TELMISARTAN,HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE
Background and Date of Approval
Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide are antihypertensive medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of hypertension and edema.
Uses
Telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide helps to treat high blood pressure. This combination of medicine is used when one medicine alone is not effective in controlling blood pressure effectively and it lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
How is it administered?
STelmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription medicine available as a tablet in two doses, Solifenacin succinate 40mg and 80mg. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop.
Side Effects
The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide are fatigue, headaches, back pain, difficulty in breathing, stomach pain and back pain, fatigue, diarrhea and nausea. Some serious side effects also include increased urination, itching or rash, dry mouth and chest pain.
Warnings
Do not use potassium supplements and salt substitutes without the doctor's advice. Inform your doctor about any kidney or liver-related problems. If you are a breastfeeding mother or planning for pregnancy, you need to inform your doctor before starting this medication. While using this medication, blood pressure should be monitored regularly, and a kidney function test should be performed to note if there are any abnormal changes.
Precautions
This medication is taken as per the advice of the doctor. It can be taken in an empty stomach or along with food but it has to be taken at a fixed time daily. It is very important to take this medicine even if you feel well. As this medicine contains a diuretic which is known as a water pill it causes urination frequently; hence take this medicine 4 hrs before going to bed.
Word of Advice
Inform your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions to Telmisartan, Hydrochlorothiazide to avoid life-threatening complications. As this medicine contains a diuretic known as a water pill, it frequently causes urination; take this medicine 4 hours before bed. Tell your doctor before treatment commencement if you are pregnant or have liver, kidney, or uterine problems. While using this medication, blood pressure should be monitored regularly, and a kidney function test should be performed to note if there are any abnormal changes.
References
Rottendorf Pharma GmbH, European Medicine Consortium (EMC), [Revised on Dec 2022], [Accessed on 16th June 2023] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.6302.pdf Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Feb 2018], [Accessed on 16th June 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/021162s040lbl.pdf Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets, USP RX only prescribing information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. [Revised on March 2014], [Accessed on 16th June 2023], Available at: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=5b476740-e3f0-4f68-b07c-cd9eb2fa27ca Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Modulation of Cardiovascular function, 12th edition, 2011, 738
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the effect of Telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide last?
Telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide tablets usually last for an average duration of 24 hours, and the effects of this medication start within 2 hrs after the intake.
What is the contraindication of Telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide tablets?
It is contraindicated in patients with congestive cardiac failure and patients with a history of heart attack, stroke, angina, myocardial infarction. Patients should inform their doctor about heart-related diseases.
Does Telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide cause an increase in blood potassium level?
Yes, prolonged usage of Telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide, causes an increase in potassium levels in the blood. So individuals taking this medication are advised not to take any potassium supplements and foods rich in potassium to avoid side effects.
Does hydrochlorothiazide increase urination?
Yes, hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and hence it causes frequent urination which excretes the extra water and electrolyte which causes lowering of blood pressure. It is best to have this medicine 4hrs before sleep.
Can Telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide cause photosensitivity reactions?
Yes, this medication causes photosensitivity reactions, and patients become sensitive to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation. It is better to inform the doctor about skin problems before using this medication. Patients are advised to use protective sunscreen lotions to protect from sunburn.