Telmisartan+amlodipine
About
Telmisartan+amlodipine belongs to the class of anti-hypertensive drugs, primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension is a medical condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently in the arteries. It is considered an essential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Telmisartan+amlodipine lowers the blood pressure by widening and relaxing blood vessels.
Telmisartan+amlodipine is a fixed-dose combination composed of two medicines, namely, Telmisartan and Amlodipine. Telmisartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. It is used to lower the chances of stroke, heart attack, and death. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that dilates (widens) blood vessels and increases blood flow. Altogether, it helps to lower high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease.
Telmisartan+amlodipine is available in the form of oral tablets. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. You can take Telmisartan+amlodipine with or without food once a time in a day, as prescribed by the doctor. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Your doctor will decide the dosage based on your medical condition. In some cases, Telmisartan+amlodipine can cause side effects primarily peripheral oedema (swelling in legs and arms), a common cold, backache, diarrhoea, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, rashes, and weakness. Most of these side effects of Telmisartan+amlodipine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Telmisartan+amlodipine or any other medicines, please inform your doctor. Before taking Telmisartan+amlodipine, let your doctor know if you have hypersensitivity like anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction which includes rashes, low pulse, and shock) or angioedema (swelling under the skin mostly swelling occurs in the face, tongue, abdomen, legs and arms). Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discontinue this Telmisartan+amlodipine because it can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. Please do not stop taking Telmisartan+amlodipine on your own, as it may lead to the recurrence of symptoms or worsen the condition. Do not consume alcohol with Telmisartan+amlodipine as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Avoid potassium supplements with Telmisartan+amlodipine as it may lead to high potassium levels in the blood.
Uses of Telmisartan+amlodipine
Medicinal Benefits
Telmisartan+amlodipine is an anti-hypertensive drug that treats high blood pressure (hypertension). Telmisartan+amlodipine lowers blood pressure by widening and relaxing blood vessels. Telmisartan+amlodipine consists of two medicines, namely: Telmisartan and Amlodipine. Telmisartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. It lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. It reduces the chances of stroke, heart attack, and death. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that dilates (widens) blood vessels and increases blood flow. Altogether, it helps to lower high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Telmisartan+amlodipine
- Peripheral oedema (swelling in legs and arms)
- Common cold
- Backache
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Rashes
- Weakness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Monitor your blood pressure levels regularly. If you are known to be allergic to Telmisartan+amlodipine or have any kidney or liver problems or severe dehydration, please inform your doctor beforehand. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. It is advised to complete the prescribed course, even if you feel better. Complete the course strictly as suggested by the doctor, even if you feel better, to avoid disease recurrence. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Telmisartan+amlodipine as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Avoid potassium supplements with Telmisartan+amlodipine as they may lead to high potassium levels in the blood.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Telmisartan+amlodipine may interact with other blood pressure treating medicines (ramipril, aliskiren, simvastatin), pain killers (ibuprofen, naproxen), a drug used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms (digoxin), bipolar disorder medication (lithium), and immunosuppressants (cyclosporine or tacrolimus).
Drug-Food Interactions: Minimize high potassium foods intake and avoid over-the-counter potassium supplements, grapefruit, or juice.
Drug-Disease Interactions: People with diabetes, hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood), low blood pressure, and kidney and liver problems should consult the doctor before taking Telmisartan+amlodipine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is unsafe to consume alcohol since alcohol consumption with Telmisartan+amlodipine may increase the risk of low blood pressure and cause adverse effects such as dizziness, fainting, light-headedness, or headache.
Pregnancy
unsafePregnant women should discontinue this Telmisartan+amlodipine because it can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. So, Telmisartan+amlodipine is not safe in pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is no evidence on how Telmisartan+amlodipine affects breastfeeding. So, inform your doctor if you are a nursing mother. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Telmisartan+amlodipine.
Driving
cautionTelmisartan+amlodipine may cause side effects like dizziness, headaches, and nausea, which can affect your ability to concentrate and drive. Hence, it is recommended not to drive until you are mentally alert.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Telmisartan+amlodipine if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending on your current liver conditions.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Telmisartan+amlodipine if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending on your current kidney conditions.
Children
unsafeTelmisartan+amlodipine is not recommended to use in children. Please consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Create a well-balanced and healthy diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, omega-3-rich foods, and lean protein sources.
- Keep your weight under control with a BMI of 19.5-24.9.
- Avoid chronic stress, as it can raise your blood pressure.
- Spend time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
- Be mindful of salt; consume no more than 2,300 mg each day.
- Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
- Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
Special Advise
- Keep a check on your daily blood pressure, and if you notice any fluctuations, please consult a doctor. A low salt/sodium diet and regular exercise are recommended along with Telmisartan+amlodipine for effective results.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: The blood exerts increased pressure on the walls of blood vessels leading to hypertension. High blood pressure is expressed as systolic/diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats or pumps out blood. Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries between the heartbeats. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) by a blood pressure monitor called a sphygmomanometer. Some of the symptoms are headache, dizziness, nosebleeds, altered vision, chest pain, weakness, and shortness of breath. However, most of the time, the signs and symptoms of hypertension are none.
FAQs
Telmisartan+amlodipine is a combination of two medicines: Telmisartan and Amlodipine. Telmisartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), and Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB). They work by relaxing the blood vessels and making the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. Together, they lower blood pressure effectively.
No, because your blood pressure rapidly increases when you suddenly stop this Telmisartan+amlodipine. This can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Pregnant women should discontinue this Telmisartan+amlodipine because it can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. So, Telmisartan+amlodipine is not safe in pregnancy.
There is no evidence on how Telmisartan+amlodipine affects breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before taking Telmisartan+amlodipine if you are breastfeeding.
Do not stop using Telmisartan+amlodipine even if you feel better. It should be strictly used as advised by your doctor to avoid the recurrence of symptoms and worsening of the disease.
No, Telmisartan+amlodipine can cause high levels of potassium in the blood leading to hyperkalemia. Hence it is not recommended to use potassium supplements along with Telmisartan+amlodipine. However, consult your doctor if you are already taking other medicines before starting Telmisartan+amlodipine.
Yes, the Telmisartan+amlodipine can make you feel dizzy. Dizziness usually occurs when you suddenly stand up from a lying or sitting position. Try rising slowly when you change your posture to relieve dizziness. If the side effect persists longer, please seek medical help.
Telmisartan+amlodipine is generally safe to take for a long time. Remember to follow your doctor's advice/instructions.
