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Telmisartan

Prescription
Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Cat, Dog
Brands
4 available
Interactions
3 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Selectively blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, reducing vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, and sympathetic activity; provides renoprotective effects by reducing glomerular pressure

At a glance

Class
Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Below 25°C, protect from moisture

Dosing

🐈

Cat

Chronic kidney disease (proteinuria reduction), systemic hypertension
Dose
1–3 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
15 mg
Duration: Long-term / lifelong
🐕

Dog

Proteinuria, systemic hypertension (off-label)
Dose
0.5–2 mg/kg
Route
PO
Frequency
SID
Max dose
80 mg
Duration: Long-term / lifelong

Formulations

🧴

Oral solution — 1

Strength
4mg/mL
💊

Tablet — 2

Strength
20mg
Available in India
Strength
40mg
Available in India

Storage

Below 25°C, protect from moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Pregnancy
    Teratogenic

Use with caution

  • Dehydration or hypovolemia
    Dual RAAS blockade may cause hypotension/renal failure

Adverse effects

Common
Mild weight loss
Elevated liver enzymes
Diarrhea
Serious
Hypotension
Hyperkalemia
Acute kidney injury

Monitoring parameters

Blood pressureBUN/CreatinineSerum potassiumUrine protein:creatinine ratioHepatic enzymes

Interactions

Major — 1

Spironolactone
major
ARB (reduces aldosterone) + aldosterone antagonist (spironolactone): additive potassium retention. High hyperkalemia risk.
Management: Monitor potassium closely if combining. Avoid concurrent potassium supplements.

Moderate — 2

Benazepril
moderate
Dual RAAS blockade (ARB + ACE inhibitor): additive blood pressure reduction and potassium retention. Used therapeutically for refractory proteinuria but requires monitoring.
Management: Used intentionally for severe proteinuria when single agent insufficient. Monitor blood pressure, potassium, and renal function at 3-5 days and 14 days.
Meloxicam
moderate
NSAID opposes ARB renal protection by reducing prostaglandin-dependent renal blood flow. Acute kidney injury risk.
Management: Monitor renal function at 5-7 days. Ensure hydration. Use lowest effective NSAID dose.

Brands

International

Semintra
Boehringer Ingelheim
Micardis
Boehringer Ingelheim

India

Telmikind
Mankind Pharma
Telma
Glenmark

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

›What is Telmisartan?
Telmisartan is a angiotensin ii receptor blocker (arb) used in pets. Selectively blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, reducing vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, and sympathetic activity; provides renoprotective effects by reducing glomerular pressure
›What is Telmisartan used for in pets?
Telmisartan is used in veterinary medicine for: Chronic kidney disease (proteinuria reduction), systemic hypertension; Proteinuria, systemic hypertension (off-label).
›What is the Telmisartan dose for cats?
For cats, Telmisartan is typically dosed as follows — Chronic kidney disease (proteinuria reduction), systemic hypertension: 1–3 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What is the Telmisartan dose for dogs?
For dogs, Telmisartan is typically dosed as follows — Proteinuria, systemic hypertension (off-label): 0.5–2 mg/kg PO SID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
›What are the side effects of Telmisartan?
Common: Mild weight loss, Elevated liver enzymes, Diarrhea. Serious (call your vet immediately): Hypotension, Hyperkalemia, Acute kidney injury.
›Does Telmisartan need a prescription?
Yes. Telmisartan is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
›When should Telmisartan not be used?
Do not use Telmisartan if: Pregnancy.

References

References

Textbooks & handbooks

  • Plumb, D.C. Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2023.
  • Vail, D.M., Thamm, D.H., & Liptak, J.M. (eds.). Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology. 6th ed., Saunders/Elsevier, 2020.
  • Riviere, J.E., & Papich, M.G. (eds.). Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. 10th ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006.
  • The Merck Veterinary Manual. Merck & Co., Online edition. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Clinical guidelines & consensus

  • Fletcher, D.J., Boller, M., Brainard, B.M., et al. "RECOVER Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 2012;22(S1):S102–S131.
  • American Animal Hospital Association. 2018 AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. AAHA Press.

Journals & peer-reviewed studies

  • Hogan, D.F., Fox, P.R., Jacob, K., et al. "Secondary prevention of cardiogenic arterial thromboembolism in the cat: The FAT CAT study." Journal of Veterinary Cardiology, 2015;17(Suppl 1):S306–S317.
  • Boswood, A., Häggström, J., Gordon, S.G., et al. "Effect of Pimobendan in Dogs with Preclinical Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease and Cardiomegaly: The EPIC Study — A Randomized Clinical Trial." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2016;30(6):1765–1779.
  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxicology and Poison Management Guidelines. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Regulatory & approvals

  • Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Government of India. Veterinary Drug Approval Registry, 1969–2026. Directorate General of Health Services. https://cdsco.gov.in/

Databases

  • Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (VCPL) — MDR1 Multidrug Sensitivity Database. https://vcpl.vetmed.wsu.edu/
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

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