Micardis HCT (Telmisartan, Hydrochlorothiazide) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Micardis HCT

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Micardis HCT

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Micardis® HCT
(telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide) 40 mg/12.5 mg 80 mg/12.5 mg and 80 mg/25 mg Tablets

WARNING

FETAL TOXICITY

When pregnancy is detected, discontinue MICARDIS HCT as soon as possible.
Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus (see WARNINGS, Fetal Toxicity).

DRUG DESCRIPTION

MICARDIS HCT tablets are a combination of telmisartan, an orally active angiotensin II antagonist acting on the AT₁ receptor subtype, and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic.

Telmisartan, a non-peptide molecule, is chemically described as 4'-[(1,4'-dimethyl-2'-propyl[2,6'-bi-1Hbenzimidazol]-1'-yl)methyl]-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-carboxylic acid. Its empirical formula is C₃₃H₃₀N₄O₂, its molecular weight is 514.63, and its structural formula is:

Telmisartan Structural Formula Illustration

Telmisartan is a white to slightly yellowish solid. It is practically insoluble in water and in the pH range of 3 to 9, sparingly soluble in strong acid (except insoluble in hydrochloric acid), and soluble in strong base.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a white, or practically white, practically odorless, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 297.74. It is slightly soluble in water, and freely soluble in sodium hydroxide solution. Hydrochlorothiazide is chemically described as 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide. Its empirical formula is C₇H₈ClN₃O₄S₂, and its structural formula is:

Hydrochlorothiazide Structural Formula Illustration

MICARDIS HCT tablets are formulated for oral administration in three combinations of 40 mg/12.5 mg, 80 mg/12.5 mg, and 80 mg/25 mg telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide, respectively. The tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: sodium hydroxide, meglumine, povidone, sorbitol, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, sodium starch glycolate. As coloring agents, the 40 mg/12.5 mg and 80 mg/12.5 mg tablets contain ferric oxide red, and the 80 mg/25 mg tablets contain ferric oxide yellow. Micardis® HCT (telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide) tablets are hygroscopic and require protection from moisture.

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and telmisartan (Micardis HCT)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and telmisartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Stop using this medication and call...

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What are the precautions when taking telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide (Micardis HCT)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to telmisartan or hydrochlorothiazide; or to ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: an inability to make urine.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, severe loss of body fluids (dehydration through too much sweating/vomiting/diarrhea), mineral/electrolyte problems (e.g.,...

Read All Potential Precautions of Micardis HCT »

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/30/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.