Telsartan 80mg

Description

Product Overview: Telsartan 80mg (Telmisartan 80mg)

What it is: Telsartan 80mg contains Telmisartan, an active ingredient belonging to the class of drugs known as Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs). It functions by specifically blocking the action of angiotensin II, a potent natural substance in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict (narrow) and blood pressure to rise. By counteracting this effect, Telmisartan helps blood vessels relax and widen, leading to a reduction in blood pressure and improved blood circulation.

Therapeutic Class: Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB), Antihypertensive.

Mechanism of Action: Telmisartan selectively targets and blocks the AT1 receptors, which are the primary sites where angiotensin II exerts its vasoconstrictive and aldosterone-stimulating effects. By preventing angiotensin II from binding to these receptors, Telmisartan achieves the following:

• Vasodilation: It promotes the relaxation and widening of blood vessels, thereby reducing peripheral vascular resistance and effectively lowering blood pressure.
• Reduced Aldosterone Secretion: It indirectly decreases the release of aldosterone, a hormone that encourages the body to retain sodium and water. This contributes to fluid excretion and further assists in blood pressure control.
• Organ Protection: Beyond its primary role in blood pressure management, Telmisartan has demonstrated significant benefits in protecting various organs, particularly the kidneys in individuals with diabetes, and in reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack in high-risk patients.

Indications (Uses): Telsartan 80mg is commonly prescribed for:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): It is widely used for the treatment of essential hypertension in adults, either as a single therapy or in combination with other antihypertensive medications. Effective blood pressure control is crucial for preventing severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage.
• Cardiovascular Prevention: Telsartan 80mg is also indicated for reducing the risk of cardiovascular morbidity (e.g., non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or cardiovascular death) in adults with:
  • Established atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease (e.g., history of coronary heart disease, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease).
  • Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with documented target organ damage.
• Heart Failure: It can be used in the management of chronic heart failure, especially in patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors, to help alleviate symptoms and improve clinical outcomes by reducing the heart’s workload.
• Diabetic Nephropathy: It aids in preserving kidney function in diabetic patients by reducing proteinuria (protein in the urine) and slowing the progression of kidney disease.

Dosage and Administration: The dosage of Telsartan 80mg will be carefully determined by your doctor, taking into account your specific medical condition, your blood pressure response, and any other relevant health factors.

• For Hypertension (Adults): The usual effective dose is 40 mg once daily. However, for some patients, a daily dose of 80 mg once daily may be required to achieve target blood pressure. For individuals who are volume-depleted (e.g., due to high-dose diuretics) or have severe liver impairment, a lower initial dose is typically recommended.
• For Cardiovascular Prevention (Adults): The recommended dose is 80 mg once daily.
• Administration: Telsartan 80mg tablets can be taken with or without food. For optimal and consistent effects, it is generally advised to take the medication at the same time each day.
• Crucial: Always strictly follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the dosage and duration of treatment. Do not stop taking Telsartan 80mg suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to a rapid and potentially dangerous increase in blood pressure or a worsening of your underlying condition. This medication controls, but does not cure, high blood pressure, and long-term adherence is often necessary.

Side Effects:

While generally well-tolerated, Telsartan 80mg can cause side effects.

Common Side Effects (often mild and may subside with continued use):

• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Particularly when standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension), due to the blood pressure-lowering effect. This is more common when initiating therapy or after a dose increase.
• Headache.
• Fatigue or Weakness (Asthenia).
• Diarrhea.
• Back pain.
• Sinusitis / Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (e.g., nasal congestion, sore throat, flu-like symptoms).
• Hyperkalemia (High Potassium Levels): ARBs can cause potassium retention. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or numbness/tingling. Regular blood tests are important to monitor potassium levels.
• Nausea.
• Abdominal pain.
• Muscle pain.
• Peripheral edema (swelling in the extremities).

Serious or Less Common Side Effects (seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these):

• Angioedema: A rare but severe allergic reaction characterized by rapid swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing. This is a medical emergency.
• Severe Hypotension: An extreme and persistent drop in blood pressure leading to fainting, profound dizziness, or confusion.
• Kidney Failure or Significant Worsening of Kidney Function: Especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney problems or bilateral renal artery stenosis. Symptoms might include decreased urine output, swelling of the feet/ankles, or unusual tiredness.
• Liver Problems (Hepatitis): Very rare, but symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or persistent nausea/vomiting may indicate liver issues.
• Sepsis (Blood Poisoning): Very rare, but serious.
• Severe Electrolyte Disturbances: (beyond mild hyperkalemia), leading to severe muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or seizures.

