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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

TELMISARTAN/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE - ORAL

(tel-mi-SAR-tan/HYE-droe-KLOR-oh-THYE-a-zide)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Micardis HCT

WARNING: This drug can cause serious (possibly fatal) harm to an unborn baby if used during pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and to discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control while taking this medication. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

USES: This medication is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. This medication is a combination of two drugs. Telmisartan works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide increases the amount of urine you make, removing extra water and salt from your body. Telmisartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers, and hydrochlorothiazide is commonly called a "water pill" or diuretic.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This medication may also be used to treat congestive heart failure and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. You may take this drug with or without food. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. Therefore, it is best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime.

Drink adequate fluids to prevent the loss of too much body water (dehydration). If you are on restricted fluid intake, consult your doctor for further instructions.

Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This medicine can infrequently raise or lower your potassium blood levels, which can rarely cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness/cramping or fast/slow/irregular heartbeat. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these effects occur.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 4 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

Cholestyramine and colestipol can decrease the absorption of hydrochlorothiazide. If you are taking either of these drugs, separate telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide from cholestyramine by at least 4 hours and from colestipol by at least 2 hours.

Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase).