appropriate. ## Medical Disclaimer This information about **Amlodipine Besylate 5 mg + Telmisartan 80 mg** is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This combination can cause **low blood pressure, ankle swelling, changes in kidney function, and increased potassium levels**. Telmisartan can cause serious fetal harm and should not be used during pregnancy. Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed and do not change or discontinue treatment without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Seek medical attention for severe dizziness, fainting, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, markedly reduced urine output, or other serious symptoms.