Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)
tel-mi-SAR-tan, hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide
Treats high blood pressure. This medicine contains an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and a diuretic (water pill).
Drug classes
Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist/Thiazide Combination (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. A lower blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten. As a result, telmisartan relaxes the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine, which helps lower the blood pressure.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not remove a tablet from the blister pack until you are ready take your medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Some foods and medicines can affect how telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Aliskiren, cholestyramine, colestipol, digoxin, lithium Other blood pressure medicine, including ACE inhibitors (such as ramipril) Diuretic (water pill) Insulin or other diabetes medicine NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen) Steroid medicine (such as hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone)Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
Alcohol, narcotic pain medicine, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or a sulfa drug, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, glaucoma, gout, high cholesterol, lupus or a similar disorder, trouble urinating, or a history of asthma or allergies.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Kidney problems High or low levels of minerals in the blood GlaucomaThis medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure your high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in the normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Confusion, weakness, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting
Fast or uneven heartbeat
Joint pain
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Trouble seeing, eye pain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Micardis HCT
There may be other brand names for this medicine.