About Telmisartan + Hydrochlorothiazide 40 mg/12.5 mg Tablet
Telmisartan + Hydrochlorothiazide 40 mg/12.5 mg Tablet contains Telmisartan 40 mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg. This combination is used to treat high blood pressure when one medicine alone is not enough. Telmisartan relaxes blood vessels and hydrochlorothiazide is a water pill that helps the body remove extra salt and water. It is usually taken once a day and must not be used in pregnancy.
Uses of Telmisartan + Hydrochlorothiazide 40 mg/12.5 mg Tablet
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
Benefits
In high blood pressure
Lowering blood pressure reduces the strain on the heart and blood vessels and lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage. You may not feel different, so keep taking it.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Dizziness
- Passing more urine
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Low potassium levels
Get medical help if you notice
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing — stop and seek emergency care
- Fainting, very dizzy, extreme thirst, dry mouth, muscle cramps or confusion (possible dehydration or salt imbalance) — contact your doctor
- Sudden eye pain or blurred vision — get medical help straight away
- New or changing skin spots or lumps during long-term use — show your doctor
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually once a day at the same time, preferably in the morning. Swallow the tablet with water; it can be taken with or without food.
How it works
Telmisartan blocks angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels, so the vessels relax. Hydrochlorothiazide helps the kidneys remove extra salt and water. Together they lower blood pressure.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and make you dizzy. Keep it to a minimum.
Pregnancy Unsafe
It must not be used in pregnancy, as it can harm the baby. Tell your doctor straight away if you become pregnant.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It is not recommended while breastfeeding. Ask your doctor about other options.
Driving Caution
It may cause dizziness, especially at the start. Do not drive if you feel affected.
Kidney Caution
Your doctor will check your kidney function and blood salts. It should not be used in severe kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Use with caution in liver disease. It should not be used in severe liver disease or blocked bile ducts.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Get up slowly from sitting or lying to avoid dizziness.
- Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless your doctor says so.
- Protect your skin from strong sun.
- Keep having your blood pressure and blood tests checked as advised.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Benzimidazole derivative (telmisartan); benzothiadiazine (hydrochlorothiazide)
- Therapeutic class
- Cardiovascular
- Action class
- Angiotensin II receptor blocker + thiazide diuretic
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Potassium supplements, salt substitutes, potassium-sparing water pills | Can affect potassium levels |
| Lithium | Lithium levels can rise to harmful levels |
| NSAID painkillers | Can reduce the blood pressure effect and strain the kidneys |
| ACE inhibitors or aliskiren | Higher risk of kidney problems and high potassium |
| Digoxin | Low potassium can increase digoxin side effects |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: telmisartan; hydrochlorothiazide). Pharmacist review pending.