Precautions:

Before taking Telsartan 80mg, it is crucial to inform your doctor about your complete medical history and a list of all medications you are currently taking.

• Allergies: Do not take Telsartan 80mg if you have a known allergy to Telmisartan or any other component of the drug. A history of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor therapy also generally serves as a contraindication for ARBs.
• Pregnancy: Telsartan 80mg (and other ARBs) is contraindicated during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, as it can cause serious harm or even death to the developing fetus. If pregnancy is detected, Telsartan should be discontinued as soon as possible.
• Breastfeeding: Telmisartan is excreted in breast milk. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
• Kidney Impairment: Use with caution. The dosage may need to be adjusted. It is not recommended for severe kidney problems. Close monitoring of kidney function (creatinine, GFR) and potassium levels is essential.
• Liver Impairment: Use with caution. The dosage should not exceed 40 mg once daily in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. It is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment (e.g., cholestasis or biliary obstruction).
• Diabetes: Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary. Concomitant use with aliskiren (another blood pressure medication) is contraindicated in diabetic patients with renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min).
• Volume Depletion: Patients who are volume-depleted (e.g., due to high-dose diuretics, excessive vomiting, or diarrhea) are at a higher risk of experiencing symptomatic low blood pressure (hypotension) with the first dose. This condition should be corrected before starting Telmisartan therapy, or a lower initial dose should be considered.
• Bilateral Renal Artery Stenosis: Use with caution, as ARBs can potentially worsen kidney function in these patients.
• Electrolyte Monitoring: Regular blood tests are crucial to monitor potassium, sodium, and other electrolyte levels, especially when initiating treatment or changing doses.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Telsartan 80mg may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid or significantly limit alcohol intake while taking Telsartan 80mg, as it can dangerously enhance the blood pressure-lowering effect and increase drowsiness and dizziness.
• Dietary Potassium: Avoid potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, or excessive intake of potassium-rich foods unless specifically advised by your doctor, due to the risk of hyperkalemia.
• Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking. Significant interactions can occur with:
  • Aliskiren: Dangerously increased risk of severe hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment, especially in diabetes or kidney problems.
  • NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs – e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin): Can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of Telmisartan and increase the risk of kidney problems and hyperkalemia.
  • Potassium-Sparing Diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride, triamterene), Potassium Supplements, or Potassium-Containing Salt Substitutes: Greatly increased risk of severe hyperkalemia.
  • Lithium: May increase serum lithium levels and toxicity. Lithium levels must be closely monitored.
  • Digoxin: May increase digoxin levels.
  • Other Antihypertensives: Can lead to an additive blood pressure-lowering effect, increasing the risk of severe hypotension.
• Surgery: Inform your surgeon or anesthesiologist that you are taking Telsartan 80mg before any surgical procedures.

Prescriptions:

Telsartan 80mg is a prescription-only medication. It can only be obtained with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. In Nepal, it is manufactured by Quest Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd.

When prescribing Telsartan 80mg, your doctor will:

• Conduct a thorough assessment of your blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.
• Review your complete medical history, including any pre-existing conditions like kidney or liver problems, diabetes, or allergies.
• Consider all other medications you are currently taking to identify potential drug interactions.
• Determine the appropriate starting dose and may adjust it based on your blood pressure response and tolerance.
• Provide clear instructions on how to take the medication, including any dietary considerations.
• Schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your blood pressure, kidney function, and electrolyte levels (especially potassium), as these are crucial for safe and effective treatment.

It is essential for you as a patient to:

• Take the medication exactly as prescribed. Do not alter the dose or stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor.
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and blood tests.
• Report any new or worsening symptoms or side effects to your doctor promptly.
• Adhere to any lifestyle modifications (e.g., a low-sodium diet, regular exercise, weight management, smoking cessation) advised by your doctor, as these are integral to managing high blood pressure and cardiovascular risk effectively.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice regarding Telsartan 80mg or any other medication.