by Introduction to Telmisartan
Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that is commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow and raises blood pressure. By blocking this hormone’s effects, telmisartan helps relax blood vessels so blood can flow more freely.
How Does Telmisartan Work?
Telmisartan works through a process called the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). RAAS helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. When blood pressure drops, the kidneys release renin which triggers the production of angiotensin I and later angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict and narrow. It also stimulates the release of another hormone called aldosterone from the adrenal glands. Aldosterone helps the body retain sodium and water.
Telmisartan blocks the binding of angiotensin II to its receptors located mainly in the blood vessels, heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands. By blocking this binding and receptor activation, telmisartan prevents angiotensin II from exerting its effects which include vasoconstriction and sodium retention. This allows blood vessels to relax and dilate improving blood flow. The result is lower blood pressure and reduced cardiac afterload or workload on the heart.
Benefits of Telmisartan
In addition to effectively lowering blood pressure, telmisartan offers several other important benefits:
Reduces Risk of Stroke – Studies have shown telmisartan lowers the risk of stroke when used to treat high blood pressure. One study found a 14% reduction in first-time stroke compared to placebo.
Lowers Cardiovascular Risk – Telmisartan reduces the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack, heart failure, and coronary revascularization procedures. One long-term outcome study found a 15% reduction in cardiovascular events compared to ramipril, another common hypertension treatment.
Renal Protection – For people with diabetes and high urinary albumin levels, telmisartan helps preserve kidney function more than amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker. It reduces proteinuria which is a hallmark of progressive kidney damage. Telmisartan’s protective effects on the kidneys likely stem from blocking angiotensin II and its damaging effects in the kidneys.
Improves Endothelial Function – Studies show telmisartan improves endothelial function or the ability of blood vessels to dilate properly. Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker for cardiovascular disease. By helping preserve healthy endothelial function, telmisartan may provide long-term benefits on reducing heart attack and stroke risk.
Common Dosages and Side Effects
Telmisartan is available in tablets of 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg strengths. The usual starting dose for high blood pressure is 40-80 mg once daily, taken with or without food. Based on a patient’s blood pressure response, their doctor may adjust the dosage up to a maximum of 160 mg daily.
Telmisartan is generally well tolerated but some potential side effects may include dizziness, upper respiratory infections, headaches, back pain, and diarrhea. Serious side effects are rare. Telmisartan should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause injury or death to a developing fetus. People who have a history of angioedema or are allergic to telmisartan should not take it. Overall, telmisartan is considered safe for long-term use in managing high blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular events according to current medical evidence and guidelines.
Telmisartan is an effective ARB medication prescribed worldwide to treat hypertension and protect against cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Beyond lowering blood pressure, it offers renal and endothelial protective effects. When used as directed under a doctor’s care, telmisartan presents a well-tolerated treatment option for managing high blood pressure and reducing long-term heart disease risks. More research continues to uncover new benefits of blocking the RAAS system with medications like telmisartan.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
