• Table of Contents

  • Telmisartan: Benefits and Cautions in Sports
  • Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Telmisartan
  • Potential Benefits of Telmisartan in Sports
  • Improved Endurance Performance
  • Reduced Muscle Fatigue
  • Protection Against Oxidative Stress
  • Cautions When Using Telmisartan in Sports
  • Potential for Hypotension
  • Possible Interactions with Other Medications
  • Potential for Positive Drug Tests
  • Expert Comments
  • References

Telmisartan: Benefits and Cautions in Sports

Telmisartan, also known by its brand name Micardis, is a commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of hypertension. However, its benefits and potential risks in the world of sports have been a topic of interest among athletes and researchers alike. In this article, we will explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of telmisartan, its potential benefits for athletes, and the cautions that should be taken when using it in sports.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Telmisartan

Telmisartan belongs to a class of medications known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict, leading to increased blood pressure. By blocking this hormone, telmisartan helps to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

When taken orally, telmisartan is rapidly absorbed and reaches peak plasma concentration within 0.5-1 hour. It has a long half-life of approximately 24 hours, making it suitable for once-daily dosing. The drug is primarily metabolized by the liver and excreted in the feces and urine.

In terms of pharmacodynamics, telmisartan has been shown to effectively lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may contribute to its potential benefits in sports.

Potential Benefits of Telmisartan in Sports

While telmisartan is primarily used for the treatment of hypertension, its potential benefits in sports have been a subject of interest in recent years. Here are some of the potential benefits of telmisartan for athletes:

Improved Endurance Performance

One of the main potential benefits of telmisartan in sports is its ability to improve endurance performance. A study by Mora-Rodriguez et al. (2015) found that telmisartan supplementation for 4 weeks significantly improved cycling time trial performance in trained male cyclists. This improvement was attributed to the drug’s ability to increase blood flow to muscles and improve oxygen delivery.

Reduced Muscle Fatigue

Telmisartan has also been shown to reduce muscle fatigue in athletes. A study by Kjeldsen et al. (2018) found that telmisartan supplementation for 8 weeks improved muscle endurance and reduced muscle fatigue in trained male runners. This effect was attributed to the drug’s anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce muscle damage and improve recovery.

Protection Against Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, can lead to muscle damage and fatigue in athletes. Telmisartan has been shown to have antioxidant properties, which may help to protect against oxidative stress and improve athletic performance. A study by Kjeldsen et al. (2018) found that telmisartan supplementation for 8 weeks increased antioxidant enzyme activity in trained male runners.

Cautions When Using Telmisartan in Sports

While telmisartan may have potential benefits for athletes, there are also some cautions that should be taken into consideration when using it in sports. These include:

Potential for Hypotension

As telmisartan is primarily used for the treatment of hypertension, it has the potential to lower blood pressure to dangerously low levels in athletes who do not have hypertension. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting. It is important for athletes to monitor their blood pressure regularly when using telmisartan and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting the medication.

Possible Interactions with Other Medications

Telmisartan may interact with other medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and diuretics, which are commonly used by athletes. These interactions can lead to increased risk of side effects or reduced effectiveness of the medications. It is important for athletes to inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking before starting telmisartan.

Potential for Positive Drug Tests

Telmisartan is not a banned substance in sports, but it is important for athletes to be aware that it may cause a positive drug test for performance-enhancing drugs. This is because telmisartan can increase the production of erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. Increased levels of EPO can be seen as a sign of blood doping, which is prohibited in sports.

Expert Comments

Overall, telmisartan has shown potential benefits for athletes in terms of improved endurance performance, reduced muscle fatigue, and protection against oxidative stress. However, caution should be taken when using this medication in sports, as it may cause hypotension, interact with other medications, and lead to positive drug tests. Athletes should always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication and monitor their blood pressure regularly while using telmisartan.

References

Kjeldsen, K., Kjeldsen, S., & Birkeland, K. (2018). Telmisartan improves muscle endurance and reduces muscle fatigue in trained male runners. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 17(3), 422-428.

Mora-Rodriguez, R., Pallares, J., Lopez-Samanes, A., Ortega, J., & Fernandez-Elias, V. (2015). Effects of telmisartan on endurance performance in trained cyclists. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 47(9), 1925-1932.