Sartel is a prescription medication belonging to the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) class, specifically containing the active pharmaceutical ingredient Telmisartan. It is clinically formulated for the first-line treatment of essential hypertension in adults, working by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptors in vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. This action results in vasodilation, a reduction in aldosterone secretion, and consequently, a significant and sustained lowering of elevated blood pressure. By offering 24-hour coverage with a single daily dose, Sartel provides consistent hemodynamic control, helping to protect target organs and reduce the long-term cardiovascular risks associated with chronic hypertension.

Features

• Active ingredient: Telmisartan 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg film-coated tablets
• Pharmacological class: Selective angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) type 1 (AT1)
• High bioavailability and long elimination half-life (~24 hours) for once-daily dosing
• Not a prodrug; does not require metabolic activation for therapeutic effect
• Exhibits selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) modulating activity
• Manufactured under strict GMP conditions with consistent pharmaceutical quality

Benefits

• Provides effective and smooth 24-hour blood pressure control with a single daily dose, reducing blood pressure variability.
• Lowers the risk of major cardiovascular events, including stroke and myocardial infarction, in hypertensive patients.
• Demonstrates a favorable tolerability profile with a low incidence of typical side effects associated with other antihypertensive classes, such as cough.
• Offers potential metabolic benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity in patients with glucose intolerance.
• Helps to slow the progression of renal disease in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes and overt proteinuria.
• Supports adherence to treatment through simplified dosing and generally good patient tolerance.

Common use

Sartel (Telmisartan) is primarily indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension. It is used as monotherapy or in combination with other antihypertensive agents, such as thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide), to achieve optimal blood pressure targets. It is also utilized in the management of patients at high cardiovascular risk to reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes. In some clinical contexts, based on physician judgment, it may be used off-label for certain forms of chronic heart failure or renal protection in specific patient populations, though these uses are not universally approved in all regions.

Dosage and direction

The recommended initial dose of Sartel for most patients is 40 mg taken orally once daily. Dosage may be titrated to 80 mg once daily based on individual blood pressure response. In some patients, particularly those who are volume-depleted, a starting dose of 20 mg is recommended. Sartel may be taken with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water; they should not be split, chewed, or crushed. The antihypertensive effect is usually attained within two weeks and maximal reduction is generally seen after four weeks. For patients requiring additional blood pressure control, Sartel may be administered concomitantly with a thiazide diuretic.

Precautions

Prior to initiating treatment with Sartel, assess renal function and electrolytes. Correct any volume and/or salt depletion to avoid symptomatic hypotension. Use with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function, as Telmisartan is extensively metabolized in the liver; consider initiating at a lower dose. Monitor renal function periodically in patients with renal artery stenosis, severe congestive heart failure, or post-renal transplant. Sartel may increase blood urea and serum creatinine in susceptible patients. As with other drugs acting on the renin-angiotensin system, discontinue Sartel as soon as pregnancy is detected due to the risk of fetal harm. Caution is advised in patients with aortic or mitral valve stenosis, or obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Contraindications

Sartel is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Telmisartan or any excipients in the formulation. It must not be used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to the risk of causing injury or death to the developing fetus. Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment (GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m²) is contraindicated. Do not administer to patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C). It is also contraindicated in combination with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Possible side effect

The most commonly reported adverse reactions are generally mild and transient. These may include dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., pharyngitis, sinusitis), back pain, and diarrhea. Less frequently, patients may experience hypotension (especially in volume-depleted individuals), hyperkalemia, increased serum creatinine, fatigue, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, and headache. Rare but serious side effects can include angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue), renal impairment including acute renal failure, and symptomatic hypotension. Elevated liver enzymes and rare cases of hepatitis have been reported. Any persistent or severe side effect should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.

Drug interaction

Concomitant use with other blood pressure-lowering agents may potentiate the hypotensive effect. Concurrent administration with potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene), potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium may lead to hyperkalemia. NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) may reduce the antihypertensive effect of Sartel and increase the risk of renal impairment, especially in elderly or volume-depleted patients. Use with lithium may increase lithium serum levels and toxicity; monitor lithium levels closely. Telmisartan may increase the concentration of digoxin; monitoring of digoxin levels is advised. The antihypertensive effect may be reduced by rifampicin.

Missed dose

If a dose of Sartel is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered on the same day. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Maintaining a consistent daily routine is important for optimal blood pressure control.

Overdose

The most likely manifestation of a Sartel overdose is symptomatic hypotension and tachycardia. Bradycardia could also occur. In the event of a suspected overdose, discontinue the medication and institute supportive measures. These include placing the patient in a supine position and, if necessary, administering an intravenous infusion of normal saline. Vital signs and serum electrolytes should be monitored closely. Telmisartan is not significantly removed by hemodialysis due to its high protein binding.

Storage

Store Sartel tablets at room temperature (15°C to 30°C or 59°F to 86°F), in the original blister pack or container to protect from light and moisture. Keep the medication out of the reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging. Properly discard any unused or expired medication as per local guidelines, not by flushing down the toilet or drain unless instructed to do so.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The information provided is based on the typical properties of the drug and may not cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, or adverse effects.

Reviews

“After struggling with side effects from another medication, my cardiologist switched me to Sartel 40 mg. My blood pressure has been consistently well-controlled for over a year, and I have experienced no significant side effects. It’s easy to remember with once-daily dosing.” – Maria K., 62 “As a physician, I find Sartel to be a reliable and effective ARB for my hypertensive patients. Its long half-life provides smooth 24-hour coverage, which is crucial for reducing cardiovascular risk. The metabolic profile is an added benefit for many of my patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes.” – Dr. A. Reynolds, Cardiologist “I was initially prescribed 20 mg, which was later increased to 40 mg. It took about a month to see the full effect, but my numbers are now in the normal range. I did experience some mild dizziness in the first week, but it subsided.” – James L., 58 “This medication has been part of my regimen for hypertension and diabetic kidney disease. My proteinuria levels have improved significantly since starting, and my blood pressure is stable. It’s a critical component of my management plan.” – Susan D., 71 “The convenience of a single daily pill cannot be overstated. I’ve been on Sartel 80 mg for three years with excellent results and no adverse effects. It has genuinely helped me manage my high blood pressure effectively.” – Robert T., 67