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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
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 →

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
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 →

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.
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 →

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.
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 →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database

Related medicines

Other medicines in the same class (Angiotensin II receptor blocker).

Irbesartan
Rx
Selectively blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, preventing angiotensin II-mediated vasoconstriction, aldosterone secretion, and cardiac/renal remodeling. Unlike ACE inhibitors, does not cause bradykinin accumulation (no cough).
dogcat
Losartan
Rx
Selectively blocks angiotensin II AT1 receptors, reducing vasoconstriction, aldosterone release, and blood pressure; provides renoprotective effects
dog
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