Telmisartan 20 mg is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It belongs to a class of medicines called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), which help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Telmisartan 20mg contains telmisartan as its active ingredient. It is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to manage high blood pressure.
The medicine works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a substance that causes blood vessels to narrow. This helps blood vessels relax and allows blood to flow more easily, supporting blood pressure control.
Telmisartan 20mg may be prescribed to:
Treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Help maintain blood pressure control as part of a prescribed treatment plan.
Lowering high blood pressure helps reduce the risk of complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension. The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional according to the patient's medical history and treatment needs.
Telmisartan blocks angiotensin II from binding to AT1 receptors in blood vessels and other tissues. Angiotensin II normally causes blood vessels to narrow and contributes to blood pressure regulation.
By blocking this action, telmisartan helps blood vessels relax and reduces blood pressure. Its effect develops over time, and regular treatment may be necessary to maintain blood pressure control.
Take Telmisartan exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Frequency: Follow the prescribed dose and frequency. The appropriate dose depends on the condition being treated and individual clinical factors.
With or without food: Telmisartan can generally be taken with or without food.
Timing: Take the medicine at a consistent time each day, as directed by your healthcare professional.
Administration: Swallow the tablet with water and follow the instructions provided with your specific product.
Missed dose: Follow the missed-dose instructions in the patient information leaflet. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Stopping treatment: Do not stop taking telmisartan or change the prescribed dose without consulting your healthcare professional, even if your blood pressure improves.
Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure, kidney function and potassium levels during treatment.
Before taking Telmisartan 20mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history and all medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal products you use.
Use this medicine with particular caution if you have:
Kidney problems: Telmisartan may affect kidney function, particularly in people with existing kidney disease or conditions that reduce blood flow to the kidneys.
Liver disease: Liver impairment may affect how the medicine is handled by the body.
Low blood pressure or dehydration: Fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhoea or inadequate fluid intake may increase the risk of dizziness or low blood pressure.
High potassium levels: Telmisartan may increase potassium levels in the blood.
Heart conditions: Certain conditions, including some forms of heart failure or narrowing of the heart valves, may require additional medical supervision.
Diabetes: Particular care is needed when telmisartan is used with certain medicines that affect the renin-angiotensin system.
Important medicine interactions may occur with:
Other blood pressure medicines, particularly ACE inhibitors, other ARBs or aliskiren.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, which may affect kidney function and blood pressure control.
Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes and medicines that increase potassium levels.
Lithium, as telmisartan may increase lithium concentrations.
Certain diuretics and other medicines that affect kidney function or fluid balance.
Combining telmisartan with aliskiren is not recommended in certain patients and must be avoided in people with diabetes. Other combinations may require additional monitoring.
Check possible interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting telmisartan or adding another medicine to your treatment.
Pregnancy: Telmisartan can cause serious harm to an unborn baby, particularly during the second and third trimesters. It should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking telmisartan, contact your healthcare professional immediately to discuss stopping the medicine and arranging appropriate alternative treatment.
Breastfeeding: Information and recommendations may vary according to the product information and individual circumstances. Telmisartan is generally not recommended during breastfeeding because of potential risks to the infant and limited information on its use. Consult your doctor about suitable alternatives before taking this medicine while breastfeeding.
Like all medicines, Telmisartan can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Reported side effects may include:
Diarrhoea.
Back pain.
Sinusitis or other upper respiratory tract symptoms.
Dizziness or light-headedness, particularly if blood pressure becomes too low.
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing; fainting or severe dizziness; a significant reduction in urine output; or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Store Telmisartan 20mg according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging.
Keep the tablets in their original packaging where required to protect them from moisture.
Protect the medicine from excessive heat and moisture according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Keep it out of reach of children.
Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
Refer to the product leaflet for any additional storage requirements specific to your medicine.
Telmisartan 20mg is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It helps relax blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow and reducing blood pressure.
Blood pressure may begin to decrease after treatment starts, but the response varies between individuals. The full effect may take several weeks to develop, and your doctor may monitor your blood pressure to assess treatment response.
Yes, telmisartan can generally be taken with or without food. Follow the instructions supplied with your specific product and take it as prescribed.
Take telmisartan at the time recommended by your healthcare professional, preferably at a consistent time each day. Follow your prescription rather than changing the timing or dose yourself.
An approved generic medicine contains the same active ingredient and strength as its corresponding reference medicine and must meet the applicable quality requirements. Inactive ingredients, packaging and product information may differ, so check the product details if you are unsure.
Do not stop taking telmisartan without medical advice. Blood pressure may improve because the medicine is working, and your healthcare professional should determine whether any treatment changes are appropriate.
It may be prescribed with certain other blood pressure medicines when clinically appropriate. However, some combinations can increase the risk of low blood pressure, kidney problems or abnormal potassium levels. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining treatments.
