Micardis Plus

Generic Name: Telmisartan, Hydrochlorothiazide
Product Name: Micardis Plus

Indication

Micardis Plus is used to control high blood pressure (also called hypertension). Everybody has blood pressure which is important to supply blood around the body, but when blood pressure becomes higher than normal, it may cause damage to blood vessels in organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes and the brain.

Action

Micardis Plus contains two ingredients that work together to help lower high blood pressure:

• Telmisartan prevents blood vessels from tightening, thus reducing your blood pressure.
• Hydrochlorothiazide increases your urine volume, which also aids in lowering blood pressure.

Dose advice

• Micardis Plus is only available via prescription from your doctor.
• Can be taken with or without food.
• Should be taken at the same time each day in order to obtain its best effect and to help you remember to take it.
• Micardis Plus does not cure high blood pressure; therefore it is important to continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.
• The medication may make you feel dizzy, especially if you stand up too quickly. If you are affected, get up gradually to avoid that effect. If you feel dizzy sit down or lie down.

Schedule

Micardis Plus is Schedule 4.

Common side effects

All medicines have side effects. Some side effects can be serious, but the most common ones are mild. Common side effects occurring in more than 1% of patients prescribed Micardis Plus include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Influenza-like symptoms
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Headache
• Cough

Uncommon side effects

These are some uncommon side effects that occur in less than 1% of patients. Do not be alarmed by this list. A patient will not necessarily experience any of these:

• Skin rash
• Muscle pain, muscle weakness
• Jaundice
• Change in heart rhythm
• Feeling generally unwell, fever

Consult your doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms, or any other unusual or abnormal symptoms.

References

1. Australian Medicines Handbook. Telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide [online]. AMH Pty Ltd 2007 [cited 22 October 2007]. Available from URL: http://www.amh.net.au
2. MIMS Online. Micardis Plus [online]. MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2007 [cited 22 October 2007]. Available from URL: http://www.mims.com.au  
3. Lazo J, Gilman A, Brunton L, Parker K (eds). Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (11th edition). New York: McGraw-Hill; 2005.
4. Micardis Plus Product Information. Boehringer Ingelheim Pty Ltd; 3 February 2009.

For further information talk to your doctor.