MICARDIS HCT (TELMISARTAN/HCTZ)

Micardis HCT Description

You may be surprised to learn during your physical exam that your blood pressure is high and could be putting you at risk for a stroke, heart attack, or kidney damage unless you lower it. Becoming more active, losing some weight, quit smoking, reduce alcohol intake, and learning to deal better with stress can certainly help lower your blood pressure. But not everyone can do this and may need to rely on meds.

Micardis HCT contains a combination of Telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, and hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), a diuretic (water pill) your doctor can prescribe for the purpose of treating your high blood pressure and decreasing other health risks.

How Micardis HCT Lowers Your BP

Telmisartan works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in your body called angiotensin II. This is a type of hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict which increases your blood pressure as blood flow is forcing its way thru narrowed pathways.

HCT works on your kidneys to increase urine output in order to get rid of excess salt. Having too much salt (sodium) in your system can cause an increase in the fluid that builds up in your blood vessels and raises your blood pressure. If you are already on medication to treat hypertension but it does not seem to be efficient enough to lower your blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe Micardis HCT.

Conditions Treated by Micardis HCT

Hypertension seldom displays any symptoms that indicate you could be at risk for a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease unless you are diagnosed and treated. High blood pressure means the force of the blood flow through your arteries is too great. This can cause microscopic tears in the artery walls that eventually form scar tissue. This scar tissue is the perfect place for plaque to collect and cause a narrowing in the arteries that drives your blood pressure up.

Damaged arteries will prevent your other organs from receiving an adequate blood supply as your heart strains to pump blood to them. If this is left untreated, your heart can eventually be deprived of blood to pump and a heart attack could occur. Take Micardis HCT, make regular doctor visits, eat healthy, exercise, and quit smoking to help maintain a safe blood pressure.

Before You Take Micardis HCT

Make sure your doctor is aware of other medical conditions you have that could interfere with taking Micardis HCT or generic Telmisartan/HCTZ. Discuss any current OTC or Rx drugs you are taking, including herbal preparations and dietary or vitamin supplements as these could affect how Micardis HCT works in your body or create unintended side effects. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Important to Know About Micardis HCT

You should not take Micardis HCT if you are pregnant or become pregnant. If you are also dealing with diabetes, inform your doctor of all meds you take to keep your glucose levels down as some of them can cause adverse effects when taken with Micardis HCT. Do not drive or take part in any activities until you know how Micardis HCT will affect you.

Possible Side Effects of Micardis HCT

• Dizziness
• Body aches or pain
• Cold-like symptoms
• Nausea/diarrhea