Telmisartan + hydrochlorothiazide - oral


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide are combined together in this medicine. This medicine helps keep your blood pressure under control.

Telmisartan helps your blood pressure to go down by relaxing the blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide removes excess water and salts from the body by passing them into the urine. This reduces the amount of water in the body and thus reduces the blood pressure.
How do I take this medicine?
Take Telmisartan + Hydrochorothiazide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking it even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
When should I not use this medicine?
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • severe liver disease
  • severe kidney disease
  • low potassium level or high calcium level in your blood
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with this medicine, alert your doctor immediately. Telmisartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking this medicine.

Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.

Do not take Telmisartan + Hydrochlorothiazide with aliskiren (medicine used to treat high blood pressure) if you have diabetes.
What should I take note of while taking this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • diabetes
  • gout
  • systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation)
  • primary hyperaldosteronism (raised aldosterone level)
  • heart disease e.g. narrowing of heart valves
  • low blood pressure
  • kidney disease e.g. narrowing of the blood vessel in the kidney
  • electrolyte imbalance (imbalance of minerals in the body)
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and certain laboratory tests, inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.

For as long as you are taking Telmisartan + Hydrochlorothiazide, you may need to monitor your blood pressure regularly to check your body’s response to the medicine. Routine tests for your kidney function and electrolyte level may also be done. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.

What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?

Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity (e.g. walking) at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.

If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to kick your smoking habit.

Try to keep stress levels under control as stress will cause your blood pressure to go up.
What side effects could I experience?
Telmisartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects may include any of the following: tiredness, diarrhoea, nausea, flu-like symptoms, nasal pain or congestion and inflamed sinus.

This medicine may increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
  • swelling of hands, legs, face or mouth
  • difficulty in breathing
  • rashes
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Can I take this with other medicines?
Do not take Telmisartan + Hydrochlorothiazide with aliskiren (medicine used to treat high blood pressure) if you have diabetes.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
  • medicines for heart disease e.g. digoxin
  • medicines to treat depression e.g. lithium
  • medicines for pain and inflammation e.g. NSAIDS
  • medicines for diabetes e.g. metformin, insulin
  • cholesterol-lowering medicine e.g. colestyramine, colestipol
  • medicines or supplements containing potassium
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Telmisartan + Hydrochlorothiazide.

Always notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid alcohol.
How should I store this medicine?
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on telmisartan + hydrochlorothiazide - oral and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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