Semintra 4 mg/ml Oral Solution contains telmisartan, which works by selectively displacing angiotensin II from the AT1 receptor. By blocking this receptor, the product reduces pathological effects of angiotensin II including vasoconstriction, sodium and water retention, increased aldosterone synthesis, and organ remodelling — while leaving beneficial AT2 receptor-mediated effects intact. In a clinical trial in cats with CKD, a reduction in proteinuria was observed within the first 7 days of treatment at 1 mg/kg. In a further trial in cats with hypertension, a reduction in mean systolic blood pressure was achieved at 2 mg/kg. Telmisartan does not affect potassium excretion, which is relevant given that hypokalaemia is commonly associated with CKD.

The solution is well accepted by most cats and is administered once daily directly into the mouth or with a small amount of food. It must not be mixed into food. The measuring syringe provided fits directly onto the bottle and has a ml scale for accurate dose measurement.

For Cats:

• Reduction of proteinuria associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), administered once daily at 1 mg/kg body weight
• Treatment of systemic hypertension, administered once daily at an initial dose of 2 mg/kg body weight, with dose adjustment after 4 weeks based on systolic blood pressure response
• Treatment of systemic hypertension associated with concomitant CKD, as above for hypertension, with a recommended minimum effective dose of 1 mg/kg

Which Animals Can Use Semintra 4 mg/ml Oral Solution?

Semintra 4 mg/ml Oral Solution is licensed for use in cats only. It must not be given to pregnant or lactating cats, or to cats with known hypersensitivity to telmisartan or any of the excipients. Safety and efficacy has not been established in cats under 6 months of age. The safety and efficacy of telmisartan for the management of systemic hypertension above 200 mmHg has not been investigated. Always use only under veterinary direction.

Available Strengths & Sizes

Please order the pack size as directed on your veterinary prescription.

Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Please confirm availability at time of ordering.

Directions for Use

This is a prescription medication and must be used exactly as directed by your veterinary surgeon. The solution is administered orally once daily, either directly into the mouth or with a small amount of food — it must not be mixed into the cat's full meal. Use only the measuring syringe provided; attach the syringe to the bottle's plug-in adaptor to draw up the correct dose based on the cat's body weight. After each use, close the bottle tightly, wash the syringe with water and allow to dry before replacing in the box. Do not use any other syringe to administer the product. Refer to the dispensing label for the prescribed dose.

Contraindications

Source: SPC Section 4.3

• Do not use during pregnancy or lactation
• Do not use in cases of hypersensitivity to the active substance (telmisartan) or to any of the excipients (benzalkonium chloride, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, maltitol, purified water)

Storage & Handling

This product does not require any special storage conditions. Once opened, use within 6 months. Keep tightly closed after each use. Keep out of reach of children. Shelf life of the product as packaged is 3 years. This product must not be mixed with any other veterinary medicinal product.

Withdrawal period: Not applicable (companion animal use only).

Important Warnings

Source: SPC Sections 4.4 & 4.5

• The safety and efficacy of telmisartan for managing systemic hypertension above 200 mmHg has not been investigated
• Safety and efficacy has not been established in cats under 6 months of age
• Due to the mode of action of the product, transient hypotension may occur — if clinical signs of hypotension develop, symptomatic treatment such as fluid therapy should be provided; the dose of telmisartan should be reduced if systolic blood pressure (SBP) is consistently below 120 mmHg or if concurrent signs of hypotension are present
• As with other substances acting on the RAAS, a slight decrease in red blood cell count may occur — red blood cell count should be monitored during therapy
• Substances acting on the RAAS may reduce glomerular filtration rate and worsen renal function in cats with severe kidney disease; when used in such cats, monitoring of renal function (plasma creatinine concentration) is advisable
• In cats with hypertension, regular blood pressure monitoring during treatment is good clinical practice
• Blood pressure should be monitored in cats receiving this product under anaesthesia
• Concomitant use with other blood-pressure-lowering medicines (e.g. amlodipine) or medicines affecting the RAAS (e.g. other ARBs or ACE inhibitors) may lead to additive hypotensive effects or may alter renal function; no clinical evidence of hypotension was observed when used alongside amlodipine at the recommended dose for CKD
• Pregnant women must take special care to avoid contact with this product — substances acting on the RAAS, including ARBs, have been found to affect the unborn child during human pregnancy; pregnant women must avoid accidental oral exposure
• People with hypersensitivity to telmisartan or other sartans/ARBs must avoid contact with this product
• In case of accidental human ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician
• Avoid eye contact; in case of accidental eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water
• Wash hands after use