About Telmisartan + Amlodipine 40 mg/5 mg Tablet
Telmisartan + Amlodipine 40 mg/5 mg Tablet contains Telmisartan 40 mg + Amlodipine 5 mg. This combination of two blood pressure medicines is used to treat high blood pressure when one medicine alone is not enough. Telmisartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It is taken once a day, with or without food. It must not be taken during pregnancy.
Uses of Telmisartan + Amlodipine 40 mg/5 mg Tablet
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
Benefits
In high blood pressure
Two medicines that work in different ways lower blood pressure more than either alone. This reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage. Keep taking it even if you feel well.
Side effects
Dizziness is most common when you start or when the dose is increased. Get up slowly from sitting or lying down.
Common
- Dizziness
- Swelling of the ankles or feet
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Flushing
Get medical help if you notice
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
- Fainting or severe dizziness — contact your doctor
- Muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat or tingling (possible high potassium) — contact your doctor
- Passing much less urine — contact your doctor
- Chest pain that is new or worse — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, once a day at about the same time. Swallow the tablet whole with water; it can be taken with or without food.
How it works
Telmisartan blocks the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels. Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels by blocking calcium entry into their muscle cells. Together they widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can add to the blood-pressure-lowering effect and make you dizzy. Limit alcohol.
Pregnancy Unsafe
Do not take it if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. Telmisartan can harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It is not recommended while breastfeeding. Ask your doctor for a suitable option.
Driving Caution
It can cause dizziness or tiredness. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
Your doctor may check kidney function and potassium levels, especially if you have kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Use with caution in mild to moderate liver disease. It must not be used in severe liver disease or if bile flow is blocked.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember the same day. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Do not use it if you are pregnant; use reliable contraception if you could become pregnant.
- Get up slowly from sitting or lying to avoid dizziness.
- Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements unless your doctor says so.
- Keep taking it even if you feel well, and check your blood pressure regularly.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Benzimidazole derivative (telmisartan); dihydropyridine (amlodipine)
- Therapeutic class
- Cardiovascular / antihypertensive
- Action class
- Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) + calcium channel blocker
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Potassium supplements, salt substitutes and potassium-sparing water tablets (such as spironolactone) | Can raise potassium to harmful levels |
| Lithium | Lithium levels may rise, causing side effects |
| NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen | Can reduce the blood pressure effect and harm the kidneys |
| Aliskiren or ACE inhibitors | Higher risk of low blood pressure, high potassium and kidney problems |
| Simvastatin and medicines such as clarithromycin or itraconazole | Levels of simvastatin or amlodipine may rise |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Telmisartan and amlodipine prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); EMC SmPC: telmisartan/amlodipine). Pharmacist review pending.