What is Micardis HCT?
The diuretic hydrochlorothiazide Telmisartan works as an angiotensin-I receptor blocker. Micardis is a combination medication used to treat hypertension. Reduced blood pressure can reduce your chances of having a stroke or heart attack. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Micardis HCT.
Side effects of Micardis HCT
If you experience symptoms of an allergy such as difficulty breathing, hives or any swelling on your lips, face, throat, tongue or mouth seek immediate medical care. Micardis can, in rare instances, cause a breakdown of muscle tissue that leads to renal failure. If you experience unexplained pain, tenderness, or weakness, call your doctor immediately, especially if there is a fever or unusual fatigue.
Call your doctor immediately if:
- Eye pain and vision problems
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Jaundice, or yellowing of skin and eyes, can lead to severe medical consequences.
- Unusual weight gain; swelling of the hands and feet;
- Easy bruising and unusual bleeding
- Signs of electrolyte deficiency include dry mouth, thirst, confusion, restlessness, nausea, weakness or muscle pain, a lack of energy, and fast heartbeats.
Micardis HCT side effects may include:
- Feeling tired and dizzy
- Nausea, diarrhea;
- Back pain
- Cold or flu symptoms
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Call the Food and Drug Administration's hotline, 1-800-FDA-1088, to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Amlodipine, Lisinopril, Metoprolol, Losartan, Furosemide, and Hydrochlorothiazide
Warnings
Use only if you are not pregnant. If you get pregnant, stop using the medication and immediately tell your doctor. This medicine should not be used if you cannot urinate. Micardis HCT should not be taken with any medications that contain aliskiren, a blood pressure medication.
Before you take this drug
Micardis should be avoided if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide, telmisartan, or if you have difficulty urinating. Micardis HCT should not be taken with any medications that contain aliskiren, a blood pressure medication.
If you suffer from kidney disease, it is important to not take Micardis HCT along with Aliskiren.
If you've ever:
- Kidney disease
- Liver Disease
- Glaucoma;
- Low or high magnesium or potassium levels in the blood
- Asthma or allergy?
- Lupus;
- Diabetes;
- An allergy to penicillin and sulfa medications.
You should not take this medicine if you are pregnant. If you are pregnant, stop using Micardis and immediately tell your doctor. Micardis can harm or even kill an unborn child if taken during the second or third trimester. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Micardis HCT?
Read and follow all instructions or guides included with your medication and do as instructed. Occasionally, doctors will alter dosage; therefore it is imperative that you take your dose as prescribed. This medication may be taken either with or without food.Checking your blood pressure regularly will be important.If you have diarrhea or vomiting or are sweating excessively, call your doctor. Micardis can cause dehydration. It can cause very high blood pressure, a severe electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure, or even a very low blood pressure.Tell your surgeon if you plan to undergo surgery or a medical test that you're taking this medication.This medication may not control your blood pressure for up to four weeks. Continue to take this medication as prescribed, even when you are feeling well. This condition is often symptomless. It is possible that you will need to take blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.Keep away from heat and moisture. Store each tablet in the blister until it is ready to use. Remove the foil by gently pushing the tablet.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip any that have been missed and never take more than one at the same time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. In some cases, overdose symptoms include a fast heartbeat or a slow heartbeat. Other signs may be feeling faint or lightheaded.
What should be avoided?
The use of hydrochlorothiazide can increase the risk of cancerous skin. Avoid tanning or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. You may be asked by your doctor to undergo regular skin checks.Use potassium or sodium substitutes only if your doctor tells you to.Alcohol may help lower blood pressure further and have side effects, which could include adverse health issues.Drink enough water to avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated during physical activity, in hot weather, or when exercising.
Interaction with other drug
Avoid taking other medications such as cholestyramine or colestipol within four hours of Micardis HCT.
Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including:
- Any other blood pressure or heart medications
- Digoxin;
- Lithium;
- A diuretic, or "water pills."
- Insulin or diabetes oral medicine
- Opioid pain medicine;
- A sleeping pill.
- Steroid medication or adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH);
- A barbiturate, such as butabarbital or phenobarbital.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Aspirin (Advil), ibuprofen, naproxen, Indomethacin, and other nsaids.
The list below is not exhaustive. Micardis may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal products.This list does not encompass all possible drug-drug interactions.
