Tazloc Medicine Content
Tazloc is a brand name for telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used primarily for treating hypertension. The medication is available as monotherapy and in fixed-dose combinations with other antihypertensive agents.
Active Ingredient
- Telmisartan: An angiotensin II receptor antagonist that selectively blocks type 1 angiotensin II receptors 1, 2
Available Strengths
Monotherapy Formulations
The usual dose range is 20-80 mg per day, with maximum blood pressure reduction typically occurring at 40-80 mg/day 3.
Fixed-Dose Combination Products
Telmisartan + Hydrochlorothiazide (Diuretic)
- 40 mg/12.5 mg (telmisartan/HCTZ)
- 80 mg/12.5 mg (telmisartan/HCTZ) 4
These combinations are marketed as Micardis-HCT in some regions 4. The hydrochlorothiazide component provides additive blood pressure lowering through diuretic effects 5, 6.
Telmisartan + Amlodipine (Calcium Channel Blocker)
- 40 mg/5 mg (telmisartan/amlodipine)
- 40 mg/10 mg (telmisartan/amlodipine)
- 80 mg/5 mg (telmisartan/amlodipine)
- 80 mg/10 mg (telmisartan/amlodipine) 7, 8
This combination provides complementary mechanisms: ARB blockade plus calcium channel antagonism, with both agents having long half-lives suitable for once-daily dosing 7, 8.
Pharmacologic Characteristics
Telmisartan has distinctive properties among ARBs:
- Longest half-life of any angiotensin II receptor blocker, providing sustained 24-hour blood pressure control 3, 9
- Superior efficacy at controlling blood pressure during the last 6 hours of the dosing interval compared to losartan 50 mg or valsartan 80 mg 3
- Partial PPARγ agonist activity, which may provide metabolic benefits beyond blood pressure reduction 9
Clinical Efficacy
Telmisartan 80 mg demonstrated non-inferiority to ramipril 10 mg in the ONTARGET trial for cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients 10. The combination of telmisartan with hydrochlorothiazide produces greater blood pressure reductions than either agent alone, with telmisartan/HCTZ 40/12.5 mg and 80/12.5 mg showing superior efficacy compared to losartan/HCTZ 50/12.5 mg 5.
Important Prescribing Considerations
- Do not combine with ACE inhibitors: The ONTARGET trial demonstrated that dual RAS blockade (telmisartan + ramipril) increased adverse events including renal impairment (13.5% vs 10.2%) and syncope without additional cardiovascular benefit 10
- Monitor for hyperkalemia, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease or those taking potassium supplements 1, 2
- Avoid in pregnancy 1, 2
- Risk of acute renal failure in patients with severe bilateral renal artery stenosis 1, 2