Telma H (Telmisartan Hydrochlorothiazide)
What is Telmisartan?
Telmisartan is a medicine mainly used for the treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure. This medicine is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that prevents the blood vessels from narrowing which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. It is prescribed sometimes in combination with other blood pressure medicines. Telmisartan is also prescribed to lower the risk of stroke and heart attack, or death from heart disease in people who are at least 55 years and with high risk factors for serious heart troubles. Telmisartan is sold under various trade names, a couple of which are Micardis and Telma (made by Glenmark). This medicine may also be prescribed for conditions other than those listed here.
Important Information about Telmisartan
Do not take Telmisartan (Micardis, Telma) if you have a known allergy to Telmisartan. To make sure that this medicine is safe for you, inform your doctor in advance if you have any of these conditions: congestive heart failure, kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis), liver disease, or if you are dehydrated. In rare cases, Telmisartan can lead to a condition which results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, causing in kidney failure. Seek medical attention right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual fatigue, and dark colored urine. Telmisartan is a pregnancy category D drug. Do not take if you are a pregnant woman. If you become pregnant during the treatment with this medicine, stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. Telmisartan can cause injury or death of an unborn baby if pregnant women take it in second or third trimester. Use of an effective birth control is recommended while
taking this medicine. It is not known whether Telmisartan can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medicine without your doctor’s advice if you are breast feeding. Telmisartan may increase your potassium levels. Hence, avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine.
Before taking Telmisartan
Before taking Telmisartan (Micardis, Telma), take care of all precautions mentioned above. Discuss them with your doctor and clear all doubts which you may have about this drug.
How should I take Telmisartan?
Take Telmisartan strictly according to your doctor’s direction or according to the instructions on the medication label. Do not alter the dosage unless your doctor advises you to do so. Also, do not take this medication after the prescribed period is over. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer the instructions in them for detailed information on that particular medication. Telmisartan can be taken with or without food. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place. It may take up to 4 weeks of regular intake (as directed) for Telmisartan to reign in your blood pressure. You may have to take this medicine for many years, even if you look fine. High blood pressure doesn’t have any outwardly signs. Always store this medicine in a cool and dry place. While taking Telmisartan, watch out for vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating. These can lead to severe dehydration which can further lower your blood pressure. Low blood pressure can be a dangerous and fa
tal condition. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these conditions while taking this medicine.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Telmisartan, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is almost up. Taking multiple doses near to each other can lead to excess medication in your body which can be harmful.
What if I overdose?
In case of an overdose of Telmisartan, get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immedaitely.
Things and Activities to avoid while taking Telmisartan
Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Telmisartan. This medicine can cause dizziness. To limit dizziness, do not get up from a lying or sitting position suddenly. Telmisartan may increase your potassium levels. Hence, avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium while taking this medicine.
Common side effects
Abdominal bloating, Cough, Decreased blood pressure, Facial swelling, Hypersensitivity reaction, Itching, Muscle cramp, Pain in muscles, VomitingTelmisartan Dosing Information
Telmisartan dosage may depend on a range of factors like age, s**, drug allergies, or seriousness of the condition among several other factors. Your dosage will be determined by your doctor after examining you properly. Remember to follow your doctor’s advice properly for best results.
Interaction with other drugs
Many other drugs can interact with Telmisartan. Let your doctor know in advance if you use any other drugs or related products (OTC vitamin pills or other medicines, or herbal products), especially the following ones: other medicines that lower blood pressure, digoxin, aspirin or NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, or others), heart disease medication, a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, salt substitutes that contain potassium, or a diuretic. These are not the only drugs that can interact with Telmisartan. There may be others. Never start a new medication without proper medical advice.
Expert advice for Telma
• Get your blood pressure, potassium, and kidney function checked 1 week after starting the medicine, then routinely after.
• Consult your doctor about any dizziness or muscle weakness that doesn’t go away.
• Get immediate medical help if you notice any swelling, especially around your head and neck.
• Do not start or continue telmisartan tablets and consult your doctor if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to telmisartan or to any other ingredients of the drug.
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