Telmisartan brands and prices in Pakistan

About Telmisartan

Telmisartan is a blood pressure medicine from the group called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It blocks a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels, so the vessels relax and widen and blood pressure falls. It is a prescription medicine, and most people take it long term, so regular blood pressure checks and sometimes blood tests are part of treatment.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you have ever had an allergy to telmisartan or any ingredient in the tablet.
• Do not take it in the later stages of pregnancy. It can seriously harm the baby. It is also not recommended in early pregnancy. Tell your doctor straight away if you are or might be pregnant, and they will usually switch you to another medicine.
• Breastfeeding: not recommended. Your doctor may choose another medicine, especially for a newborn or premature baby.
• Do not take it if you have severe liver disease or a blockage of the bile ducts.
• Do not take it with a blood pressure medicine containing aliskiren if you have diabetes or kidney problems.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a kidney transplant, narrowed arteries to the kidneys, heart problems, high blood potassium, low blood pressure or dehydration, high aldosterone, or diabetes.
• Heavy sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea or not drinking enough can lower blood pressure too far. Tell your doctor if this happens.
• Tell your doctor or dentist you take it before any surgery or anaesthetic.
• Some tablets contain lactose, so tell your doctor if you have been told you cannot tolerate some sugars.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• Lithium: levels can rise and become harmful
• Potassium supplements, potassium-based salt substitutes and potassium-sparing water tablets (diuretics)
• Other blood pressure medicines of the ACE inhibitor or ARB type, and aliskiren
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, which can reduce its effect and harm the kidneys
• Steroid medicines (corticosteroids), which can reduce its effect
• Water tablets (diuretics), which can drop blood pressure too far
• Digoxin
• Heparin, ciclosporin, tacrolimus and trimethoprim, which can raise potassium
• Diabetes medicines including insulin: blood sugar can drop, so it may need closer checking
• Baclofen and amifostine, which add to the blood pressure lowering
• Alcohol, barbiturates, strong painkillers and antidepressants can make dizziness on standing worse
• Aspirin (MedlinePlus lists it among medicines to mention)

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it only as your doctor prescribed. Do not stop it just because you feel well. High blood pressure often causes no symptoms.
• Keep your doctor appointments and have your blood pressure checked regularly. Blood tests for kidneys and potassium may be needed.
• Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium unless your doctor agrees, and follow any low-salt advice you were given.
• Stand up slowly to lessen dizziness.
• Wait until you know how it affects you before driving or using machines, as it can cause fainting or vertigo.
• Check with a pharmacist before buying any painkiller, cold remedy or supplement.
• Keep tablets in the original packaging, away from heat, damp and light, and out of reach of children. Ask a pharmacist how to dispose of unused tablets.

Common questions

Can I drink alcohol with telmisartan?
Alcohol can add to the blood pressure-lowering effect and make you dizzy when you stand up. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what is safe for you.

What should I do if I become pregnant?
Tell your doctor straight away. Telmisartan can seriously harm an unborn baby, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Your doctor will usually change your medicine. Do not stop it on your own without advice.

Why do I need blood tests?
Telmisartan can affect the kidneys and raise the level of potassium in the blood, so doctors may check these during treatment.

Can I take painkillers like ibuprofen?
NSAID painkillers can reduce telmisartan's effect and may harm the kidneys. Ask your pharmacist for a safer choice for you.

Will it work as well for everyone?
Leaflets say it may be less effective at lowering blood pressure in Black patients. Your doctor will check your readings and may add or change medicines.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.