Teltab40 mg

Teltab 40 mg is an angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB) prescribed for the following conditions:

• Hypertension: Used as a first-line treatment for essential (primary) high blood pressure in adults, either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive medications.
• Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Indicated to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular causes in adults who have:
  • Established atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease, including a prior history of coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, or peripheral arterial disease, or
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus with evidence of end-organ damage (such as retinopathy, nephropathy, left ventricular hypertrophy, or microalbuminuria/proteinuria)

Because Teltab 40 mg does not provide adequate protection during pregnancy, it should never be used as a first-choice treatment in women who are or may become pregnant.

Teltab 40 mg belongs to the therapeutic class of Angiotensin-II Receptor Blockers (ARBs), also known as angiotensin receptor antagonists or sartans.

Teltab 40 mg belongs to the class of non-peptide angiotensin-II receptor antagonists. To understand how it works, it helps to look at the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), the body's key mechanism for regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.

Angiotensin-II is produced when angiotensin-I is converted by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). As the primary active hormone of the RAAS, angiotensin-II causes blood vessels to constrict, stimulates the adrenal glands to release aldosterone, increases cardiac workload, and promotes sodium reabsorption in the kidneys — all of which raise blood pressure.

Teltab 40 mg works by selectively and competitively blocking angiotensin-II from binding to the AT1 receptor found in vascular smooth muscle, the adrenal gland, and other tissues. By blocking this receptor, Teltab 40 mg prevents the vasoconstriction and aldosterone-releasing effects of angiotensin-II, resulting in blood vessel relaxation and lower blood pressure.

Key pharmacological characteristics include:

• Teltab 40 mg has more than 3,000-fold greater binding affinity for the AT1 receptor compared to the AT2 receptor, making its action highly selective.
• Its effect is independent of how angiotensin-II is produced, meaning it works regardless of the pathway of synthesis.
• Unlike ACE inhibitors, Teltab 40 mg does not inhibit kininase-II (ACE), so it does not interfere with bradykinin breakdown — this explains why ARBs like Teltab 40 mg are associated with a lower incidence of dry cough compared to ACE inhibitors.
• It does not bind to or affect other hormone receptors or ion channels relevant to cardiovascular regulation.

Teltab 40 mg is well absorbed orally, undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism, and is eliminated almost entirely through the biliary/fecal route, making it a suitable option for patients with renal impairment. It also has one of the longest half-lives among ARBs (approximately 24 hours), allowing effective once-daily dosing with consistent 24-hour blood pressure control.

Teltab 40 mg may interact with other medications, which can alter its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. Important interactions include:

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, diclofenac, indomethacin): Concurrent use may reduce the antihypertensive effect of Teltab 40 mg and increase the risk of renal impairment, especially in elderly or volume-depleted patients.
• Aliskiren: Combining Teltab 40 mg with aliskiren is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus due to an increased risk of hyperkalemia, hypotension, and renal impairment.
• ACE inhibitors: Concomitant use with ACE inhibitors should generally be avoided, as dual RAAS blockade increases the risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal dysfunction without added cardiovascular benefit.
• Potassium-sparing diuretics and potassium supplements: May increase the risk of hyperkalemia when used together with Teltab 40 mg.
• Lithium: ARBs like Teltab 40 mg can reduce lithium clearance, leading to increased serum lithium levels and potential toxicity. Monitoring of lithium levels is advised.
• Digoxin: Teltab 40 mg may increase peak plasma concentrations and trough levels of digoxin; monitoring of digoxin levels is recommended.
• Other antihypertensives and diuretics: May have an additive blood pressure-lowering effect, which is sometimes used intentionally for combination therapy but requires monitoring to avoid excessive hypotension.

Always inform your physician or pharmacist about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Teltab 40 mg.

Teltab 40 mg is generally well tolerated, but like all medications, it may cause side effects in some patients.

Common Side Effects (in Hypertensive Patients)

• Sinus pain and nasal congestion (sinusitis)
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Upper respiratory tract infection

Common Side Effects (in Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Patients)

• Intermittent claudication (leg pain due to reduced blood flow during activity)
• Skin ulcers

Less Common but Notable Side Effects

• Hypotension (low blood pressure), particularly in volume-depleted patients
• Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels)
• Elevated liver enzymes or renal function abnormalities
• Muscle cramps or myalgia
• Nausea

Rare but Serious Side Effects

• Angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Acute renal failure, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease or those on dual RAAS blockade
• Severe skin reactions

Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience signs of an allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat.

