💊 Drug of the Day: TELMISARTAN

The ARB with Metabolic & Cardiovascular Advantages

🌟 Introduction

In the world of antihypertensive drugs, Telmisartan is not just another ARB —

it is often called the “smart ARB” because of its long duration of action and additional metabolic benefits.

Whether you are a B.Pharm student, industry professional, or healthcare learner, Telmisartan is a must-know drug.

🧪 Drug Profile (Quick Overview)

Generic Name: Telmisartan
Drug Class: Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB)
Therapeutic Uses:
✔ Hypertension
✔ Cardiovascular risk reduction
✔ Diabetic patients with hypertension
✔ Metabolic syndrome (supportive role)

⚙️ Mechanism of Action (Easy + Exam-Friendly)

Telmisartan selectively blocks AT₁ receptors of angiotensin II, leading to:

✔ Vasodilation

✔ Reduced aldosterone secretion

✔ Decreased sodium & water retention

✔ Lower blood pressure

📌 Special Point:

👉 Telmisartan also acts as a partial PPAR-γ agonist, which improves insulin sensitivity.

⭐ This line makes your answer stand out in exams.

⏳ Why Telmisartan is Different from Other ARBs?

🔹 Long Half-Life

Half-life ≈ 24 hours
Provides 24-hour BP control
Excellent for once-daily dosing

🔹 Metabolic Advantage

Beneficial in diabetic & obese patients
Improves lipid & glucose metabolism

💊 Dose (Clinical + Exam Use)

Initial dose: 20–40 mg once daily
Maximum dose: 80 mg/day

⚠️ Side Effects (Usually Mild)

Dizziness
Hypotension
Hyperkalemia
Rare renal function changes

📌 Important:

Unlike ACE inhibitors, Telmisartan does NOT cause cough.

🏭 Importance in Pharmaceutical Industry

Telmisartan is important for:

✔ Tablet formulation development

✔ Combination products (Telmisartan + Amlodipine)

✔ Bioequivalence studies

✔ Quality control & stability studies

📌 Widely manufactured in Indian pharma industry.

📚 Why Pharma Students Must Master Telmisartan?

✔ Frequently asked in Pharmacology & Medicinal Chemistry

✔ Perfect example of ARB + extra benefit drug

✔ Used for clinical correlation questions

✔ Helps in drug comparison answers

🔄 Comparison Snapshot (Student Favorite)

Feature	Telmisartan	Losartan
Half-life	Long (24 h)	Short
Metabolic benefit	Yes	No
Dosing	Once daily	Once/twice
Cough	No	No

🧩 MCQ Corner

Q. Telmisartan lowers blood pressure mainly by:

A) Inhibiting ACE

B) Blocking AT₁ receptors ✔

C) Blocking calcium channels

D) Increasing diuresis

👉 Comment your answer!

📌 Question:

Why is Telmisartan preferred in hypertensive patients with diabetes?

👇 Share your answer below.

Search This Blog

Pharma Easy Notes @Pharmacy