TELMI-80

# Telmisartan 80 mg ## SHORT DESCRIPTION **Telmisartan 80 mg** is a prescription medicine belonging to the **angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)** class. It is primarily used to treat **high blood pressure (hypertension)** and may also be used to reduce cardiovascular risk in certain high-risk patients. Telmisartan works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow and promotes sodium and water retention. This helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps lower and control high blood pressure * Relaxes and widens blood vessels * Reduces resistance against which the heart pumps * Helps provide sustained blood-pressure control with once-daily dosing * May reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in certain high-risk patients * Can be used alone or with other antihypertensive medicines when prescribed ## USES / INDICATIONS Telmisartan 80 mg may be prescribed for: * **Hypertension (high blood pressure)** * Reduction of cardiovascular risk in selected high-risk patients who cannot take ACE inhibitors, depending on local prescribing guidelines * Long-term management of elevated blood pressure Telmisartan may be used alone or combined with medicines such as calcium channel blockers or diuretics when additional blood-pressure control is required. ## HOW IT WORKS Telmisartan selectively blocks **angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors**. Angiotensin II normally causes blood vessels to constrict and promotes the release of hormones that increase sodium and water retention. By blocking AT1 receptors, telmisartan reduces these effects. **Telmisartan → Blocks AT1 receptors → Prevents angiotensin II effects → Relaxes blood vessels → Lowers blood pressure** ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION The dose should be individualized by your doctor according to your blood pressure, medical condition, kidney function, and other medicines. For adults with hypertension: * The usual starting dose is often **40 mg once daily**. * Some patients may require **20 mg once daily**. * The dose may be increased to **80 mg once daily** when additional blood-pressure control is required. * **Telmisartan 80 mg once daily** is generally the maximum recommended daily dose for hypertension. For cardiovascular-risk reduction, the commonly recommended dose may be **80 mg once daily**, depending on the clinical indication. ### How to Take * Take exactly as prescribed. * Take once daily at approximately the same time each day. * It can be taken **with or without food**. * Swallow the tablet with water. * Do not stop treatment suddenly without consulting your doctor. * Continue appropriate lifestyle measures, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity. ### Missed Dose Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. **Do not take two doses together.** ## SIDE EFFECTS Possible side effects include: * Dizziness * Headache * Fatigue * Back pain * Diarrhea * Nausea * Upper respiratory symptoms * Low blood pressure Some people may experience changes in kidney function or increased potassium levels. ### Serious Side Effects Seek immediate medical attention if you develop: * Severe dizziness or fainting * Significant swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat * Difficulty breathing or swallowing * Severe weakness * Symptoms of significant kidney problems * Symptoms associated with very high potassium levels, such as severe weakness or abnormal heartbeat ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS ### Pregnancy **Telmisartan should not be used during pregnancy.** Medicines that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause serious fetal harm, particularly during the second and third trimesters. If you become pregnant while taking telmisartan, contact your healthcare professional promptly. ### Kidney Disease Telmisartan can affect kidney function in some patients. Kidney function and potassium levels may need to be monitored, particularly in people with kidney disease or those taking other medicines affecting the kidneys. ### High Potassium Telmisartan can increase blood potassium levels. Tell your doctor if you have: * Kidney disease * Diabetes * Existing high potassium levels * Other conditions affecting potassium balance ### Dehydration Excessive fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, or use of strong diuretics can increase the risk of low blood pressure or kidney problems. ### Liver Disease Tell your doctor if you have liver disease. Telmisartan is primarily eliminated through the biliary/fecal route, and severe liver impairment may require special consideration. ### Low Blood Pressure Patients who are dehydrated or taking multiple blood-pressure medicines may experience excessive blood-pressure reduction. ### Renal Artery Stenosis Tell your doctor if you have narrowing of the arteries supplying one or both kidneys, as medicines affecting the renin-angiotensin system require careful use in this condition. ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Telmisartan may interact with several medicines, including: * **Aliskiren**, particularly in people with diabetes or kidney impairment * **ACE inhibitors**, which may increase the risk of low blood pressure, kidney problems, and high potassium * **Potassium supplements** * **Potassium-containing salt substitutes** * **Potassium-sparing diuretics**, such as spironolactone * **NSAIDs**, such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen * Lithium * Other antihypertensive medicines * Certain diuretics ### NSAIDs Regular or high-dose NSAID use may reduce the blood-pressure-lowering 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. If the combination is necessary, careful monitoring is required. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store according to the manufacturer's instructions. * Keep at room temperature unless otherwise specified. * Protect from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. * Keep tablets in their original packaging. * Keep the container tightly closed. * Keep out of reach and sight of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use tablets from damaged packaging. ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS **Telmisartan 80 mg is a prescription medicine.** It should be taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, particularly because blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels may require monitoring. ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE To help ensure you receive genuine Telmisartan 80 mg: * Purchase from a licensed and reputable pharmacy. * Check the medicine name and strength. * Verify the manufacturer's details. * Check the batch number and expiry date. * Ensure the packaging is sealed and undamaged. * Confirm the strength is **80 mg**. * Avoid products with altered or suspicious packaging. * Purchase prescription medicines only from authorized sources. * Ask your pharmacist to verify the product if you have concerns about authenticity. ## FAQ SECTION ### What is Telmisartan 80 mg used for? Telmisartan 80 mg is primarily used to treat **high blood pressure**. An 80 mg dose may also be prescribed for cardiovascular-risk reduction in selected high-risk patients. ### Is Telmisartan a blood-pressure medicine? Yes. Telmisartan is an **angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)** used to lower and control blood pressure. ### How does Telmisartan 80 mg work? It blocks angiotensin II from activating AT1 receptors. This relaxes blood vessels and reduces the effects that normally increase blood pressure. ### Is Telmisartan 80 mg a high dose? For hypertension, **80 mg once daily is generally the maximum recommended daily dose**. However, the appropriate dose varies by patient and medical condition. ### Can Telmisartan 80 mg be taken once daily? Yes. Telmisartan is generally taken **once daily**, as prescribed by a healthcare professional. ### When is the best time to take Telmisartan 80 mg? Telmisartan can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Taking it at the same time each day helps maintain consistent treatment. ### Does Telmisartan lower blood pressure immediately? Telmisartan begins lowering blood pressure after treatment starts, but the full blood-pressure-lowering effect may take several weeks to develop. ### Can Telmisartan cure high blood pressure? Telmisartan helps **control** high blood pressure but does not necessarily cure the underlying condition. Long-term treatment and lifestyle changes may be necessary. ### Can I stop Telmisartan when my blood pressure becomes normal? No. Normal blood pressure may mean that the medicine is working. Do not stop telmisartan without consulting your doctor. ### What are the common side effects of Telmisartan? Commonly reported effects include dizziness, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, back pain, and low blood pressure. ### Can Telmisartan cause dizziness? Yes. Dizziness can occur, particularly when blood pressure becomes too low or when treatment is first started. ### Can Telmisartan cause high potassium? Yes. Telmisartan can increase potassium levels, especially in people with kidney disease or those taking potassium supplements or potassium-sparing medicines. ### Can Telmisartan affect the kidneys? Telmisartan can cause changes in kidney function in some patients. Kidney function may require monitoring, especially in people with kidney disease or dehydration. ### Can Telmisartan be taken with amlodipine? Yes. Telmisartan and amlodipine are sometimes prescribed together when one medicine alone does not provide adequate blood-pressure control. ### Can Telmisartan be taken with hydrochlorothiazide? Yes. The combination of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide is used in some patients with hypertension when additional blood-pressure reduction is needed. ### Can Telmisartan be taken with ibuprofen? Regular NSAID use, including ibuprofen, may reduce telmisartan's blood-pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney problems. Consult your healthcare professional before using NSAIDs regularly. ### Can Telmisartan be taken with paracetamol? Paracetamol generally does not have the same kidney and blood-pressure interaction concern as NSAIDs, but you should still inform your healthcare professional about all medicines you take. ### Can Telmisartan be taken during pregnancy? **No. Telmisartan should not be used during pregnancy** because medicines acting on the renin-angiotensin system can cause serious harm to the developing fetus. ### Can Telmisartan be taken while breastfeeding? Consult your doctor before taking telmisartan while breastfeeding. Your healthcare professional may recommend an alternative medicine depending on your circumstances. ### Does Telmisartan cause weight gain? Weight gain is not a typical direct effect of telmisartan. Unexplained or significant weight changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional. ### Does Telmisartan cause swelling? Swelling is not among the most characteristic effects of telmisartan. However, unexplained swelling should be evaluated, particularly if accompanied by breathing difficulties. ### Is Telmisartan a beta-blocker? No. Telmisartan is an **ARB**, whereas medicines such as metoprolol and propranolol are beta-blockers. ### Is Telmisartan a diuretic? No. Telmisartan is not a diuretic or water pill. It lowers blood pressure primarily by blocking angiotensin II receptors. ### Does Telmisartan protect the kidneys? Telmisartan can provide kidney-related benefits in certain patients, particularly those with hypertension and some forms of kidney disease, but it can also affect kidney function. Monitoring is important. ### What happens if I miss a dose of Telmisartan? Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose. ### How should Telmisartan 80 mg be stored? Store it according to the manufacturer's instructions, generally at room temperature and protected from excessive heat and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children. ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information about **Telmisartan 80 mg** is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Telmisartan is a prescription medicine that can affect **blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels**. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and requires particular caution in patients with kidney disease, dehydration, or conditions affecting potassium balance. Do not change the dose or stop telmisartan without medical advice. Seek medical attention for **severe dizziness, fainting, facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or other serious symptoms**. Always follow your doctor's prescription and the manufacturer's instructions regarding dosage, administration, contraindications, drug interactions, monitoring, and duration of treatment.