What is Telmisartan Tablets?
Telmisartan is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It is commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain other cardiovascular conditions.
Telmisartan works by blocking the effects of a hormone called angiotensin II. This hormone can constrict blood vessels, leading to an increase in blood pressure. By blocking its effects, telmisartan helps to relax and widen the blood vessels, which can lead to a reduction in blood pressure.
Telmisartan Tablets Use
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Telmisartan helps lower blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. This reduces the overall pressure on the arterial walls.
- Preventing Cardiovascular Events: In some cases, telmisartan may be prescribed to reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes, particularly in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease or other risk factors.
- Heart Failure: Telmisartan may be used in the management of heart failure. It helps improve the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
- Diabetic Nephropathy: For individuals with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, telmisartan can be used to help protect the kidneys from damage associated with diabetes.
- Kidney Disease in Hypertensive Patients: It can also be used to manage kidney disease in patients with hypertension.
Telmisartan Tablets – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
Angiotensin II and its Role:
- Angiotensin II is a hormone in the body that constricts blood vessels, leading to an increase in blood pressure. It also stimulates the release of aldosterone, a hormone that can cause salt and water retention, further increasing blood pressure.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockade:
- Telmisartan belongs to a class of drugs known as ARBs. These drugs specifically target and block the receptors for angiotensin II. By doing so, telmisartan prevents angiotensin II from exerting its effects on the body.
Vasodilation:
- By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, telmisartan causes the blood vessels to relax and widen. This leads to a reduction in peripheral resistance (resistance to blood flow in the arteries), which in turn decreases blood pressure.
Telmisartan Tablets – Side-effects
Common Side Effects:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: This can occur, especially when standing up from a sitting or lying position. It’s important to stand up slowly to minimize this effect.
- Fatigue or weakness: Some people may feel more tired than usual, especially when starting the medication.
- Cough: A dry, persistent cough is a possible side effect, though it’s less common with telmisartan than with some other blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors.
- Elevated blood potassium levels: In some cases, telmisartan can lead to an increase in blood potassium levels. This is more likely in individuals with kidney problems or those taking potassium supplements.
Less Common Side Effects:
- Hypotension (low blood pressure): In some cases, especially when the dosage is too high or if a person’s blood pressure is already low, telmisartan can lead to excessively low blood pressure.
- Kidney dysfunction: Some individuals may experience changes in kidney function, especially if they have pre-existing kidney disease.
- Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may be allergic to telmisartan. Symptoms can include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
