Date - 17 August 2004

Source - Drugs in Context 2004

Author - Dr Richard Clark

Hypertension can be treated effectively with a variety of drug therapies. Frequently, however, combinations of these agents are required for blood pressures to be controlled to published guideline targets. Telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, has proved to be effective in controlling hypertension in a large number of patients with hypertension when used either as a monotherapy or in combination with the diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Telmisartan, in common with other angiotensin II antagonists, blocks the effects of angiotensin II by competitively binding to angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors. It has a longer plasma half-life than other angiotensin II antagonists, which may account for its effective control of blood pressure over a 24-hour period. This has implications for the control of the early morning surge in blood pressure and thus may help to prevent excess mortality and morbidity (e.g. myocardial infarction [MI] or strokes) occurring between 6 am and noon. Clinical trials have shown that telmisartan, with or without HCTZ, has a good tolerability and safety profile, and is better tolerated than angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and the ß-blocker, atenolol.

Keywords: Telmisartan, Hypertention and cardiovascular disease