TELVAS -20

# Telmisartan 20 mg ## SHORT DESCRIPTION Telmisartan 20 mg is an **angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)** used primarily to treat **high blood pressure (hypertension)**. It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow and promotes sodium and water retention. By blocking angiotensin II, telmisartan helps blood vessels relax and can lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension. ## KEY BENEFITS * Helps lower **high blood pressure** * Promotes relaxation of blood vessels * Helps reduce the workload on the heart * May help reduce the long-term risk of cardiovascular complications associated with hypertension * Provides sustained blood-pressure control with once-daily dosing in many patients * May be used alone or with other blood-pressure medicines ## USES / INDICATIONS Telmisartan 20 mg may be prescribed for: * **Hypertension (high blood pressure)** * Reduction of cardiovascular risk in selected high-risk patients when appropriate * Blood-pressure management in patients who require an angiotensin II receptor blocker The dose may be adjusted depending on blood pressure response and the medical condition being treated. ## HOW IT WORKS Telmisartan selectively blocks **angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors**. Angiotensin II normally causes blood vessels to constrict and stimulates aldosterone release, which can increase sodium and water retention. By blocking these effects, telmisartan: * Relaxes blood vessels * Reduces peripheral vascular resistance * Decreases sodium and water retention * Lowers blood pressure * Reduces the workload on the heart ## DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION * Take Telmisartan 20 mg exactly as prescribed. * It is usually taken **once daily**. * It can generally be taken **with or without food**. * Take it at approximately the same time each day. * Swallow the tablet with water. * Do not stop treatment suddenly without consulting your doctor. * Your doctor may increase or decrease the dose depending on your blood-pressure response. For hypertension, **20 mg once daily** is a commonly used starting dose in some patients, although the appropriate dose varies according to individual circumstances. ### Missed Dose Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses together. ## SIDE EFFECTS Common or possible side effects include: * Dizziness * Headache * Back pain * Diarrhea * Fatigue * Low blood pressure * Upper respiratory symptoms ### Serious Side Effects Seek medical attention if you experience: * Severe dizziness or fainting * Significant decrease in urine output * Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat * Difficulty breathing * Severe weakness * Symptoms of high potassium, such as unusual weakness, palpitations or abnormal heartbeat ## PRECAUTIONS & WARNINGS * **Pregnancy:** Telmisartan can cause serious injury or death to the developing fetus and should not be used during pregnancy. * If pregnancy occurs while taking telmisartan, contact your doctor promptly. * Tell your doctor if you have **kidney disease**. * Tell your doctor if you have **liver disease**. * Kidney function and potassium levels may need monitoring. * Telmisartan can increase blood potassium levels (**hyperkalemia**). * Excessive dehydration can increase the risk of low blood pressure and kidney problems. * Tell your doctor if you have severe vomiting, diarrhea or significant fluid loss. * Use caution if you have renal artery stenosis or other conditions affecting kidney blood flow. * Do not use potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes without medical advice. * Do not combine telmisartan with another renin-angiotensin system blocker unless specifically directed by your doctor. ## DRUG INTERACTIONS Important interactions may include: * **Aliskiren** — increased risk of low blood pressure, hyperkalemia and kidney impairment, particularly in people with diabetes or kidney disease. * **ACE inhibitors**, such as lisinopril or enalapril — increased risk of kidney problems, hyperkalemia and low blood pressure when combined. * **Potassium supplements** — may increase blood potassium. * **Potassium-containing salt substitutes** — may increase blood potassium. * **Potassium-sparing diuretics**, such as spironolactone — increased risk of hyperkalemia. * **NSAIDs**, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac — may reduce blood-pressure-lowering effects and increase the risk of kidney impairment. * **Lithium** — telmisartan may increase lithium concentrations and the risk of lithium toxicity. * Certain diuretics — may increase the risk of low blood pressure or electrolyte disturbances. Tell 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 tablets in their original packaging. * Store at the recommended room temperature. * Protect from excessive heat, moisture and direct sunlight. * Keep the medicine out of reach of children. * Keep tablets protected from moisture. * Do not use after the expiry date. * Do not use tablets if the packaging is damaged. ## PRESCRIPTION STATUS **Prescription medicine.