Co-Tasmi Tablets (40/12.5 and 80/12.5)

• Co-Tasmi 40/12.5 Tablet contains
  Telmisartan 40mg
  Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg
• Co-Tasmi 80/12.5 Tablet contains
  Telmisartan 80mg
  Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg

Co-Tasmi is indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

How Co-Tasmi Tablet Works?

• Telmisartan
  Telmisartan blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin 2 by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin 2 to the AT₁ receptor in many tissues, such as vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. Its action is therefore independent of the pathways for angiotensin 2 synthesis.
• Hydrochlorothiazide
  Belonging to the thiazide group of diuretics, Hydrochlorothiazide affects the renal tubular mechanisms of electrolyte re-absorption, directly increasing excretion of sodium and chloride in approximately equivalent amounts. Indirectly, the diuretic action of Hydrochlorothiazide reduces plasma volume, with consequent increases in plasma renin activity, increases in aldosterone secretion, increases in urinary potassium loss, and decreases in serum potassium. The renin-aldosterone link is mediated by angiotensin 2, so co-administration of an angiotensin 2 receptor antagonist tends to reverse the potassium loss associated with these diuretics.

When to avoid Co-Tasmi Tablets?

Co-Tasmi is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any component of this combination. The combination of Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide is also contraindicated in patients with anuria or hypersensitivity to other sulfonamide-derived drugs.

Recommended Dosage of Co-Tasmi Tablets

Therapy with Co-Tasmi Tablets should be started when Telmisartan monotherapy does not give the desired result. Co-Tasmi may be co-­administered with other antihypertensive agents and this drug is administered irrespective of food.

Dosage of Co-Tasmi in Renal Dysfunction

Co-Tasmi Tablets should be used in the patients with creatinine clearance of >30 ml/min. In patients with creatinine clearance of <30 ml/min, loop diuretics should be given instead of thiazides.

Dosage of Co-Tasmi in Hepatic Dysfunction

Co-Tasmi Tablets should not be given to patients with severe hepatic dysfunction. If the physician decides to give the combination to patients with biliary obstructive disorders or hepatic insufficiency, Co-Tasmi 40mg/12.5mg should be given under strict observation.

Side Effects of Co-Tasmi

Co-Tasmi side effects are comparable to placebo. Most side effects are mild and transient and do not require discontinuation of therapy.

• The side effects reported at a rate less than 2% in patients treated with Co-Tasmi Tablets and at a greater rate than in patients treated with placebo were back pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, tachycardia, hypokalemia, bronchitis, pharyngitis, rash, hypotension postural and abdominal pain.
• The side effects reported at a rate of 2% or greater in patients treated with Co-Tasmi, but were as, or more common in the placebo group were pain, headache, cough, urinary tract infection. Adverse events occurred at approximately the same rates in men and women, older and younger patients, and black and non-black patients.
• In controlled trials, 0.3% of patients treated with Co-Tasmi discontinued due to orthostatic hypotension.