Micardis HCT

Micardis HCT is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It contains 2 active ingredients: telmisartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker) and hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic). It is not indicated for the initial treatment of hypertension. It is generally used when blood pressure is not adequately controlled with a single medication.

Below is a quick overview of important facts for patients and caregivers:

Micardis HCT is prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults:

• Indicated for the treatment of hypertension.
• Lowering blood pressure helps reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart attack as part of an overall heart health treatment plan.
• Not indicated for the initial therapy of hypertension.
• May be used alone or with other antihypertensive medications.

Micardis HCT combines two medications with antihypertensive effects:

• Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It blocks angiotensin II binding to the AT1 receptor, preventing vasoconstriction and reducing aldosterone secretion. This helps lower blood pressure and relax blood vessels.
• Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic. It increases sodium and chloride excretion in the kidneys, reducing plasma volume and lowering blood pressure.

By combining these two actions, the medication achieves greater blood pressure reduction than either drug alone.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. General guidelines include:

• Usually taken once daily.
• Can be taken with or without food.
• Take at the same time each day.
• Because it contains a diuretic, taking it earlier in the day may help avoid nighttime urination.

Do not stop taking Micardis HCT without consulting your healthcare provider.

Micardis HCT dosing depends on prior treatment and blood pressure response.

Hepatic Impairment:

• Initiate under close medical supervision using 40 mg/12.5 mg.
• Use is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment because telmisartan exposure may increase.

Important administration instructions:

• Do not remove tablets from the blister pack until immediately before administration.
• May be administered with other antihypertensive medications.

What If You Overdose on Micardis HCT?

There is limited clinical information about overdose cases of Micardis HCT. Symptoms may reflect the effects of either component.

• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Dizziness
• Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
• Electrolyte imbalance (low potassium, low sodium, low chloride)
• Dehydration

Telmisartan is not dialyzable. The extent to which hydrochlorothiazide is removed by hemodialysis has not been established. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate emergency medical help or contact a poison control center.

The Micardis HCT tablets may cause side effects, some of which can be serious.

Common Side Effects

Commonly reported Micardis HCT side effects are listed below:

• Upper respiratory tract infections (including sinus pain or sore throat)
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Flu-like symptoms
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

Serious Side Effects

This medication may cause serious adverse reactions. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Worsening of lupus
• Liver problems: May worsen in patients with existing liver disease
• Kidney problems: Swelling of feet, ankles, or hands; unexplained weight gain
• Allergic reactions: Swelling of the throat, tongue, or face; difficulty breathing
• Eye problems: Decreased vision or eye pain, which may occur within hours to weeks of starting treatment
• Non-melanoma skin cancer: May increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (associated with hydrochlorothiazide)
• Electrolyte imbalance: Symptoms may include dry mouth, thirst, weakness, confusion, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, or low urine output
• Low blood pressure (hypotension): It may occur especially in patients who are dehydrated, on diuretics, on a low-salt diet, or receiving dialysis

This is not a complete list of side effects. Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about adverse reactions. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit MedWatch.

While using this medication, the following warnings should be considered:

• Hypersensitivity reactions: More likely in patients with a history of allergy or asthma.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus: Thiazide diuretics may exacerbate or activate lupus.
• Fetal toxicity: May cause fetal harm or death. Discontinue immediately if pregnancy occurs.
• Renal impairment: May cause worsening kidney function, including acute renal failure. Monitor renal function periodically.
• Acute myopia and angle-closure glaucoma: Sudden vision changes or eye pain require immediate medical attention.
• Hypotension: Symptomatic low blood pressure may occur in volume- or salt-depleted patients. Correct depletion before starting therapy.
• Electrolyte and metabolic changes: May cause changes in potassium, sodium, or calcium levels, altered blood sugar control, increased cholesterol or triglycerides, and elevated uric acid levels. Periodic monitoring is recommended.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy: Micardis HCT tablets can cause fetal harm when used during the second and third trimesters. Exposure to drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system may result in reduced fetal kidney function, low amniotic fluid levels (oligohydramnios), lung development problems, skeletal abnormalities, hypotension, renal failure, or death. Discontinue this medication immediately if pregnancy is detected. Thiazides cross the placenta and may cause fetal or neonatal jaundice and thrombocytopenia.

Breastfeeding: No data are available on the presence of telmisartan in human milk. Hydrochlorothiazide is present in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, including hypotension and renal impairment, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.

Micardis HCT may interact with the following medications or substances:

• Alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics: May increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension.
• Pressor amines (e.g., norepinephrine): May decrease the response to pressor amines, though not sufficient to preclude their use.
• Corticosteroids or ACTH: May intensify electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia.
• Skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g., curare derivatives): May increase responsiveness to muscle relaxants.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): May reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney problems.
• Other medications that increase potassium levels: May increase the risk of high potassium levels.
• Lithium: May increase lithium levels in the blood and increase the risk of toxicity. Monitoring may be required if used together.
• Digoxin: Telmisartan may increase digoxin levels. Monitoring may be required when used together.
• Antidiabetic medications (including insulin): May affect blood sugar control. Monitoring or dose adjustments may be required.
• ACE inhibitors or aliskiren: Using these medications together may increase the risk of low blood pressure, high potassium levels, and kidney problems. Combination use should be carefully monitored.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all substances, supplements, and medications they use before starting Micardis HCT tablets.

Other angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and thiazide diuretic combinations include:

These medications contain different active ingredients and should not be substituted without medical guidance. Brand availability may vary by location and supply. Treatment selection should be determined by a healthcare provider based on blood pressure goals, patient-specific risk factors, potential drug interactions, and clinical response.

Prescription blood pressure medications may be costly at many U.S. retail pharmacies. Ordering Micardis HCT online from Polar Bear Meds may help reduce overall costs while maintaining safety, quality, and reliability.

• Competitive pricing compared to many U.S. retail pharmacies.
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• U.S. customers can order with a valid prescription.
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• Fast and secure shipping across the United States, typically within 3-5 business days via Xpress Post.
• Shipping timelines may vary depending on processing requirements and location.
• Dedicated customer support team to assist with prescriptions, orders, and delivery questions.
• Additional savings with coupon code WELCOMEPB10: 10% off your first order.

All Micardis HCT orders require a valid prescription. Medications are dispensed by licensed pharmacies that comply with applicable pharmacy regulations and safety standards.

• https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b078dae2-664d-4144-847a-3b9d9b557402
• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/021162s047lbl.pdf
• https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601249.html#:~:text=Your%20blood%20pressure%20may%20decrease,even%20if%20you%20feel%20well.