Pregnancy

Teltab 40 mg can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Use during the first trimester is classified as Pregnancy Category C, while use during the second and third trimesters is Pregnancy Category D due to the risk of fetal and neonatal injury, including hypotension, renal failure, skull hypoplasia, and death.

If pregnancy is detected during treatment, Teltab 40 mg should be discontinued as soon as possible, and the patient should be switched to an alternative antihypertensive medication considered safer in pregnancy.

Lactation

It is not known whether Teltab 40 mg is excreted in human breast milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse effects on a nursing infant, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the medication, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother's health.

• Fetal Toxicity: Avoid use during pregnancy, as drugs acting directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause fetal injury or death. Discontinue immediately if pregnancy is confirmed.
• Hypotension: Patients with volume or salt depletion (from diuretic use, dietary salt restriction, vomiting, or diarrhea) may experience symptomatic hypotension after starting Teltab 40 mg. Correct volume depletion before initiating therapy.
• Renal Impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal artery stenosis, as changes in renal function including renal failure may occur, particularly in those with bilateral renal artery stenosis or a solitary kidney.
• Hepatic Impairment: Monitor liver function carefully and titrate the dose slowly in patients with biliary obstructive disorders or hepatic insufficiency, as clearance of the drug may be reduced.
• Hyperkalemia: Regular monitoring of serum potassium is advisable, especially in patients with renal impairment, diabetes, or those on potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics.
• Dual RAAS Blockade: Avoid concomitant use with an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren, as this combination increases the risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment without added benefit.
• Angioedema: Discontinue immediately and seek medical care if signs of angioedema (swelling of face, lips, throat, or tongue) develop.

The most likely signs of Teltab 40 mg overdose are hypotension, dizziness, and tachycardia. Bradycardia may also occur due to parasympathetic (vagal) stimulation. In severe cases, overdose can lead to an increase in serum creatinine and acute renal failure.

Teltab 40 mg is not effectively removed by hemodialysis due to its high degree of protein binding. Management of overdose is primarily supportive and includes:

• Close monitoring of vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate
• Administration of intravenous fluids to correct hypotension
• Supportive measures if bradycardia or other complications occur

If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place.
• Protect from light and high humidity.
• Keep the medicine in its original packaging until ready for use.
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of Teltab 40 mg in children and adolescents have not been established. Its use is therefore not recommended in the pediatric population.

Geriatric Use

No overall differences in effectiveness or safety were observed between elderly patients and younger patients. However, initiating therapy in patients aged 75 years or older should be done cautiously, generally at a lower starting dose with close monitoring.

Renal Impairment

No initial dosage adjustment is required in patients with renal impairment, including those undergoing hemodialysis. However, these patients should be monitored closely for orthostatic hypotension.

Hepatic Impairment

Initial therapy with Teltab 40 mg is not recommended in patients with hepatic impairment. If treatment is necessary, it should be initiated with careful monitoring and slow dose titration, particularly in patients with biliary obstructive disorders.

Angiotensin-ll receptor blocker

Teltab 40 mg blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor in many tissues, such as vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. Its action is therefore independent of the pathways for angiotensin II synthesis. Teltab 40 mg has much greater affinity (>3,000 fold) for the AT1 receptor than for the AT2 receptor. Because Teltab 40 mg does not inhibit ACE (kininase II), it does not affect the response to bradykinin. Teltab 40 mg does not bind to or block other hormone receptors or ion channels known to be important in cardiovascular regulation.

Pregnancy Category C (first trimester) and D (second and third trimester). Because of the potential for adverse effects on the nursing infant, decide whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric use: The safety and effectiveness of Teltab 40 mg in pediatric patients have not been established.Geriatric use: No overall differences in effectiveness and safety were observed in these patients compared to younger patients.Hepatic impairment: Monitor carefully and up titrate slowly in patients with biliary obstructive disorders or hepatic insufficiency.