TELMI-AM

# AMLODIPINE 5 MG + TELMISARTAN 40 MG ## SHORT DESCRIPTION **Amlodipine 5 mg + Telmisartan 40 mg** is a combination antihypertensive medicine containing a **calcium channel blocker (amlodipine)** and an **angiotensin II receptor blocker (telmisartan)**. It is used to help **lower and control high blood pressure (hypertension)** when treatment with one medicine alone may not provide adequate control. Amlodipine relaxes and widens blood vessels, while telmisartan blocks the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow. Together, they provide complementary blood-pressure-lowering effects. --- ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps **lower high blood pressure**. * Combines two antihypertensive medicines in a single tablet. * Amlodipine helps relax and widen blood vessels. * Telmisartan blocks angiotensin II, helping prevent blood-vessel constriction. * May provide better blood-pressure control than either medicine alone in appropriate patients. * Helps reduce the long-term risk of cardiovascular complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension. * Convenient fixed-dose combination may improve treatment adherence. --- ## USES / INDICATIONS Amlodipine 5 mg + Telmisartan 40 mg may be prescribed for: * **Hypertension (high blood pressure)** * Patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with a single antihypertensive medicine. * Patients who are already taking amlodipine and telmisartan separately and may benefit from a fixed-dose combination, when clinically appropriate. ### Important This medicine is **not intended for treating a sudden hypertensive emergency**. Very high blood pressure accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, confusion, or neurological symptoms requires urgent medical evaluation. --- ## HOW IT WORKS ### Amlodipine 5 mg Amlodipine is a **calcium channel blocker (CCB)**. It reduces the movement of calcium into vascular smooth-muscle cells, causing the arteries to relax and widen. **Vasodilation → reduced resistance to blood flow → lower blood pressure** ### Telmisartan 40 mg Telmisartan is an **angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)**. It blocks the effects of angiotensin II at AT1 receptors. Angiotensin II normally causes blood vessels to constrict and promotes sodium and water retention. Blocking its action helps: * Relax blood vessels * Reduce blood pressure * Decrease the workload on the cardiovascular system ### Combined Effect **Amlodipine + Telmisartan → complementary blood-vessel relaxation → improved blood-pressure control** --- ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION **Amlodipine 5 mg + Telmisartan 40 mg should be taken exactly as prescribed.** * The usual fixed-dose combination is **one tablet once daily**, when prescribed in this strength. * Take it at approximately the same time each day. * It can generally be taken **with or without food**. * Swallow the tablet with water. * Do not crush or chew the tablet unless the product instructions specifically permit it. * Continue taking the medicine even when you feel well, unless your doctor tells you to stop. * Regular blood-pressure monitoring is recommended. * Your doctor may adjust the dose according to your blood-pressure response and medical condition. ### Missed Dose If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. **Do not take two tablets at once** to compensate for a missed dose. > **Important:** The 5 mg/40 mg strength may not be appropriate as an initial treatment for every patient. Your doctor will determine the most suitable dose. --- ## SIDE EFFECTS ### Common Side Effects Possible side effects include: * Dizziness * Headache * Swelling of the ankles or feet (**peripheral edema**) * Flushing * Fatigue * Low blood pressure * Back pain * Diarrhea * Nausea Amlodipine is particularly associated with **ankle/leg swelling**, while telmisartan may cause dizziness or changes in kidney function or potassium levels in susceptible patients. ### Serious Side Effects Seek medical attention if you develop: * Severe dizziness or fainting * Significant swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat * Difficulty breathing or swallowing * Severe allergic reaction * Significant reduction in urination * Symptoms of high potassium, such as unusual weakness or abnormal heartbeat * Severe or persistent abdominal pain * Symptoms of very low blood pressure --- ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS ### Pregnancy **Telmisartan should not be used during pregnancy**, particularly after the first trimester, because medicines that act on the renin-angiotensin system can cause serious fetal harm. If pregnancy occurs while taking this medicine, contact your healthcare professional promptly. ### Kidney Function Telmisartan can affect kidney function, particularly in patients who are dehydrated, have kidney disease, or are taking other medicines that affect the kidneys. Your doctor may monitor: * Kidney function * Blood pressure * Serum potassium ### Potassium Telmisartan can increase blood potassium levels. Avoid potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes unless specifically recommended by your healthcare professional. ### Liver Disease Tell your doctor if you have liver disease. Dose selection may require additional consideration, particularly with telmisartan. ### Low Blood Pressure Dizziness or fainting may occur, particularly when starting treatment, increasing the dose, or becoming dehydrated. ### Heart Conditions Tell your doctor if you have significant heart disease, including certain forms of heart failure or aortic/mitral valve disease. ### Dehydration Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, or inadequate fluid intake may increase the risk of low blood pressure and kidney problems. --- ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription medicines, OTC medicines, supplements, and herbal products you use. Important interactions include: ### ACE Inhibitors Combining telmisartan with an **ACE inhibitor** such as enalapril, lisinopril, or ramipril can increase the risk of low blood pressure, high potassium, and kidney problems. This combination is generally avoided unless specifically indicated and closely monitored. ### Aliskiren Combining telmisartan with **aliskiren** can increase the risk of kidney problems, high potassium, and low blood pressure, particularly in patients with diabetes or kidney impairment. ### Potassium Supplements Potassium supplements and potassium-containing salt substitutes may increase the risk of **hyperkalemia**. ### Potassium-Sparing Diuretics Medicines such as **spironolactone, eplerenone, amiloride, and triamterene** can increase potassium levels when combined with telmisartan. ### NSAIDs Medicines such as **ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac** may reduce the antihypertensive effect and increase the risk of kidney problems, particularly in dehydrated patients or those with existing kidney disease. ### Lithium Telmisartan may increase lithium concentrations and the risk of lithium toxicity. Medical monitoring is required if these medicines are used together. ### Other Blood-Pressure Medicines Combining this medicine with other antihypertensives can cause an additive reduction in blood pressure. --- ## STORAGE INFORMATION * Store Amlodipine 5 mg + Telmisartan 40 mg according to the manufacturer's recommended storage conditions. * Keep tablets in their original packaging. * Protect from excessive heat and moisture. * Keep away from direct sunlight. * Avoid storing the medicine in damp areas such as bathrooms. * Keep out of reach and sight of children. