Micardis HCT Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Hypertension

Hypertension (high blood pressure), is the force with which blood pushes against the walls of blood vessels. There are two components to any blood pressure reading: systolic pressure (the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats) and diastolic pressure (the pressure in between beats when the heart is at rest).

People with clinical hypertension have systolic pressure higher than 130 mmHg and diastolic pressure higher than 80 mmHg. If left untreated, high blood pressure drastically increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

It is possible to successfully reduce high blood pressure through dietary changes and regular physical exercise. In some cases, prescription medication is recommended.

Marketed Internationally as Micardis Plus

In some countries, Micardis HCT is sold under the brand name Micardis Plus.

Micardis HCT Active Ingredients

Generic  Micardis HCT Alternative: Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide

Micardis HCT is a combination medication with two active ingredients. Telmisartan belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

It relaxes blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, increasing the amount of urine produced by the body and improving blood flow.

General Drug Information

What is Micardis HCT and What Is It Used For?

Micardis HCT is prescribed to treat hypertension. Lowering blood pressure helps to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems in hypertension patients.

This drug is a combination treatment which features two active ingredients. It is usually prescribed to patients who have not experienced blood pressure reduction by using one of the active agents alone.

Usage and Application

Micardis HCT should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment.

Most patients are prescribed one daily oral dose. Micardis HCT is a combination drug, which contains a diuretic, therefore it is best to avoid taking it within four hours of your bedtime. This will help you avoid waking to use the bathroom.

Patients should take this medication regularly in order to experience its full benefit. Take the medication at the same time every day to prevent forgetting.

It may take up to four weeks before people experience the full benefit of Micardis HCT. Patients should continue taking the medication even if they feel well. This is especially important as hypertension does not often have symptoms.

Patients should take Micardis HCT at least four hours before (and at least four hours after) using certain cholesterol medications. Examples include bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol.

Inform your doctor if your blood pressure remains high, or if your condition worsens.

Considerations Before Taking Micardis HCT.

Before buying Micardis HCT and starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to the two active ingredients of this medication. If you shop for Micardis HCT online, note that you may encounter the drug under its generic name telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history, especially liver disease, dehydration, bile duct blockage, and high or low levels of potassium in the blood. Patients should also mention gout, lupus, and renal artery stenosis.

Micardis HCT may cause dizziness. Patients should not drive, use machinery, or perform tasks which require alertness until they are in condition to do so safely. Alcohol and marijuana can exacerbate dizziness, so patients should limit alcoholic beverages and discuss marijuana use with their doctor.

Vomiting, diarrhea, or profuse sweating can cause dehydration and lightheadedness. Patients should report such problems to their doctor. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration unless told otherwise by the treating physician.

Before surgery or certain dental procedures, patients should tell their doctor or dentist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products they are taking.

Micardis HCT may also make it harder for diabetic patients to control their blood sugar levels. Patients should check their blood sugar levels regularly and report symptoms (like increased thirst and urination) to their doctor. It may be necessary to adjust the dosage or introduce dietary/exercise changes to better control blood sugar.

This medicine may increase levels of potassium in the body. Patients should discuss the use of potassium supplements (and salt substitutes containing potassium) with their doctor or pharmacist.

This drug may increase sun sensitivity, so patients should avoid tanning booths, sunlamps, and limit their time in the sun. When outdoors, apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing. Report any sunburn to the treating physician.

Older adults are often more sensitive to the side effects of Micardis HCT, especially relating to dizziness and kidney problems.

Micardis HCT should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm an unborn baby. Women should consult their doctor for more details.

This medication passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should consult their doctor before breastfeeding.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Micardis HCT should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up on the dose to catch up.

Other Medications and Micardis HCT

Drug interactions may change the way Micardis HCT works, increasing the risk of side effects. With their doctor, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking before starting treatment.

Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless advised to do so.

Some medications – such as the blood pressure medication aliskiren and antiarrhythmic drug dofetilide – may interact negatively with Micardis HCT. This is also true with the mood stabilizer lithium, as well as with drugs that increase potassium levels.

Examples include certain hypertension drugs like Fortekor, Prinivil, and Altace, as well as birth control pills containing drospirenone.

Patients should also note that certain products – especially diet pills, cough-and-cold products, and NSAIDs – may contain ingredients known to raise blood pressure or worsen heart failure. Patients should discuss the safe use of these products with their doctor or pharmacist.

Micardis HCT may interfere with the results of some blood tests. Patients should inform their doctor or laboratory personnel about the possibility of faulty results.

This document does not contain a full list of all possible interactions. Please consult with your physician before buying Micardis HCT or any of its generic alternatives online.

Adverse Reactions

Most patients are able to use Micardis HCT without serious negative side effects.

Common side effects include dizziness and lightheadedness. These effects may be especially pronounced at the start of treatment. To reduce discomfort, patients should get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Contact your doctor should these effects persist or worsen.

Serious side effects include fainting and high potassium levels, which can manifest in symptoms like muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat.

This medicine may cause dehydration. Symptoms include extreme thirst, extreme dry mouth, muscle cramps and weakness, irregular heartbeat, and confusion.

Serious side effects include fainting, joint pain, eye pain, and a decrease in vision. Patients should also monitor for kidney problems, which can manifest in urine production changes and symptoms of high levels of potassium in the blood (eg. muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat).

Serious allergic reactions to Micardis HCT are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

How to Store Micardis HCT

Micardis HCT should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not remove from the blister pack until immediately before use. If prescribed the liquid form, keep the container tightly closed. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly. Do not pour down drains or flush down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.