Telmisartan in the treatment of hypertension

Telmisartan is an orally active angiotensin II receptor antagonist prescribed once daily.

To evaluate the efficacy of telmisartan on blood pressure control, and on other end points, when given as monotherapy or in combination.

Review of published literature.

Telmisartan produces more effective control of blood pressure over 24 h, especially in the last 6 h of the dosing interval, compared with other antihypertensive agents. It also possesses pleiotrophic effects on lipid and glucose metabolism, but lacks evidence of efficacy in reducing vascular events.

Clinical outcome trials expected to report in 2008 will provide hard end points that may demonstrate advantages of telmisartan as monotherapy, or in combination with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, for managing hypertension.