Telmisartan

Telmisartan (INN) /tɛlmɪˈsɑːrtən/ is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (angiotensin receptor blocker, ARB) used in the management of hypertension. It was discovered by Boehringer Ingelheim and launched in 1999 as Micardis.

Indication

Telmisartan is indicated in the treatment of essential hypertension.

Administration

The usually effective dose telmisartan is 40–80 mg once daily. Some patients may already benefit at a daily dose of 20 mg. In cases where the target blood pressure is not achieved, telmisartan dose can be increased to a maximum of 80 mg once daily.

Contraindications

Telmisartan is contraindicated during pregnancy. Like other drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), telmisartan can cause birth defects, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths. It is not known whether the drug passes into the breast milk. Also it is contraindicated in bilateral renal artery stenosis in which it can cause renal failure.

Side effects

Side effects are similar to other angiotensin II receptor antagonists and include tachycardia and bradycardia (fast or slow heartbeat), hypotension (low blood pressure), edema (swelling of arms, legs, lips, tongue, or throat, the latter leading to breathing problems), and allergic reactions.