Overview and context
Sartel is a trade name for telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker used chiefly to control high blood pressure. By blocking angiotensin II receptors, telmisartan helps blood vessels relax and reduces the strain on the heart and kidneys.
In the UK this active ingredient is available as generic telmisartan and under brands such as Micardis. Common tablet strengths include 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg; this guide mainly refers to the 40 mg dosage but much of the information is applicable across strengths. For typical tokens see If It Is Put To Use.
In Use
Telmisartan is prescribed for several cardiovascular reasons. Common medical applications include:
- Long term management of hypertension to lower the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
- Reducing cardiovascular risk in selected patients as part of an overall treatment plan.
- An option for patients who develop a persistent cough from ACE inhibitors and need an an alternative path.
If you are uncertain whether Sartel is appropriate for you, discuss it with your prescriber or pharmacist and verify who should avoid Sartel and precautionary actions and tracking and monitoring of performance.
Method of Dosing and Medication Delivery
Dosing is individual and should be set by a clinician. Do not alter your dose unless a doctor approves.
- Common initial doses for adults are 20 mg or 40 mg once daily. Many patients remain on 40 mg each day.
- If needed, the dose can be increased to 80 mg daily under medical supervision.
- Swallow tablets with water at the same time each day. Food does not usually have a major effect on absorption.
- For older people or those with kidney or liver problems, doctors often start on a lower dose and monitor response carefully.
Make sure you attend scheduled tests for blood pressure, kidney function and potassium. For simple advice about i missed the medication doses see Missed a dose? Here is what to do.
Should you miss a dose
If you forget a tablet, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is due soon. If the next dose is near, skip the dose was missed and continue as usual. Do not double up to catch up on a missed tablet.
Overdose incident and What to Do
Symptoms after taking too much telmisartan may include marked low blood pressure, lightheadedness and fainting. If you suspect an the person overdosed seek urgent medical care or contact NHS 111. Take the medicine packaging with you so healthcare staff can verify what was taken.
Protective Measures and Tracking
Prior to the process starting and during treatment clinicians usually monitor kidney function and electrolytes. The following points are commonly considered:
- Kidney or hepatic impairment: doses may need adjusting and closer follow up may be required.
- Dehydration or aggressive diuretic use: these increase the chance of symptomatic low blood pressure.
- Patients with diabetes or those taking combined renin-angiotensin system drugs: specialist advice is often needed, and aliskiren combinations should be avoided in some patients.
- Potassium level keeping track of metrics: telmisartan can raise potassium. Avoid high dose potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes unless advised by a clinician.
- Driving and machinery: some people feel dizzy, particularly when starting treatment or after dose increases; check your tolerance before driving.
Expecting mothers and breastfeeding mothers issues are covered in Who should stay away from Sartel.
Who should keep Sartel at a distance
- Pregnant women: ARBs are contraindicated in the second and third trimesters and are generally avoided in pregnancy; contact your prescriber if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding: telmisartan is typically not recommended during breastfeeding because small amounts may pass into breast milk.
- Allergy: do not use telmisartan if you are allergic to it or any ingredient in the tablet.
- The child cohort: routine paediatric use is uncommon and should be under specialist care only.
Potential treatment incidental outcomes
Most people tolerate telmisartan well. Should long term effects appear, they are typically mild and transient. Contact a clinician if you experience severe reactions.
- Lightheadedness or a dizzy sensation, especially when standing up quickly.
- Flu like symptoms such as tiredness and muscle aches.
- Severe nasal congestion, sinus discomfort or disabling headache.
- Musculoskeletal complaints including back pain.
If you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, breathing difficulties, fainting or severe dizziness seek emergency medical help immediately.
Drug Interaction Alerts and Warning alerts
Always tell your prescriber about all medicines, including over the counter products and herbal remedies. Key dialogues include:
- ACE inhibitors and aliskiren: combining these increases the risk of kidney problems, low blood pressure and high potassium.
- Diuretics: may enhance blood pressure lowering and increase the chance of low blood pressure if you are volume depleted.
- NSAIDs: can reduce the blood pressure effect and increase kidney strain, particularly in older or dehydrated people.
- Potassium sparing diuretics and potassium supplements: these can raise potassium to dangerous levels when combined with telmisartan.
- Lithium: telmisartan can raise lithium concentrations conjoined with the risk of lithium toxicity; careful keeping track of metrics or a new possibility therapy is often required.
Disk a storage locker can hold tools and supplies. and Disposal Coordination
- Keep the medicine in its original box to protect it from moisture and light.
- Store at normal room temperature and keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not use once the expiry date printed on the pack has passed.aging. Return unused medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Variants and UK Prices
If Sartel is not suitable there are several a different option classes and products. Choice depends on clinical factors and prescriber preference.
- Other ARBs: losartan, valsartan, candesartan, irbesartan and olmesartan offer similar blood pressure control but have differences in dosing and tolerability.
- ACE inhibitors: ramipril, lisinopril and enalapril are commonly used first line but can cause cough; ARBs are an the other possibility when ACE inhibitors are not tolerated.
- Combination tablets: examples include telmisartan with hydrochlorothiazide for patients who need two agents in one pill.
Indicative UK Prices (GBP)
Prices vary by supplier, pack size and whether you have an NHS prescription. These figures are approximate and should be checked locally.
- Generic telmisartan 40 mg, 28-30 tablets: typically around 3 to 12 pounds on a private prescription, depending on the pharmacy and dispensing fees.
- Branded telmisartan (eg Micardis) 40 mg: private prices often lie between 12 and 30 pounds per pack.
- NHS prescriptions: in England there is a standard charge per item (check current rates; it has been about 9.90 pounds recently). Prescriptions are generally free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for standard eligibility groups.
If cost is a concern ask your prescriber or pharmacist about generic options and reassess the situation online pharmacy listings or local chemists for up to date fixed pricing.
UK Law and Access Information
- Legal condition: telmisartan is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) in the UK. A valid UK prescription from a registered prescriber is required.
- Where to get it: collect from pharmacies registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council or use registered online pharmacies that clearly display their credentials.
- Do not share prescription medicines. Follow required surveillance of system activity such as blood pressure checks and laboratory tests for kidney function and potassium.
- Travel and importing: bringing prescription medicines into the UK or importing them without proper documentation may breach regulations. Carry medicines in original packaging and keep a copy of your prescription while travelling.
- The pregnant and lactating period: ARBs are not recommended in pregnancy; discuss safer the other option options with your clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
For practical details on dosing and system monitoring see How to Handle It and Safeguards and Checking.
Highlights: Quick Facts
- Telmisartan, the active ingredient.
- Main use: control of hypertension and reduction of some cardiovascular risks.
- Common strengths: 20 mg, 40 mg and 80 mg; 40 mg is a commonly used dose.
- Key safety cautions: avoid during pregnancy, use with care in breastfeeding, renal or hepatic impairment; monitor potassium and avoid certain drug combinations such as ACE inhibitors, aliskiren, NSAIDs and lithium.
This page provides general information and does not replace personalised advice from a healthcare professional. For specific recommendations contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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