AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF ANALGESIC ACTIVITY OF TELMISARTAN

Aim and Objectives: To study the analgesic activity of telmisartan in graded doses, in tail flick method and acetic acid induced writhing method in rats and mice respectively.  Materials and Methods: Analgesic activity of telmisartan was evaluated in graded doses tail flick model (for central action) and acetic acid induced writhing model (for peripheral action) of analgesia. Aspirin & tramadol were used as standard drugs. Results were analyzed by one way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni’s post hoc test. Results: In tail flick method telmisartan showed dose dependent analgesic activity. The tail flick latency time increased from 0 to 60 min. The analgesic activity of telmisartan at dose of 1.5mg/kg was not statistically significant, however it was statistically significant at dose 3mg/kg and 4.5 mg/kg. At the dose of 3mg/kg; telmisartan showed highly significant activity p<0.01 at 30, 60 as well as 90 min with maximum effect at 90min, where as the most significant effect p<0.001 was observed at the dose of 4.5mg/kg at 60 and 90min. In acetic acid induced writhing method, the telmisartan possessed significant analgesic activity at all three doses (1.5mg/kg, 3mg/kg and 4.5mg/kg) with maximum activity at the dose of 4.5mg/kg. Conclusion: Telmisartan an angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonist possess significant analgesic activity. It should be investigated further as potential treatment option for painful conditions in hypertensive patients