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Formulation : 
Description
Indications
This medication is prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension), aiming to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. It is a combination product that contains two active ingredients: telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide.
Telmisartan belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Its mechanism of action involves relaxing blood vessels, facilitating smoother blood flow. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, commonly referred to as a “water pill.” It promotes increased urine production, particularly during the initial stages of medication use.
Hydrochlorothiazide also helps relax blood vessels, further enhancing blood flow.
Uses and Dosage
Take this medication orally, with or without food, as instructed by your doctor, typically once daily. It is recommended to avoid taking the medication within 4 hours of bedtime to minimize the need to urinate during the night.
The dosage is determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to derive the maximum benefit. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Continue taking the medication even if you feel well, as high blood pressure often doesn’t manifest noticeable symptoms. It may take up to 4 weeks before experiencing the full benefits of this drug.
If you are also taking certain medications to lower cholesterol (such as bile acid-binding resins like cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these cholesterol-lowering medications.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens, such as if your blood pressure readings remain high or increase.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- body aches or pain
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- dizziness
- ear congestion
- fever
- headache
- loss of voice
- runny or stuffy nose
- sneezing
- sore throat
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- bladder pain
- bloody or cloudy urine
- blurred vision
- confusion
- decreased urine
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
- dry mouth
- fainting
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- frequent urge to urinate
- increased thirst
- loss of appetite
- lower back or side pain
- muscle pain or cramps
- nausea or vomiting
- numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
- seizures
- sudden sweating
- trouble breathing
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Caution
- Before taking this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to telmisartan or hydrochlorothiazide or if you have any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in the product may cause allergic reactions or other issues.
- Additionally, provide information about your medical history, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bile duct blockage, dehydration, untreated electrolyte imbalances (such as low or high potassium), gout, lupus, or a history of skin cancer.
- This medication may cause dizziness. Avoid activities requiring alertness until you can do them safely. Limit alcoholic beverages, and if you are using marijuana, discuss it with your doctor.
- Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting may lead to dehydration and lightheadedness. Inform your doctor if you experience severe diarrhea or vomiting. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
- For individuals with diabetes, this medication may affect blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and report any symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst or urination, to your doctor. Adjustments to your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet may be necessary.
- The medication may affect potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- This medication may increase sensitivity to the sun and the risk of skin cancer, especially with prolonged use. Limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Inform your doctor if you experience sunburn, skin blisters/redness, or notice new or changed moles/skin lesions.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, particularly dizziness and changes in urine output (indicative of kidney problems).
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as becoming pregnant while using telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide is not advisable. Telmisartan may harm an unborn baby. If pregnancy occurs, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
- This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Micardis HCT is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Micardis HCT tablet:
- 40 / 12.5 mg
- 80 / 12.5 mg
- 80 / 25 mg
- hydrochlorothiazide and telmisartan tablet:
- 40 / 12.5 mg
- 80 / 12.5 mg
- 80 / 25 mg
FAQ
When is the best time of day to take Micardis HCT?
Because the effects of Micardis HCT on your blood pressure lasts for 24 hours, you can take it any time of the day. Just be sure to take it at the same time every day so the amount of medication in your body stays steady.
How soon will Micardis HCT lower my blood pressure after I take it?
You might start to notice a drop in your blood pressure within about 3 hours after you take Micardis HCT. But it can take up to 4 weeks to see the full effect on your blood pressure.
Resources
- https://www.goodrx.com/micardis-hct/what-is#faqs
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/micardis-plus
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/telmisartan-and-hydrochlorothiazide-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20062973
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-20318/micardis-hct-oral/details
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/micardis-hct.html
