Telma 40: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also in: हिन्दी தமிழ் मराठी తెలుగు ಕನ್ನಡ বাংলা ગુજરાતી മലയാളം ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Also known as: Telma, Telma 40 mg, Telma 40 tablet, Telmisartan 40 mg
Telma 40 is a prescription tablet containing 40 mg of telmisartan, used to treat high blood pressure and, in some people with heart or blood vessel disease or diabetes, to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. It belongs to a group called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It is taken only on a doctor's prescription, is usually taken once a day for a long time, and must not be started or stopped without a doctor. It must not be taken during pregnancy.
- Active ingredient
- Telmisartan 40 mg
- Type of medicine
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Used for
- High blood pressure
- Starts working in
- Blood pressure begins to fall within hours of a dose; the full effect can take a few weeks
- Effect lasts
- About 24 hours, which is why it is taken once a day
- With or without food
- Can be taken with or without food; follow the label or your doctor's advice
- Alcohol
- Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and cause dizziness; ask your doctor
- Pregnancy
- No. It can seriously harm the developing baby; tell your doctor at once if you are or may be pregnant
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
What is Telma 40 used for?
Telma 40 is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to treat high blood pressure and in some people to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Treating high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults
- Lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke and other heart or blood vessel events in people who already have blocked arteries, or who have type 2 diabetes with damage to organs, when a doctor judges it suitable
How does Telma 40 work?
Your body makes a hormone called angiotensin II that narrows blood vessels and makes the body hold on to salt and water, which raises blood pressure. Telmisartan blocks the receptor that angiotensin II attaches to, so the vessels relax and widen and blood pressure falls. This also eases the work of the heart.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the tablet
The tablet dissolves in the gut and telmisartan is absorbed into the blood. It can be taken with or without food.
It travels in the blood
Telmisartan is carried around the body attached to blood proteins, and reaches the blood vessels, the kidneys and the heart.
It blocks the angiotensin II receptor
On the walls of blood vessels, telmisartan attaches to the receptor (called AT1) that angiotensin II would normally switch on, and stops the hormone from acting.
Vessels relax and widen
With the narrowing signal blocked, the blood vessels relax. The kidneys also hold on to less salt and water. Together, blood pressure falls.
The body clears it
Telmisartan is removed mainly through the bile into the stool. Its half-life is about 24 hours, so one dose a day keeps the effect going. Blood pressure can rise again if doses are missed or stopped.
How to take Telma 40
Take Telma 40 exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
- It is usually taken once a day, at about the same time each day.
- It can be taken with or without food. Follow the label or your doctor's advice.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
- High blood pressure usually gives no symptoms, so you may feel well. Do not stop taking it on your own; talk to your doctor first.
- Your doctor may ask for blood tests and blood pressure checks from time to time, especially to check potassium and kidney function.
Side effects of Telma 40
Most people take telmisartan without serious problems. Some side effects are common and mild, but a few need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Dizziness, especially when standing up quickly
- Back pain or muscle pain
- Sore throat, sinus or chest infections
- Diarrhoea or stomach pain
- Urinary tract infection
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing (a severe allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Fainting, or very low blood pressure with severe dizziness
- A high potassium level in the blood, which can cause weakness, tiredness or an irregular heartbeat
- Passing much less urine than usual, or sudden swelling of the legs and feet (possible kidney problems)
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe stomach pain (possible liver problems)
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Telma 40, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to telmisartan or any ingredient of the tablet
- Pregnancy (it can seriously harm the unborn baby)
- Severe liver disease or blocked bile ducts
- Diabetes or kidney disease together with aliskiren
- Pregnancy: do not take it if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, because medicines of this type can seriously harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant, tell your doctor straight away
- Breastfeeding: it is not recommended; ask your doctor
- Kidney disease, a narrowing of the kidney arteries, or recent kidney transplant
- Liver disease or blocked bile ducts
- Dehydration from vomiting, diarrhoea or heavy sweating, or being on a low-salt diet or water tablets: blood pressure can fall too far
- High potassium levels, or taking potassium supplements or salt substitutes
- Diabetes, if you also take aliskiren or another blood pressure medicine: some combinations are not allowed
- Surgery or dental work: tell the doctor or dentist that you take it
Medicines and things that interact with Telma 40
Telma 40 can change how other medicines work, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and painkillers bought over the counter.
- Other blood pressure medicines and water tablets (diuretics): blood pressure may fall too low
- ACE inhibitors such as ramipril, and aliskiren: the combination raises the risk of kidney problems and high potassium; it is avoided in people with diabetes or kidney disease
- Potassium supplements, salt substitutes and some water tablets that keep potassium in the body: potassium can become too high
- NSAID painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac: they can weaken the blood pressure effect and strain the kidneys, especially if you are dehydrated
- Lithium: its level in the blood can rise to a harmful level
- Digoxin: its level in the blood can rise
- Alcohol: can add to dizziness and low blood pressure
If someone takes too much
Taking one extra tablet by mistake is unlikely to be serious, but larger amounts can cause very low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting and a fast or slow heartbeat. If someone has taken much more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Storage
Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, in the original strip, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient telmisartan is not on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Telma 40 contains telmisartan only.
Other brands with the same medicine
Telmisartan 40 mg tablets are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength. Some Telma products also contain other medicines, so do not switch between them without asking your doctor.
Other strengths and forms
Telmisartan is sold in different strengths, and in combination tablets with other blood pressure medicines. The strength and contents are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is Telma 40 a prescription medicine?
Yes. Telmisartan is a prescription-only medicine in India. It should be taken only if a doctor has prescribed it, and it should not be started, stopped or changed without the doctor's advice. Keep taking it as directed even when you feel well.
Why do I need to take Telma 40 even when I feel fine?
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, but over the years it can damage the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. Telma 40 keeps blood pressure down only while you take it. Do not stop on your own, even if readings are normal.
Can I take Telma 40 during pregnancy?
No. Medicines of this type can seriously harm an unborn baby, and the label advises stopping them as soon as pregnancy is found. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are planning a baby, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop it without speaking to your doctor.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Telma 40?
Take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and carry on as usual. Never take two doses together to make up for a missed one. If you often forget, ask your doctor or pharmacist for tips.
Does Telma 40 cause a dry cough?
A dry cough is a known problem with ACE inhibitors, such as ramipril, and is uncommon with telmisartan. If you develop a persistent cough, or any new symptom, tell your doctor rather than stopping the medicine yourself.
Can I take Telma 40 with food or at night?
It can be taken with or without food. Doctors usually advise taking it at about the same time every day. Follow the label or your doctor's advice about when to take it.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Telma 40?
Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and add to dizziness, especially when you stand up. Keep alcohol low and ask your doctor what is reasonable for you.
What is the difference between Telma 40 and Telmisartan 40 mg?
Telma is a brand name, and telmisartan is the medicine inside it. Generic telmisartan 40 mg tablets contain the same active ingredient. Check the strength and ingredient list on the pack, and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- Micardis (telmisartan): EPAR medicine overview. European Medicines Agency
- Telmisartan tablets USP: prescribing information (Mylan, label revised 9/2021). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- ATC/DDD Index: C09CA07 Telmisartan. WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology
- List of drugs prohibited for manufacture and sale through gazette notifications under section 26A of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- The Drugs Rules, 1945 (consolidated, September 2024 edition), Schedule H: prescription drugs. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
- Losartan: a medicine for high blood pressure. NHS (UK)