From the Guidelines
Combining Pritor (telmisartan) and amlodipine for hypertension management can cause several potential side effects, including peripheral edema, dizziness, headache, and fatigue, and patients should be aware of these risks. The most common side effects of this combination include:
- Peripheral edema (swelling in the ankles and feet)
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue Some patients may experience hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure), especially when starting the combination therapy or when doses are increased. This combination can also cause increased potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), particularly in patients with kidney problems, as noted in the 2018 guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults 1. Less common but serious side effects may include syncope (fainting), tachycardia (rapid heart rate), and rarely, angioedema (severe swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). Patients with liver or kidney impairment may be at higher risk for side effects and typically require closer monitoring. The combination of telmisartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker) and amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker) is often effective for blood pressure control as they work through different mechanisms to lower blood pressure, providing complementary effects, as supported by the european guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice (version 2012) 1 and the 2007 guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension 1. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately, especially severe dizziness, fainting, or swelling.
From the Research
Potential Side Effects of Combining Pritor (Telmisartan) and Amlodipine
The combination of telmisartan and amlodipine is a commonly used treatment for hypertension management. While this combination is generally well-tolerated, there are potential side effects to consider:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness due to blood pressure lowering effects 2
- Headache, as reported in some patients taking the combination therapy 3
- Edema, as amlodipine can cause peripheral edema in some patients 2
- Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea or abdominal pain, although these are less common 4
- Increased serum uric acid levels, as seen in patients taking telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination therapy 4
Serious Adverse Events
While rare, serious adverse events can occur with the combination of telmisartan and amlodipine:
- Angioedema, although telmisartan is less likely to cause this compared to ACE inhibitors 2
- Hypotension, particularly in patients with renal impairment or those taking other blood pressure-lowering medications 5
- Worsening of renal function, especially in patients with pre-existing renal disease 5
Monitoring and Precautions
To minimize the risk of side effects, patients taking the combination of telmisartan and amlodipine should be monitored regularly for: