Do you also take Telmisartan for blood pressure? Let's find out exactly about this medicine (Telmisartan Tablets)

Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Telmisartan for high blood pressure, or as we call it, 'pressure'? Or is someone in your family, like your parents, using this medicine? It is very important for your health to be fully informed about this medicine that is commonly prescribed by doctors in Sri Lanka to reduce high blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. So today, let's talk about everything about Telmisartan in a simple and friendly way.

What kind of medicine is Telmisartan?

Simply put, Telmisartan is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) . Although the name may sound a bit complicated, what it does is very simple. There is a chemical in our body that causes the blood vessels, that is, the place where blood flows, to constrict. What this drug does is stop that chemical from working. Then, what happens is that our blood vessels relax a little. When that happens, blood pressure, that is, pressure, decreases.

This is mainly used for:

• Control high blood pressure.
• Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before starting Telmisartan, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor, especially if you have any of the conditions below.

• Are you on a low-salt diet?
• Do you have kidney disease or liver disease ?
• Are you told that your sodium levels are low ?
• Are you allergic to this Telmisartan medication or any other medication, food, or dyes?
• Most important: Are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant?
• Are you a breastfeeding mother?

How exactly do I use this medicine?

This is a pill that you take by mouth. It is very important to take it at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor has prescribed. This will help maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.

• You can take it before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it's best to take it with food.
• Continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop. Even if your blood pressure is normal, do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.

What if I take too much medicine by mistake?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, 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. Never take two doses at the same time, including the one you missed.

Other medications that may interact with Telmisartan

Some medications can interact with Telmisartan. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including those prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements).

Telmisartan may interact with these medications in particular:

• Other blood pressure medications or medications for heart disease
• Diuretics, also known as water pills
• Lithium (a medication for mental illness)
• NSAIDs (such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Diclofenac)

Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine

• Dizziness and lightheadedness: When you first start taking this medicine, you may feel a little dizzy. So, until you get used to this medicine, you should avoid doing dangerous activities like driving or operating machinery. Especially if you are an elderly person, do not get up suddenly from a sitting position. Get up slowly from a sitting position and get out of bed slowly. This will help you avoid fainting and falling.
• Pregnancy: This is very important . If you are planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. This medicine can cause serious harm to your baby, especially during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
• Salt: Unless your doctor advises you to, do not use store-bought "salt substitutes." They may contain potassium.
• Other illnesses: Do not take cough, cold, or pain medication on your own without consulting your doctor. Some of these medications can increase your blood pressure.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, Telmisartan can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.

Telmisartan, high blood pressure, pressure medication, ARB, side effects, heart attack