** Telmisartan 20 mg should be taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Regular blood-pressure monitoring may be required. ## GENUINE MEDICINE ASSURANCE For safe and genuine Telmisartan 20 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. * Confirm the expiry date before use. * Ensure the packaging and seal are intact. * Avoid products with damaged or suspicious packaging. * Purchase prescription medicines only from authorized sources. * Consult a pharmacist if you have concerns about product authenticity. ## FAQ ### What is Telmisartan 20 mg used for? Telmisartan 20 mg is primarily used to treat **high blood pressure (hypertension)**. It may also be used in selected patients to reduce cardiovascular risk. ### Is Telmisartan a blood pressure medicine? Yes. Telmisartan is an **angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)** used to lower blood pressure. ### How does Telmisartan 20 mg work? It blocks angiotensin II from binding to AT1 receptors, causing blood vessels to relax and helping reduce blood pressure. ### How long does Telmisartan take to work? Telmisartan begins lowering blood pressure after a dose, but the full blood-pressure-lowering effect may take **several weeks** of regular treatment. ### How long does Telmisartan stay in the body? Telmisartan has a relatively long elimination half-life, which supports **once-daily dosing** in many patients. ### When should Telmisartan 20 mg be taken? It is usually taken **once daily**, at approximately the same time each day. It can generally be taken with or without food. ### Can Telmisartan 20 mg be taken on an empty stomach? Yes. Telmisartan can generally be taken with or without food. ### Can Telmisartan cure high blood pressure? Telmisartan controls high blood pressure but does not usually cure the underlying tendency toward hypertension. Long-term treatment and lifestyle measures may be necessary. ### What are the common side effects of Telmisartan? Common side effects may include **dizziness, headache, diarrhea, fatigue and low blood pressure**. ### Can Telmisartan cause dizziness? Yes. Dizziness may occur, particularly when starting treatment or when blood pressure becomes too low. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions. ### Does Telmisartan increase potassium? It can. Telmisartan may increase blood potassium levels, particularly in people with kidney disease or those taking potassium supplements or potassium-sparing medicines. ### Can Telmisartan affect the kidneys? Telmisartan can affect kidney function in susceptible patients. Your doctor may monitor kidney function and potassium levels, particularly after starting or changing the dose. ### Can Telmisartan be taken with ibuprofen? NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can potentially reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect of telmisartan and increase the risk of kidney problems. Regular or high-dose NSAID use should be discussed with your doctor. ### Can Telmisartan be taken with amlodipine? Yes. Telmisartan is sometimes combined with **amlodipine** when additional blood-pressure control is required, under medical supervision. ### Can Telmisartan be taken with other blood pressure medicines? Yes, it can be combined with certain blood-pressure medicines when prescribed. Your doctor will select combinations and doses based on your blood pressure and health status. ### Can Telmisartan be taken during pregnancy? **No.** Telmisartan can cause serious fetal harm and should not be used during pregnancy. Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking it. ### Can Telmisartan be taken while breastfeeding? Discuss breastfeeding with your healthcare professional before taking telmisartan. Your doctor may recommend an alternative medicine depending on your circumstances. ### Can I stop Telmisartan suddenly? Do not stop telmisartan without medical advice. Although it does not usually cause a classic withdrawal syndrome, stopping treatment can allow blood pressure to rise again. ### What should I do if I miss a dose? Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose. ### What happens if I take too much Telmisartan? An overdose may cause **low blood pressure, dizziness, weakness or fainting**. Seek medical attention if you take more than prescribed. ### Can I drink alcohol while taking Telmisartan? Alcohol can increase the blood-pressure-lowering effect and may make dizziness or fainting more likely. Limit alcohol and discuss your intake with your healthcare professional. ### Can Telmisartan be taken with potassium supplements? Do not take potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes unless your doctor specifically recommends them, because telmisartan can increase blood potassium. ### How should Telmisartan 20 mg be stored? Store according to the manufacturer's instructions, generally at room temperature away from excessive heat and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original packaging and out of reach of children. ## MEDICAL DISCLAIMER This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. **Telmisartan 20 mg is a prescription medicine used primarily for hypertension.** It can affect kidney function and increase potassium levels, particularly in susceptible patients or when combined with certain medicines. Telmisartan must not be used during pregnancy because it can cause serious fetal harm. Regular blood-pressure, kidney-function and electrolyte monitoring may be appropriate. Always follow the specific product label and your healthcare professional's instructions.