Teltan 20 mg

• Helps lower persistently high blood pressure

• Provides blood pressure control throughout the day

• Reduces pressure on the heart and arterial walls

• Supports long-term heart, brain and kidney health

• Can be taken with or without food

• May be used alone or with another antihypertensive medicine

The body produces a natural substance called angiotensin II, which tightens blood vessels and encourages the body to retain salt and water. Both actions can increase blood pressure.

Telmisartan blocks angiotensin II from attaching to its AT1 receptors. This allows narrowed blood vessels to relax and widen, making it easier for blood to circulate. As resistance inside the arteries decreases, blood pressure falls and the heart does not need to work as hard to pump blood around the body.

Teltan 20 mg is taken once daily when a 20 mg telmisartan dose has been prescribed. The tablet should be swallowed with water at approximately the same time each day and may be taken with or without food.

For adult hypertension, telmisartan doses generally range from 20 mg to 80 mg once daily. The usually effective dose is 40 mg once daily, although some patients obtain adequate blood pressure control with 20 mg. The dose can be increased to a maximum of 80 mg once daily when additional control is required.

Most of the blood pressure-lowering effect develops within two weeks, while the full response is generally assessed after four to eight weeks. Do not take two Teltan 20 mg tablets to raise the dose unless the treatment plan has been changed by the prescriber.

Common Side Effects: Common side effects of Teltan 20 mg can include dizziness, light-headedness, diarrhoea, back pain, tiredness and cold or sinus symptoms. A greater-than-expected fall in blood pressure can cause weakness or faintness, particularly when beginning treatment, after dehydration or while taking a diuretic. These effects should be reported if they persist, become troublesome or interfere with normal activities.

Serious Side Effects: Serious reactions require prompt medical attention. Warning signs include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing; fainting; very low blood pressure; a major reduction in urination; unexplained swelling; severe muscle weakness; or an irregular heartbeat. These symptoms can indicate an allergic reaction, kidney dysfunction or excessively high potassium levels.

Teltan 20 mg is not suitable for everyone. It should be avoided by:

• People allergic to telmisartan

• Pregnant women

• Women planning a pregnancy

• People with severe liver impairment

• People with blocked bile ducts

• Diabetic patients taking aliskiren

• Patients with kidney impairment taking aliskiren

• Breastfeeding women unless an alternative has been assessed

• Children unless specifically prescribed by a specialist

Pregnancy exposure is particularly important because medicines that act on the renin–angiotensin system can seriously harm the developing baby.

Tell the healthcare provider about all medicines, supplements and salt substitutes being used.

Important interactions include:

• Aliskiren

• ACE inhibitors

• Other ARB medicines

• Potassium supplements

• Potassium-containing salt substitutes

• Potassium-sparing diuretics

• Lithium

• Digoxin

• NSAID painkillers

• Other blood pressure medicines

Combining telmisartan with medicines that increase potassium can cause hyperkalaemia, while NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac can reduce its blood pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney problems. Lithium and digoxin may require additional blood-level monitoring.

• Store Teltan 20 mg in its original packaging.

• Keep it in a cool and dry place.

• Protect the tablets from moisture and direct sunlight.

• Do not store above the temperature printed on the pack.

• Keep the tablets out of reach of children and pets.

• Do not use tablets that are damaged or discoloured.

• Do not use the medicine after its expiry date.