Telmisartan is used on its own or together with other medicines to help keep your blood pressure under control.
This medicine is also used to prevent and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in adults who have a high risk of getting them.
Take Telmisartan exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Telmisartan must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise by the doctor, as stopping it suddenly may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- blocked bile duct (a tube-like channel which carries bile from the liver through the upper portion of the small bowel)
- severe liver disease
as Telmisartan may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Telmisartan may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.
Do not take Telmisartan with aliskiren (medicine to treat high blood pressure) especially if you have diabetes and severe kidney disease.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease such as narrowing of the valves of the heart
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (abnormally thick heart muscle)
- diabetes
- liver disease
- low blood pressure
- kidney disease or undergoing dialysis treatment
- abnormal levels of a hormone known as aldosterone in the blood
- imbalance of minerals in the body
Let you doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to an elderly.
If you are of Black race, Telmisartan may be less effective. Inform your doctor if you are taking this medicine.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery or dental work, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly. Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. He may also need to do routine blood tests while you are being treated with Telmisartan.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity (e.g. walking) at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to kick your smoking habit.
Try to keep stress levels under control as stress will cause your blood pressure to go up.
Telmisartan may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
You may also feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking this medicine for the very first time. This is common and should improve gradually as you get used to Telmisartan. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position. If you are taking this medicine for the first time, take the first dose of Telmisartan at bedtime to minimise dizziness.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, blocked or runny nose, sore throat, cough, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, back pain, bladder infection and difficulty sleeping.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of hands, legs, face, or mouth; tight or swollen throat
- tiredness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting
- muscle weakness, cramping or numbness, fast or irregular heartbeat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Telmisartan with aliskiren (medicine to treat high blood pressure) especially if you have diabetes and severe kidney disease.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. captopril, lisinopril, digoxin
- lithium (medicine for mood disorder)
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. aspirin, diclofenac, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen
- diuretics or “water pills” e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
- medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. ciclosporin, tacrolimus
- potassium supplements
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Telmisartan.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Speak to your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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