High blood pressure, or as we all know it, "pressure," is a common health condition among many people in our country. Sometimes it is difficult to control the pressure with just one medication. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe a combination of two or more medications. Today, we are going to talk about one such commonly used combination drug, Telmisartan and Amlodipine.
Simply put, what kind of medicine is this?
I said this is a combination of two types of medication. Let's look at what those two types are and how they affect the body.
1. Telmisartan: This belongs to the class of drugs called ``Angiotensin II receptor blockers''. Simply put, a chemical called angiotensin II in our body causes our blood vessels (blood vessels) to constrict. Just like squeezing a water pipe makes the water flow faster, when the blood vessels constrict, the pressure of the blood flowing through them increases. This medicine called telmisartan stops that chemical from working. Then the blood vessels are free and relaxed, so the blood can move more easily. This reduces the pressure.
2. Amlodipine: This belongs to the group called ``Calcium channel blocker''. This also works by relaxing blood vessels, but in a different way. This medicine limits the entry of calcium into the walls of blood vessels and into the heart muscle. When calcium is reduced, muscle contractions also decrease. This causes the blood vessels to relax further, allowing the heart to pump blood more easily.
So when these two medications are combined, good results can often be achieved because they control blood pressure in both ways. This medication is also available in the market under the brand name Twynsta.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
It is important for your doctor to be fully aware of your health history before prescribing this medication. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially if you have any:
- Heart disease: If you have had a heart attack before, have heart failure, or have another heart condition.
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney disease.
- Liver disease: If you have any liver weakness or disease, because the liver plays an important role in removing this medicine from the body.
- Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies to these two medications (Telmisartan, Amlodipine), other medications, foods, or preservatives.
- Pregnancy: This is very important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or suspect you may be pregnant . This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Also inform the doctor if you are a breastfeeding mother.
How should I use the medicine?
- Correct dosage: Use the correct dosage as prescribed by your doctor. Never reduce, increase, or stop the dosage at any time.
- Regular time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. This will make it less likely that you will forget to take your medicine and will help maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, some people may experience stomach discomfort if taken with food.
- If you forget: If you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two pills at once (double dose) for any reason.
- Overdose: If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
The most important thing is that this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
It is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, vitamins, or herbal products (such as Ayurvedic medicines, decoctions) while taking this medicine. Some things can interact with this medicine and cause adverse effects.
| Substances that may cause problems | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Potassium supplements | This medicine can increase the body's potassium levels. Taking potassium from outside sources can increase those levels dangerously. |
| Salt substitutes | Many salt substitutes contain potassium chloride, so avoid these. |
| Some diuretics | Some diuretics, known as 'water pills', can affect potassium levels. |
| Other blood pressure medications | Taking it with other blood pressure medications may cause your blood pressure to drop too low. |
| Things like Rifampin, St. John's Wort | These can reduce the effectiveness of Telmisartan/Amlodipine. |
Possible side effects when taking the medicine
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are not serious, but some require immediate attention.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Dizziness/vertigo | Blue eyes, dizziness, and fainting (especially when getting up). |
| Chest pain | New or worsening chest pain. |
| Swelling | Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly. |
| Change in urination | Difficulty urinating or decreased urine output. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Cough | Some people may develop a dry cough. |
| Headache | It may occur early in the medication. |
| Stomach discomfort | Gas , bloating, nausea. |
| Tiredness/fatigue | A feeling of discomfort in the body. |
Other things to consider when taking the medicine
- Dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you. Get up slowly, especially if you are elderly, when getting out of bed or a chair.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can increase the dizziness caused by this medication and cause an unnecessary drop in blood pressure. Therefore, it is wise to avoid alcohol.
- Surgery: If you are going to have any surgery, be sure to inform the surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking this medication.
Take-Home Message
- Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time, and in the right dosage.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without medical advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including Ayurvedic) and any medical conditions you have.
- If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is imperative to inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe side effects such as swelling of the face, limbs, chest pain, or extreme dizziness.
- Measure your blood pressure at home and maintain regular contact with your doctor.
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