The U.S. FDA-approved Telmisartan for hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiovascular disease on November 17, 2000. Telmisartan is an antihypertensive agent that belongs to the medication class known as an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Angiotensin II is a naturally occurring substance that narrows your blood vessels, increasing blood pressure.

Telmisartan treats high blood pressure ( essential hypertension) in adults. It is specifically used for hypertension, not caused by any other underlying condition. It functions by inhibiting the effects of angiotensin II, causing the blood vessels to relax and decreasing blood pressure. Additionally, it is also used to reduce cardiovascular ( stroke, heart attack, or failure) conditions in adults. 

Take the Telmisartan tablet as your physician advises. Usually, it is taken once a day. Take medicine at the same time. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.

The most common side effects of Telmisartan are low blood pressure, back pain, sinusitis, and diarrhea. Serious side effects while taking Telmisartan are sepsis (blood poisoning) and angioedema (swelling in the deeper layers of the skin). 

Do not consume Telmisartan if you are allergic to Telmisartan and its other ingredients. Also, do not consume if you have severe liver (cholestasis or biliary obstruction) conditions, diabetes, or impaired kidney function, which was treated with pressure-lowering medicine with aliskiren. Telmisartan is not recommended during early pregnancy and should not be taken beyond the first three months as it may harm the unborn baby.

Inform your doctor if you are older or need any dose adjustments. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. This medicine should be only used for hypertension conditions in adolescents and children from 6 - 17 years of age. Do not consume grapefruit juice or grapefruit while taking this tablet. It is not suggested to use this medicine under the age of 6 years because it has yet to be studied. 

Liver and heart patients should take Telmisartan cautiously and inform their doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Do not stop the medicine until your doctor advises. Do not double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. 

Your medical professional will inform you if you need any dose adjustments. Contact your doctor for more information. Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice.  Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Do not freeze the medicine. Do not store above 25°C. Always check the expiry date before consuming it.

1. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Limite., Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [Revised on November 2019] [ Accessed on 30th May 2023],13 Product Information (medicines.org.uk)
2. Hetero labs limited, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on august 2025] [Accessed on 30th May 2023], 205901Orig1s000lbl.pdf (fda.gov) 

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.