Short Description
Telmisartan 40mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It contains telmisartan, which helps relax blood vessels, and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic that helps the body remove excess salt and water. Together, these ingredients help lower blood pressure.
What Is Telmisartan 40mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg?
Telmisartan 40mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg contains two active ingredients: telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Telmisartan belongs to a class of medicines called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), while hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic, commonly known as a water tablet.
This combination is used to manage high blood pressure when a healthcare professional considers treatment with both medicines appropriate. Lowering blood pressure helps reduce the risk of complications associated with uncontrolled hypertension.
Uses
Telmisartan 40mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg may be prescribed to:
Treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Help control blood pressure when treatment with a single medicine does not provide adequate control.
Support long-term blood pressure management as part of an appropriate treatment plan.
The appropriate treatment and dose should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the patient's blood pressure, medical history and response to previous treatment.
How Does Telmisartan Work?
Telmisartan 40mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg lowers blood pressure through two complementary mechanisms.
Telmisartan blocks the action of angiotensin II at AT1 receptors. This helps prevent blood vessels from narrowing, allowing blood to flow more easily.
Hydrochlorothiazide acts on the kidneys to increase the removal of sodium and water through urine. This helps reduce fluid volume and lower blood pressure.
The combined action helps manage hypertension. The response varies between individuals, and consistent treatment may be needed to maintain blood pressure control.
How to Take Telmisartan
Take Telmisartan exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional.
Frequency: This combination is generally taken once daily when prescribed on that schedule. Follow the instructions on your prescription and product leaflet.
With or without food: It can generally be taken with or without food.
Timing: Take the medicine at a consistent time each day. Ask your healthcare professional about suitable timing if increased urination affects your daily routine.
Administration: Swallow the tablet with water and follow any product-specific instructions.
Missed dose: Follow the instructions in your patient information leaflet. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Stopping treatment: Do not stop taking the medicine or change your dose without consulting your healthcare professional, even if your blood pressure improves.
Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure, kidney function and electrolyte levels during treatment.
Important Safety Information
Before taking Telmisartan 40mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history and all medicines, vitamins, supplements and herbal products you use.
Use this medicine only under appropriate medical supervision, particularly if you have:
Kidney disease or reduced urine production: Treatment may affect kidney function. The combination may be unsuitable in severe kidney impairment or if the kidneys produce no urine.
Liver disease or bile flow problems: Certain liver and biliary conditions may make this medicine unsuitable.
Dehydration or low blood pressure: Vomiting, diarrhoea or inadequate fluid intake may increase the risk of dizziness and a significant drop in blood pressure.
Electrolyte imbalances: The medicine can affect potassium, sodium and other electrolyte levels.
Diabetes or gout: Hydrochlorothiazide may affect blood glucose and uric acid levels.
Previous serious medicine allergies: Tell your doctor about allergies to telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide or sulfonamide-derived medicines.
Important interactions may occur with:
Other blood pressure medicines, particularly ACE inhibitors, other ARBs or aliskiren.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Lithium, because the combination may increase lithium levels.
Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes and medicines that affect potassium levels.
Certain diabetes medicines, which may require additional monitoring.
Combining medicines that affect the renin-angiotensin system may increase the risk of kidney problems, low blood pressure or electrolyte disturbances. Aliskiren must not be combined with this medicine in certain patients, including those with diabetes; additional restrictions may apply to people with kidney impairment.
Check all possible interactions and precautions with your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Pregnancy: Telmisartan can cause serious harm to an unborn baby, particularly during the second and third trimesters. This combination should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking it, contact your doctor immediately so that your treatment can be reviewed and an appropriate alternative considered.
Breastfeeding: This combination may not be suitable during breastfeeding because telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide may affect the infant or milk production. Recommendations can vary according to the product information and individual circumstances. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine while breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Like all medicines, Telmisartan can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common or reported side effects may include:
Seek prompt medical attention if you experience severe dizziness or fainting, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, a significant reduction in urine output, or sudden eye pain or changes in vision. These symptoms may indicate a serious reaction or complication requiring urgent assessment.
This is not a complete list of side effects or warnings. Please refer to the product packaging and patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for complete information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Storage
Store Telmisartan 40mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg according to the instructions shown on the original product packaging.
Keep the tablets in their original packaging to protect them from moisture where applicable.
Protect the medicine from excessive heat and moisture, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Keep it out of reach of children.
Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
Storage requirements may vary by manufacturer and product presentation. Refer to the supplied patient information leaflet for specific instructions.