Telmisartan
4'-[(1,4'-dimethyl-2'-propyl[2,6'-bi-1H-benzimidazol]-1'-yl)methyl]-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-carboxylic acid
Also known as: Semintra
Reviewed by the VetSheet Veterinary TeamUpdated Apr 5, 2026Evidence-based veterinary reference
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Dosing by species
🌎 NA — North America🌍 EU — Europe
Dogs
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein-losing nephropathy and hypertension | 0.5-1 mg/kg | PO | q24h | — | 🌍 EU |
- Protein-losing nephropathy and hypertension: Limited information; successful case reports exist for use in combination with amlodipine.
Cats
| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reduction of proteinuria associated with chronic kidney disease | 1 mg/kg | PO | q24h | — | 🌍 EU |
| Treatment of systemic hypertension | 2 mg/kg | PO | q24h | — | 🌍 EU |
- Reduction of proteinuria associated with chronic kidney disease: Authorized indication. Use 4 mg/ml solution.
- Treatment of systemic hypertension: Authorized indication. Use 10 mg/ml solution.
Doses are a clinical reference for licensed veterinary professionals. Always confirm against the current label and the individual patient.
Overview
Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) primarily used in veterinary medicine for the management of feline chronic kidney disease (CKD) to reduce proteinuria, and for the treatment of systemic hypertension in cats. It is available as an oral solution that is generally well-tolerated.
Clinical Warning: The safety and efficacy of telmisartan for managing systemic hypertension above 200 mmHg has not been investigated. Blood pressure monitoring is highly recommended, especially in cats showing signs of hypotension or those undergoing general anaesthesia.
Clinical Pearl: Telmisartan appears to be as effective as benazepril at delaying the deterioration of proteinuria over 6 months in cats with IRIS stage IIa to IV CKD.
Mechanism of action
Telmisartan is a specific Angiotensin II receptor (type AT1) antagonist. By blocking this receptor, it inhibits the detrimental effects of angiotensin II, including:
- Vasoconstriction → lowers systemic blood pressure.
- Aldosterone synthesis → reduces sodium and water retention.
- Renal, vascular, and cardiac remodelling.
In the kidneys, blocking angiotensin II reduces glomerular capillary hypertension and decreases protein in the glomerular filtrate, which helps prevent the triggering or potentiation of interstitial fibrosis.
Safety & warnings
Contraindications
- Breeding cats
- Pregnant cats
- Lactating cats
- Cats under 6 months of age
Adverse effects
- Regurgitation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Increased ALT activity (rare, transient)
- Hypotension
- Decreased RBC count
- Increased BUN
Precautions
Blood Pressure Monitoring: Recommended in cats that develop clinical signs referable to hypotension or cats undergoing general anaesthesia. Severe Hypertension: Safety and efficacy for management of systemic hypertension above 200 mmHg has not been investigated. Hepatic Monitoring: Rare increases in ALT activity have been reported, though they typically resolve within a few days of stopping therapy.
Drug interactions
Safe concurrent use for hypertension; no clinical evidence of hypotension at recommended doses.
Avoid concurrent use due to potential for excessive hypotension and renal impairment.
Monitoring
- Systemic blood pressure
- Urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC)
- Renal parameters (BUN, creatinine)
- Liver enzymes (ALT)
- Red blood cell count / PCV
Overdose
In healthy cats administered 5 times the recommended dose for 6 months, observed effects included decreases in blood pressure, decreases in red blood cell (RBC) count, and increases in blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
Available products
Formulations
- 4 mg/ml oral solution
- 10 mg/ml oral solution
Veterinary
- Semintra 4 mg/ml oral solution
- Semintra 10 mg/ml oral solution
Regulatory status
POM-V
POM-V
No regulatory data for: 🇭🇰 HK · 🇹🇼 TW · 🇯🇵 JP · 🇰🇷 KR · 🇦🇺 AU
Storage & stability
Normal precautions should be observed. Store at room temperature and keep the bottle tightly closed.
Client information
- Administration: Give this medication exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian, usually once a day. The oral liquid is generally well-accepted by most cats and can be given directly into the mouth or mixed with a small amount of food.
- Side Effects: Watch for mild stomach upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or regurgitation. These are usually temporary.
- Signs of Low Blood Pressure: If your pet seems unusually lethargic, weak, or unsteady, contact your vet immediately, as this could be a sign that their blood pressure has dropped too low.
- Consistency: Do not stop giving this medication abruptly unless instructed by your veterinarian, as it is managing a chronic condition.
VetSheet drug reference is intended for licensed veterinary professionals as a clinical decision-support aid, not a substitute for professional judgement or the manufacturer’s current label.