What is Amlodipine-telmisartan?
Amlodipine-Telmisartan is a fixed-dose combination medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chronic kidney disease. It combines the calcium channel blocker amlodipine with the angiotensin II receptor antagonist telmisartan. Amlodipine helps to relax blood vessels, while telmisartan blocks the action of certain hormones that constrict blood vessels, ultimately leading to lower blood pressure. This combination therapy can be effective in reducing blood pressure and slowing the progression of kidney disease in patients with hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
What is Amlodipine-telmisartan used for?
Amlodipine-telmisartan, also known as the combination of Twynsta or Teczem in some countries, is a fixed-dose antihypertensive medication. This prescription-only medicine combines two distinct active pharmaceutical ingredients: Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, and Telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (ARB). As a dual therapy, amlodipine-telmisartan offers a synergistic effect in treating hypertension.
Pharmacological Background
Amlodipine belongs to the dihydropyridine class of calcium channel blockers. It acts by inhibiting the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscles during membrane depolarization, resulting in vasodilation. Amlodipine lowers blood pressure through its direct action on the cardiovascular system. On the other hand, Telmisartan, an ARB, works through a different mechanism to block the angiotensin II receptor type 1, thereby inhibiting the vasoconstrictive effects of angiotensin II and resulting in vasodilation.
Clinical Indications
Amlodipine-telmisartan is specifically designed for the treatment of hypertension. It is prescribed for adults with essential or secondary hypertension to achieve a target blood pressure as per clinical guidelines. The medication has been shown to provide effective and sustained reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressures without significant effects on serum potassium levels, heart rate, or lipid profiles.
Contraindications and Precautions
As with any pharmacotherapy, caution should be exercised when using amlodipine-telmisartan. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to either active ingredient, severe liver impairment, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding without medical advice. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all current medications and underlying conditions before starting treatment.
Amlodipine-telmisartan side effects
- Edema
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds (sign of bleeding in the digestive tract)
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Joint pain (rheumatoid arthritis-like symptoms)
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, etc.)
- Tingling sensation (tingles)
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Rapid heart rate
- Pale skin
- Confusion
- Shakiness
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Decreased blood pressure upon standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension)
Disclaimer
The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information provided here is based on general research and may not apply to individual circumstances. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any content on this website. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or health routine.