Micardis and/or Equivalents
| Drug | Related Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Micardis 20mg and/or Equivalents | Micardis, Telmisartan |
| Micardis 40mg and/or Equivalents | Apo-Telmisartan, Micardis, Mizart, Telmisartan, Teva-Telmisartan |
| Micardis 80mg and/or Equivalents | Micardis, Mizart, Telmisartan, Teva-Telmisartan |
Micardis (telmisartan)
Micardis Description
Micardis is a drug that is frequently prescribed for the treatment of hypertension. It is the trade name of a combination of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Micardis is marketed in the United States by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Telmisartan belongs to the Sartan group of compounds, which are angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Hydrochlorothiazide, on the other hand, is a diuretic.
Conditions Treated by Micardis
Micardis is used for the treatment of hypertension. This is achieved by the combined effect of Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide.
The function of Telmisartan is to block the Angiotensin II receptors. Because of this, a cascade of reactions is initiated. The final output of this cascade is a decrease in the secretion of vasopressin and aldosterone. It also results in vasodilation. The combined effect of all these is a decrease in the blood pressure. This leads to control over hypertension.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic belonging to the thiazide class of drugs. It acts on the kidney and reduces water-retention in the body. As more and more water is excreted out, the volume of blood in the body decreases. This leads to a decrease in the cardiac output and thus helps control hypertension.
Micardis Dosage Information
Micardis is marketed in the form of biconvex, uncoated tablets. They are available in combinations of three different strengths: 40 mg/12.5 mg, 80 mg/12.5 mg and 80 mg/25 mg telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide, respectively.
a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations
For monotherapy with telmisartan the recommended initial dosage is 40 mg daily, whereas for hydrochlorothiazide, the recommended initial dosage is 12.5 to 50 mg daily. A patient whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by monotherapy with 80 mg Telmisartan or 25 mg Hydrochlorothiazide may be switched to Micardis. The recommended starting dose for such a patient is telmisartan 80 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg or telmisartan 80 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg tablets once daily. If the blood pressure is still not under control, then the medication needs to be titrated upwards.
b.) Missing a Dose
In case you miss a dose, then you must take the next dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, then you may skip the missed dose. Do not overdose to make up for the missed dose.
c.) Overdosing
In case you overdose, seek medical attention immediately. The exact effects of an overdosage of Micardis are unknown, but they are believed to be a combination of the effect exerted by the overdosage of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide individually.
Micardis Warnings
This medication is contraindicated in patients suffering from a known hypersensitivity to any component of the product.
Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist and affects the renin-angiotensin system. Any drug that acts on the renin-angiotensin system has harmful effects on the growth and development of an embryo. Hence, it is to be strictly avoided during pregnancy as it can cause causes fetal and neonatal morbidity when administered to pregnant women.
Volume and/or salt depletion is common in patients undergoing treatment with diuretics. Consequently, the renin-angiotensin system is active in such patients. Such patients, if administered the drug suffer from symptomatic hypotension. To prevent this, the condition must be corrected before administering the drug. If this is not possible, then the therapy with Micardis must be initiated with caution. In case, hypotension occurs, the patient must be treated accordingly.
In patients suffering from hepatic impairments, the drug must be administered with caution. The hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and may upset the electrolyte and water balance in the liver. This may lead to hepatic coma and may be fatal. In addition, the clearance of the drug from the body may be impaired in patients suffering from hepatic impairments. Therefore, it might lead to accumulation of the drug within the body.
The drug may affect the renal system in some individuals as it inhibits the renin-angiotensin system. This may lead to problems such as oliguria or progressive azotemia. Progression of this condition may cause acute renal failure and may cause fatalities in some cases.
Hydrochlorothiazide may exacerbate or activate systemic lupus erythematosus in certain individuals.
The administration of Micardis might cause somnolence, dizziness or vertigo in some individuals. Hence, the patients should exercise caution while performing activities such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
Micardis Side Effects
The drug can cause some side effects in some individuals. In such cases, the drug must be administered with caution. The minor side effects of the drug include:
- stomach pain and diarrhea
- sore throat
- cough and sore throat
- weakness and an increase in sweating
If these symptoms persist for long or become severe, then you must discontinue the medication and consult your doctor immediately. The more severe side effects of the drug include:
- difficulty or pain during urination
- chest pain
- running out of breath even with mild physical exertion
- swelling in the limbs etc
If you develop any of these symptoms, then you must seek medical attention immediately.
Possible Drug Interactions with Micardis
Micardis consists of Angiotensin II receptor antagonist and a diuretic. They are bound to interact with a large number of drugs.
Micardis causes an increase in the levels of Lanoxin (Digoxin) when they are administered concomitantly. To prevent this, the levels of digoxin should be monitored and the dose adjusted accordingly.
Altace (ramipril) and Ramiprilat when co-administered, the medications half-lives in the body increased two-fold. This leads to a higher response by the two drugs.
Alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics when consumed along with a diuretic such as Hydrodiuril (Hydrochlorothiazide), it may cause orthostatic hypotension. Hydrodiuril (Hydrochlorothiazide) may affect the levels of anti-diabetic drugs and hence their doses need to be adjusted. Corticosteroids affect the levels of electrolytes and may result in electrolyte depletion. Hydrochlorothiazide will interact with corticosteroids and their additive affect might lead to hypokalemia. Diuretics affect the clearance of lithium from the body. Hence, if they are administered along with Micardis, it might lead to lithium toxicity.
These are some of the interactions of Micardis. There may be others too. It is necessary that you consult with your doctor before starting therapy with Micardis to avoid any complications.
If you have any questions about buying discount Micardis online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.
Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Micardis and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information
