Telmistar-AM CT

Telmisartan (40mg) + Amlodipine (5mg) + Chlorthalidone (6.25mg)
Price: ₹180 - ₹220 for 10 tablets (Strip)
Mfr: Cipla Ltd. | Form: Tablet

📋 Clinical Overview

A triple-drug, single-pill combination (SPC) antihypertensive therapy containing an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (CCB), and a thiazide-like diuretic. This SPC is designed for the effective management of essential hypertension, particularly in patients requiring more than two drugs to achieve blood pressure control, as per Indian and international guidelines. It offers complementary mechanisms, synergistic efficacy, improved compliance, and a favorable side effect profile by using lower doses of individual components.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: One tablet (Telmisartan 40mg + Amlodipine 5mg + Chlorthalidone 6.25mg) orally once daily, with or without food. Dose may be titrated after 2-4 weeks based on response and tolerability. Maximum: One tablet daily.

Note: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, preferably at the same time each day (morning is common to avoid nocturia). Can be taken with or without food. Do not crush or chew. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to telmisartan, amlodipine, chlorthalidone, other sulfonamide-derived drugs, or any excipient.
  • Anuria.
  • Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C).
  • Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73m²) or end-stage renal disease on dialysis.
  • Pregnancy (second and third trimesters) and women planning pregnancy.
  • Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment (GFR <60).
  • Refractory hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypercalcemia.

🔬 Mechanism of Action

This combination exerts a multi-pronged attack on hypertension: 1) Telmisartan selectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor, inhibiting vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, and sympathetic outflow. 2) Amlodipine inhibits the transmembrane influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, causing peripheral arterial vasodilation and reduced peripheral vascular resistance. 3) Chlorthalidone inhibits sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron, promoting natriuresis, diuresis, and a reduction in plasma volume. The combination results in synergistic vasodilation and volume reduction.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Peripheral edema (ankle swelling) - primarily due to amlodipine
  • Fatigue
  • Flushing
  • Nausea
  • Increased urination (early in therapy)

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: CONTRANDICATED, especially in second and third trimesters (Pregnancy Category D). Drugs that act directly on the RAAS can cause injury and death to the developing fetus, including oligohydramnios, fetal renal failure, hypoplastic skull bones, and contractures. Discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected.

Driving: Caution advised, especially during initiation of therapy and dose adjustments. Dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, or vertigo may occur, which could impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.

🔄 Drug Interactions

Other Antihypertensives (Diuretics, Beta-blockers, ACEi)Additive hypotensive effect; risk of severe hypotension.Major
Potassium supplements, Potassium-sparing diuretics (Spironolactone, Amiloride), Salt substitutesIncreased risk of hyperkalemia due to telmisartan.Major
NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac)May reduce antihypertensive effect, increase risk of renal impairment and hyperkalemia.Major
LithiumChlorthalidone reduces renal clearance of lithium, increasing risk of lithium toxicity.Major
DigoxinChlorthalidone-induced hypokalemia may potentiate digoxin toxicity.Moderate
Corticosteroids, ACTHIntensify electrolyte depletion (hypokalemia).Moderate
Cholestyramine, ColestipolMay reduce absorption of chlorthalidone.Moderate
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin, Ritonavir)May increase amlodipine levels, increasing risk of hypotension and edema.Moderate
SimvastatinAmlodipine may increase simvastatin levels, slightly increasing risk of myopathy.Minor
AlcoholPotentiates orthostatic hypotension.Moderate

🔁 Alternatives to Telmistar-AM CT

Same composition (Telmisartan (40mg) + Amlodipine (5mg) + Chlorthalidone (6.25mg)), different brands:

Telma-AM CT Telsartan-AM CT Telvas-AM CT Telmikind-AM CT