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use tablets if the packaging is damaged or appears tampered with. --- ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS **Prescription Medicine** Amlodipine 5 mg + Telmisartan 40 mg should be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium levels may require monitoring depending on the patient's medical history and other medicines. --- ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE For safe use, purchase **Amlodipine 5 mg + Telmisartan 40 mg from a licensed pharmacy or authorized medicine supplier**. Before using the product, check: * Product name and strength * Manufacturer information * Batch/lot number * Manufacturing and expiry dates * Packaging and seal integrity * Regulatory/registration information where applicable Do not use medicine from damaged, opened, tampered, or suspicious packaging. If you are unsure whether a product is genuine, consult a pharmacist or the relevant medicine regulatory authority. --- # FAQ – AMLODIPINE 5 MG + TELMISARTAN 40 MG ### 1. What is Amlodipine 5 mg + Telmisartan 40 mg used for? It is primarily used to **lower and control high blood pressure (hypertension)**. It may be prescribed when one antihypertensive medicine alone does not adequately control blood pressure. ### 2. How does Amlodipine + Telmisartan work? Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels by blocking calcium channels, while telmisartan blocks the action of angiotensin II. Together, they help blood vessels remain relaxed and reduce blood pressure. ### 3. Is Amlodipine 5 mg + Telmisartan 40 mg good for high blood pressure? It can be an effective combination for appropriate patients with hypertension. However, the correct treatment depends on individual blood pressure levels, medical history, kidney function, and other medicines. ### 4. When should I take Amlodipine + Telmisartan? It is generally taken **once daily**, at approximately the same time each day. It can usually be taken with or without food. ### 5. Can I take Amlodipine + Telmisartan at night? The medicine may be taken at a time recommended by your doctor. Consistency is important. Do not change the timing of your treatment without discussing it with your healthcare professional. ### 6. Does Amlodipine + Telmisartan cause dizziness? Yes. **Dizziness can occur**, particularly when starting treatment or if blood pressure becomes too low. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions and contact your doctor if dizziness is severe or persistent. ### 7. Does Amlodipine + Telmisartan cause ankle swelling? **Ankle or leg swelling (peripheral edema)** is a known side effect of amlodipine. Inform your doctor if swelling is significant or persistent. ### 8. Can I take Amlodipine + Telmisartan with other blood-pressure medicines? Sometimes multiple blood-pressure medicines are prescribed together, but combining them can lower blood pressure excessively. Take additional antihypertensive medicines only as directed by your healthcare professional. ### 9. Can I take Amlodipine + Telmisartan with Enalapril? Telmisartan and enalapril belong to different classes but both affect the renin-angiotensin system. Combining an **ARB with an ACE inhibitor is generally not recommended** because it can increase the risk of kidney problems, high potassium, and low blood pressure unless specifically indicated and monitored. ### 10. Can I take Ibuprofen with Amlodipine + Telmisartan? Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs may reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect and can increase the risk of kidney problems when combined with telmisartan, especially in susceptible patients. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using NSAIDs regularly. ### 11. Can Amlodipine + Telmisartan be taken with food? Yes. This combination can generally be taken **with or without food**. ### 12. Can I stop Amlodipine + Telmisartan when my blood pressure becomes normal? Do not stop the medicine without medical advice. Normal blood pressure may indicate that the treatment is working. Stopping it may cause blood pressure to rise again. ### 13. Can Amlodipine + Telmisartan be used during pregnancy? **Telmisartan should not be used during pregnancy.** If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, contact your healthcare professional promptly so that your treatment can be reassessed. ### 14. Can Amlodipine + Telmisartan affect the kidneys? Telmisartan can affect kidney function in some patients. The risk may be higher in people with kidney disease, dehydration, or those taking certain interacting medicines. Kidney function may be monitored during treatment. ### 15. Can Amlodipine + Telmisartan increase potassium? Yes. Telmisartan can increase blood potassium levels. Potassium supplements and potassium-containing salt substitutes should not be used unless recommended by your healthcare professional. ### 16. What should I do if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next dose. **Do not double the next dose.** ### 17. How long does Amlodipine + Telmisartan take to work? Blood pressure may begin to decrease after treatment starts, but the full blood-pressure-lowering effect may take time to develop. Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure and adjust treatment as necessary. ### 18. Is Amlodipine + Telmisartan safe for everyone? No. It may not be suitable for everyone, particularly people with certain kidney or liver conditions, pregnancy, significant electrolyte abnormalities, or specific cardiovascular conditions. A healthcare professional should determine whether it is appropriate. --- ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information about **Amlodipine 5 mg + Telmisartan 40 mg** is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is **not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment**. The appropriate dose and treatment duration vary between patients. Kidney function, potassium levels, blood pressure, pregnancy status, and other medicines may need to be considered before and during treatment. **Do not start, stop, or change Amlodipine + Telmisartan without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Telmisartan can cause serious fetal harm and should not be used during pregnancy.** Always read the product label/package insert and follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.