Micardis Plus (Telmisartan And Hydrochlorothiazide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Micardis Plus Used For?
Micardis Plus is a combination medication that contains two active ingredients working together to lower high blood pressure effectively.
Primary Uses
Micardis Plus is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems including stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure if left untreated.
How It Works
Micardis Plus contains two medicines that work in different ways: Telmisartan blocks a substance called angiotensin II that causes blood vessels to narrow, helping them relax and reducing blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that helps remove excess fluid from your body by increasing urine production, which also helps lower blood pressure.
Good to know: There are usually no signs of high blood pressure, so regular blood pressure checks are important to monitor your condition.
How to Take Micardis Plus
Take Micardis Plus exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It’s important to maintain consistent timing for best results.
Dosage Instructions
The usual starting dose is one Micardis Plus 40/12.5 tablet once daily. If your blood pressure isn’t controlled after 4-8 weeks, your doctor may increase to one 80/12.5 tablet daily. If still needed, the dose may be increased to one 80/25 tablet daily. Take at the same time each day, morning or evening, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. If you remember earlier, take it as soon as possible then return to your normal schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Infections of air passages
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Sinus congestion
- Dry mouth
- Nausea, vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Stomach pain or discomfort
- Gas or bloating
- Back pain
- Dizziness when standing
- Pins and needles
- Leg pain or cramps
- Skin rash or itching
- Muscle or joint aches
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased sweating
- Impotence
- Fainting
- Spinning sensation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eye pain or vision changes
- Heart rhythm changes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe shortness of breath or breathing difficulty
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Severe sudden skin reactions (hives)
- Increased sun sensitivity with severe sunburn symptoms
- Unusual skin changes or lesions
- Worsening of systemic lupus erythematosus
- Acute respiratory distress
- Signs of excessive medication effect (extreme thirst, drowsiness, confusion, muscle cramps, reduced urination, fast heart rate)
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Micardis Plus should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Micardis Plus
Do not take if you have: allergic reactions to telmisartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfonamide medicines; severe liver or kidney disease; bile flow problems; abnormal blood levels (low potassium, high calcium, treatment-resistant low sodium); low blood volume causing very low blood pressure; gout; diabetes or kidney disease while taking aliskiren; rare hereditary fructose or galactose intolerance.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: liver, kidney, or heart problems; diabetes; high cholesterol; primary hyperaldosteronism; recent severe diarrhea or vomiting; asthma; systemic lupus erythematosus; eye problems; skin cancer; or if you follow a very low salt diet.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Micardis Plus if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. It may harm your developing baby and it’s unknown if the medicine passes into breast milk.
Skin Cancer Risk: Long-term use with high doses may increase risk of skin and lip cancer. Protect your skin from sun exposure and report any unusual skin changes immediately.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with Micardis Plus, affecting how it works or increasing side effects.
- Other blood pressure medications (beta-blockers)
- Heart medicines (digoxin, antiarrhythmic medicines)
- Other diuretics or fluid tablets
- Laxatives
- Potassium supplements or salt substitutes
- Antifungal medicines (amphotericin B)
- Penicillin antibiotics
- Alcohol
- Sleeping tablets
- Lithium
- Depression medications
- Antipsychotics
- Epilepsy medications
- Strong pain medications
- Diabetes medicines
- Cholesterol-reducing medicines
- Corticosteroids (prednisolone, cortisone, ACTH)
- Aspirin
- Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)
- Gout medications
- Blood pressure increasing medicines (noradrenaline)
- Ciclosporin
- Calcium supplements
- Vitamin D supplements
- Anticholinergic medicines
- Amantadine
- Cancer medicines (cytotoxic medicines)
Alcohol & Driving
Micardis Plus can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact with alcohol.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as it may interact with Micardis Plus.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Micardis Plus affects you. The medication may cause sleepiness, dizziness, or light-headedness. You may feel dizzy when you first start taking it, especially if you’re also taking diuretics or are dehydrated. Stand up slowly if you feel dizzy.
Temperature Regulation
If you exercise, sweat, or are in hot weather, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Storage
Store Micardis Plus in a cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep tablets in the blister strip until ready to take. Do not store in bathrooms, cars, or on windowsills. Keep out of reach of children. Take expired or unwanted medicine to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you take too much Micardis Plus, you may feel dizzy, light-headed, or faint; have an unusual heartbeat; or experience dehydration, nausea, drowsiness, and muscle spasms. Immediately call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor may check if your blood pressure is controlled after 4-8 weeks of treatment and may adjust your dose if needed.
Yes, you can take Micardis Plus with or without food. Take it at the same time each day, either morning or evening.
Do not stop taking Micardis Plus or lower the dose without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as it may interact with Micardis Plus.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
Do not take any other medicines for high blood pressure without checking with your doctor first, as they may have additive effects.
Stop taking Micardis Plus and call your doctor immediately if you develop any unexpected lumps, bumps, ulcers, sores, or colored areas on your skin, as long-term use may increase skin cancer risk.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.