Telmisartan

Blood pressure medicine (ARB)
PRESCRIPTION ONLY IN INDIA

Telmisartan is a blood pressure medicine (ARB) found in 64 medicines sold in India, such as Telma 40, Telmikind 40, Arbitel 40. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.

What it is used for

Lowers blood pressure and protects the heart and kidneys.

How it works

An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It stops the hormone angiotensin II from narrowing blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and protects the heart and kidneys.

How to take it

Usually 20 to 80 mg once a day at the same time, with or without food. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for the full effect. Keep taking it even if you feel well.

Common side effects

  • Dizziness, especially when standing up
  • Tiredness
  • Raised potassium

Get medical help straight away if

  • Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
  • Fainting
  • Much less urine
  • Muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat (high potassium)

Be careful

Not in pregnancy. Can raise potassium; get blood tests as advised.

Other medicines and interactions

Potassium supplements, salt substitutes, spironolactone and NSAIDs raise potassium and kidney risk. Do not combine with an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren. Raises lithium levels.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Must not be used in pregnancy (it harms the baby's kidneys); switch before trying to conceive. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding; other medicines may be preferred.

Brands of Telmisartan (20)

Arbitel 40Arbitel 80Cresar 40Eritel 40Micardis 40Sartel-40Tazloc-40Telista 40Tellzy 40Telma 20Telma 40Telma 80Telmikind 40Telmikind 80Telpres 40Telsar 40Telsartan 20Telsartan 40Telsartan 80Telvas 40

Combination medicines that contain Telmisartan (44)

Amlopres TLArbitel-AMArbitel-CT 40/6.25Arbitel-HCilacar-T 10/40Cortel-CH 40/6.25Cresar AMCresar CT 6.25Cresar H 40CTD-T 6.25/40Eritel HEritel-AMEritel-CH 6.25Sartel AMSartel HStamlo-TTazloc-AMTazloc-CT 6.25Tazloc-H 40Telista CH 40/6.25Telista HTelista-AMTellzy-AMTellzy-CH 6.25Tellzy-HTelma-AMTelma-CT 40Telma-HTelma-H 80Telmed AMTelmikind-AMTelmikind-CT 40/6.25Telmikind-H 40Telmiride-CH 40/6.25Telpres AM 40/5Telpres CT 40/6.25Telpres H 40Telsar ATelsar CH 40/6.25Telsar H 40Telsartan-AMTelsartan-HTelvas H 40/12.5Telvas-AM

Common questions

What is Telmisartan used for?

Lowers blood pressure and protects the heart and kidneys.

How does Telmisartan work?

An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It stops the hormone angiotensin II from narrowing blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and protects the heart and kidneys.

How should I take Telmisartan?

Usually 20 to 80 mg once a day at the same time, with or without food. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for the full effect. Keep taking it even if you feel well.

What are the side effects of Telmisartan?

Common: Dizziness, especially when standing up, tiredness, raised potassium. Get help straight away for: Swelling of the face, lips or tongue, fainting, much less urine, muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat (high potassium).

Does Telmisartan interact with other medicines?

Potassium supplements, salt substitutes, spironolactone and NSAIDs raise potassium and kidney risk. Do not combine with an ACE inhibitor or aliskiren. Raises lithium levels.

Is Telmisartan safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Must not be used in pregnancy (it harms the baby's kidneys); switch before trying to conceive. Ask your doctor about breastfeeding; other medicines may be preferred.

Does Telmisartan need a prescription in India?

Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.

Which brands contain Telmisartan?

Amlopres TL, Arbitel 40, Arbitel 80, Arbitel-AM, Arbitel-CT 40/6.25, Arbitel-H, Cilacar-T 10/40, Cortel-CH 40/6.25, Cresar 40, Cresar AM, Cresar CT 6.25, Cresar H 40, CTD-T 6.25/40, Eritel 40, Eritel H, Eritel-AM, Eritel-CH 6.25, Micardis 40, Sartel AM, Sartel H, Sartel-40, Stamlo-T, Tazloc-40, Tazloc-AM, Tazloc-CT 6.25 and 39 more.

Sources and further reading

NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.

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For information only, not medical advice. This page is a plain-language summary written from standard prescribing information and the public guides linked below. Brands sometimes change their formula, so always check the composition printed on the pack. Doses here are typical adult doses; yours may differ. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor or pharmacist, and keep all medicines away from children. In an emergency, call 112 (India) or your local emergency number.