Telmisartan

Telmisartan In Dogs & Cats: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Angiotensin II receptor (type AT1) antagonist.
• Inhibits the effects of angiotensin, including vasoconstriction, increased aldosterone synthesis, sodium and water retention, and renal, vascular, and cardiac remodeling.
• In the kidney, angiotensin II may cause glomerular capillary hypertension and increased protein in the glomerular filtrate.
• This process could trigger or potentiate interstitial fibrosis.

Uses of Telmisartan

• Authorized for the reduction of proteinuria associated with chronic kidney disease in cats.
• Treatment of systemic hypertension in cats.

Dose of Telmisartan in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

• 0.5–1 mg/kg p.o. q24h (limited information).

Cats:

• For proteinuria: 1 mg/kg p.o. q24h.
• For hypertension: 2 mg/kg p.o. q24h.

Side Effects of Telmisartan in Dogs and Cats

• Mild and transient GI signs were observed, including regurgitation, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
• Rare instances of increased ALT activity were reported, resolving within a few days of stopping therapy.
• In healthy cats administered five times the recommended dose for six months:
  • Decreases in blood pressure and RBC count were observed.
  • Increases in BUN were reported.

Contraindications of Telmisartan in Dogs and Cats

• The safety of telmisartan has not been established in breeding, pregnant or lactating cats or cats < 6 months of age.

Some Notes:

• Cats that received concomitant therapy with amlodipine at the recommended dose did not experience clinical evidence of hypotension.
• Avoid concurrent use of ACE inhibitors.