Arbitel 40 Mg Tablet (15 Tab)

ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET

Name:

• Brand Name: Arbitel 40
• Common Name: Telmisartan
• Manufacturer: MICRO LABS LIMITED

Composition: Each tablet contains Telmisartan BP 40 mg as the active ingredient.

Uses: Arbitel 40 mg Tablet is primarily prescribed for:

• Hypertension: Treatment of high blood pressure in adults.
• Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Reducing the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in adults, particularly those aged 55 and above with existing risk factors like diabetes, a history of coronary heart disease, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease.
• Heart Failure: Management of heart failure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing strain on the heart.
• Diabetic Nephropathy: Preserving kidney function in patients with diabetes.

Dosage and Administration: The typical recommended dosage is one 40 mg tablet once daily. It can be taken with or without food, but for optimal effectiveness, it should be taken at the same time each day. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed, chewed, or broken. Do not discontinue the medication without consulting your doctor, even if your blood pressure is controlled.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

• Diarrhea, back pain, sinus inflammation/congestion (sinusitis).
• Headache, dizziness, and fatigue.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension). More serious, though rare, side effects can include angioedema (rapid swelling of the skin and mucosa) and progressive scarring of lung tissue (interstitial lung disease); however, the causality for the latter is not definitively established.

Precautions:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Contraindicated during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and not recommended for breastfeeding women.
• Allergies: Do not take if you have a known allergy to Telmisartan or any other ingredients.
• Liver and Kidney Conditions: Use with caution in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, and it is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment, cholestasis, or biliary obstructive disorders. Patients with kidney problems should use with caution, and kidney function should be monitored regularly.
• Drug Interactions: Avoid concomitant use with potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, NSAIDs, digoxin, and lithium as they may lead to adverse effects or reduced efficacy.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure and dizziness.
• Children: Not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
• Driving: May cause dizziness; exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original packaging and out of the sight and reach of children. Remove the tablet from the blister only just before intake.

What is ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET used for?

ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET is primarily used to treat essential hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, in adults. It is also prescribed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke, especially in individuals aged 55 and above who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it can be used in the management of heart failure and to help protect kidney function in patients with diabetes.

How does ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET work?

ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET contains telmisartan, which belongs to a class of medicines called angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs). Angiotensin II is a natural substance in the body that causes blood vessels to narrow, leading to increased blood pressure. Telmisartan works by blocking the effect of angiotensin II, preventing it from binding to its receptors. This action causes the blood vessels to relax and widen, promoting smoother blood flow and ultimately lowering blood pressure. It also helps the heart pump more efficiently and enables the kidneys to eliminate excess water and salt.

What is the usual dosage of ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET?

The usual starting dose for ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET in the treatment of hypertension is 40 mg once daily. The tablet can be taken orally, with or without food, and it is important to take it at the same time each day for consistency. The dosage may start low and can be increased by your doctor up to a maximum of 80 mg once daily if needed, depending on your blood pressure response and individual needs.

What are the possible side effects of ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET?

Common side effects of ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET may include dizziness, headache, fatigue, back pain, diarrhea, and nasal congestion or sinus pain. Other possible common side effects include upper respiratory tract infections, stomach pain, and muscle pain. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, such as swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, or ankles, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or signs of high blood potassium (nausea, weakness, irregular heartbeats), you should consult your doctor immediately.

Is ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET is unsafe and contraindicated during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, as it can cause serious harm or even death to the developing baby. It is also generally recommended to avoid telmisartan in early pregnancy. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or discover you are pregnant while taking this medicine, you must inform your doctor immediately so they can prescribe a safe alternative.

ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET is not recommended during breastfeeding as telmisartan may pass into breast milk and could harm the baby. It is advised to consult your doctor for safer options for blood pressure management while breastfeeding.

Can ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET can interact with several medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effects of Arbitel and increase the risk of kidney damage.
• Diuretics (water tablets), especially in high doses, can lead to an excessive drop in blood pressure.
• Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium can increase the risk of high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia) when taken with Arbitel.
• Combining with aliskiren (another blood pressure medicine), particularly in patients with diabetes or kidney disease, is generally not recommended due to increased risks of kidney impairment and low blood pressure.
• It may also interact with lithium-containing medicines (used for depression) and digoxin (a heart medication), potentially increasing their levels in the blood.
• Other blood pressure-lowering medicines, alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics, or antidepressants can aggravate low blood pressure.

What precautions should be taken?

Several precautions should be considered when taking ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET:

• Kidney and Liver Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease (including renal artery stenosis or a kidney transplant), liver problems, cholestasis, or biliary obstruction, as dosage adjustments or careful monitoring may be necessary.
• Dehydration: Conditions like severe diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating can lead to dehydration and low blood pressure, so maintaining adequate fluid intake is important.
• Diabetes: If you have diabetes and are taking aliskiren, Arbitel 40 MG TABLET is contraindicated. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is important as telmisartan may affect them.
• High Potassium Levels: Patients with high potassium levels in their blood should use this medicine with caution.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption, as it can increase the risk of dizziness and low blood pressure.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, so exercise caution when driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Allergies: Do not take Arbitel 40 MG TABLET if you are allergic to telmisartan or any of its ingredients.
• Sudden Discontinuation: Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, even if your blood pressure is controlled, as this can cause your blood pressure to rise sharply and lead to serious complications.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

How should it be stored?

ARBITEL 40 MG TABLET should be stored in a tightly closed container at room temperature, generally below 25°C or 30°C. It should be kept in its original packaging to protect it from light and moisture. Always keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Remove the tablet from the blister pack only just before taking it.