Micardis HCT

Micardis HCT is used in treating hypertension or high blood pressure. High blood pressure brings more work to the heart and arteries.

When left untreated, the heart and arteries may stop functioning well. This can result in damage to the blood vessels of the heart, brain, and kidneys, which may cause a stroke, kidney failure, or heart failure. By lowering blood pressure, the risk of strokes and heart attacks are decreased.

Telmisartan is an ARB or angiotensin II receptor blocker, which works by blocking a substance in the body that tightens the blood vessels.

This results in relaxed blood vessels, eventually lowering the blood pressure and increasing the supply of oxygen and blood to the heart.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that reduces the amount of water in the body through increased urine output. This helps in lowering the blood pressure. Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination is only available with a prescription.

If you are about to start Micardis HCT, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. The risks and benefits the medicine offer must be weighed.

For telmisartan, you and your doctor must consider the following:

Allergies. If you have any unusual reaction to any medicine, including telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Additionally, disclose other types of allergies - foods, preservatives, animals, or dyes, if there are any. Read the package ingredients carefully and make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.

Pediatric. There are no appropriate studies done to establish safety and effectiveness of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide intake in children.

Geriatric. Most recent appropriate studies have not shown geriatric-specific problems that would hinder the effects of the medicine in the elderly.

Pregnancy. Studies demonstrated a risk to the fetus when used by pregnant women. The benefits of the drug, however, may outweigh the potential risk if the pregnant woman is in a life-threatening situation.

Breastfeeding. Although there are no adequate studies in lactating mothers that determine potential risk in an infant when breastfeeding, the potential benefits should be weighed against the risks before taking this medication.

Drug Interactions. Certain medicines have adverse effects when used together. Make sure to inform your doctor about other drugs you are taking, so that alterations and precautions will be made if necessary.

Before taking telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide, talk to your doctor about possible interactions if you are taking other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor if you are smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol since these may interact with the drug’s effectiveness.

Other medical problems. Medical problems. Certain medical problems may affect the effectiveness of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

If you have other medical conditions, especially anuria (or not able to pass urine), renal impairment, diabetes, congestive heart failure, myopia, systemic lupus erythematosus, electrolyte imbalances, kidney diseases, and liver disease, inform your doctor prior treatment.

To use Micardis HCT properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. This medicine must not be your first line of treatment for high blood pressure. Micardis HCT is only prescribed when other medicines don't work or are causing unwanted side effects.

Apart from this medicine, you may be advised by your doctor to control weight gain and shift to a more healthy diet, to help stabilize your high blood pressure. Consult your doctor about diet changes and other things that you can do to bring down your blood pressure.

Many people with high blood pressure won’t even notice any symptom; most of them feel normal. Regardless, follow your doctor’s instructions and make sure to have regular checkups.

Keep in mind that telmisartan does not cure high blood pressure, it only controls the condition. Continue taking it as directed to lower your blood pressure and maintain it at normal.

Read and follow instructions carefully. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about this medicine.

Dosing:

The dose of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide depends on the patient's age, weight, and symptoms, as well as the strength of the medicine.

Do not change the dosage the doctor indicated unless he or she told you otherwise. The number of doses and the number of hours between doses generally depend on the reason why you are taking this medicine.

Generally, dosage will be as follows:

In treating high blood pressure in adults, a tablet of telmisartan (40 mg) and hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg) may be taken once a day. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed.

For children, the dosage is determined by calculating the age and weight of the patient.

Missed dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. In case it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and follow your regular dosing schedule. Never take double doses.

Storage:

Keep the medicine in an airtight container at normal room temperature. Keep it away from direct light, heat, and moisture. Do not let it freeze.

Do not take it out from the blister pack unless it is your time to take the medicine. Keep the medicine out of children’s reach.

Before using Micardis HCT, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits to your doctor to monitor your progress and see if the medicine is working properly. Your doctor may request blood tests to rule out unwanted effects.

For women, your doctor may advise you to consider using birth control to avoid pregnancy because this drug can potentially harm your unborn child.

Tell your doctor right away if you are taking telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide and you think you are pregnant. Lightheadedness, dizziness, and fainting may occur when taking this medicine, particularly when you get up suddenly.

Make sure you are familiar with your body’s reaction to the medicine before driving, operating any machine, or doing anything that may get you in danger if you are not alert enough.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience severe nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting while taking telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide. These conditions may result in too much water loss that may lead to low blood pressure.

Moreover, this medicine may cause changes in your blood sugar levels. Doing regular tests is advised to monitor your blood sugar. Do not take any other medicine without discussing them first with your doctor.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Micardis HCT to avoid unwanted potential side effects. Not all people may suffer from these side effects, but if they do, immediate medical attention may be needed.

The symptoms may include:

• convulsions
• decreased urine
• Bladder pain
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• bloody or cloudy urine
• dry mouth
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up
• fainting
• increased thirst
• blurred vision
• irregular heartbeat
• nausea or vomiting
• frequent urge to urinate
• numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
• shortness of breath
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• loss of appetite
• sudden sweating
• lower back or side pain muscle pain or cramps
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• chills cold sweats
• large, hive-like swelling on the face or some parts of the body

Some of these side effects may not require medical attention and may go away as your body adjusts to the effects of the medicine.

You may still call your doctor to inform him or her about your symptoms. Your doctor may give you instructions on how to reduce the side effects or prevent them from taking place.