From the FDA Drug Label
Upon initiation of antihypertensive treatment with telmisartan, blood pressure was reduced after the first dose, with a maximal reduction by about 4 weeks.
The blood pressure decrease is noticeable after the first dose of telmisartan, with the maximal reduction achieved by about 4 weeks 1.
From the Research
Telmisartan typically begins lowering blood pressure within 1-2 hours after taking the first dose, with a noticeable reduction in blood pressure occurring within 1-2 weeks of starting treatment, as supported by studies such as 2 and 3. The medication is usually started at 40 mg once daily, with possible increases to 80 mg daily if needed for blood pressure control. Some key points to consider when taking telmisartan include:
- Telmisartan works by blocking angiotensin II receptors, which relaxes blood vessels and reduces resistance to blood flow, thereby lowering blood pressure, as explained in 4.
- This mechanism explains why the effect isn't immediate but builds gradually as the medication consistently blocks these receptors over time.
- Patients should take telmisartan at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels, and should continue monitoring their blood pressure regularly during the initial weeks of treatment to assess effectiveness.
- It's essential to continue taking the medication even if feeling well, as hypertension is typically asymptomatic but requires ongoing management, as noted in 5 and 6. The full therapeutic effect of telmisartan may take up to 4 weeks to develop, and it is crucial to be patient and persistent with the treatment regimen to achieve optimal blood pressure control. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is necessary to adjust the dosage as needed and to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. Overall, telmisartan is a valuable therapeutic option for the management of hypertension, offering a favorable tolerability profile and effective blood pressure control, as demonstrated in studies such as 2 and 3.