Description:

Co-Micardis 28 tablets (by Boehringer Ingelheim) is a fixed-dose combination antihypertensive medication used to treat essential hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with telmisartan or hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy. It combines an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that relaxes blood vessels with a thiazide diuretic that removes excess salt and water, providing additive blood pressure reduction. It helps lower the risk of cardiovascular events (stroke, heart attack) in hypertensive patients. In Ghana (Accra), it is a common prescription medication available in pharmacies for long-term hypertension management.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx; typically prescribed by physicians or cardiologists after blood pressure assessment and monitoring of electrolytes/renal function; not OTC due to diuretic effects and need for regular checks).

Therapeutic Category:

• Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker + Thiazide Diuretic Combination (Fixed-dose antihypertensive).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Each film-coated tablet contains:

• Telmisartan – 40 mg or 80 mg (angiotensin II receptor blocker).
• Hydrochlorothiazide – 12.5 mg (thiazide diuretic). Common strengths: Co-Micardis 40 mg/12.5 mg or 80 mg/12.5 mg. Other ingredients (excipients): Meglumine, sorbitol, sodium hydroxide, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, talc, macrogol, iron oxides (for coloring). Tablets are oval, biconvex, and film-coated (color varies by strength: white/off-white or light pink).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None (trace sodium from excipients, but not therapeutic).

Variant:

• Co-Micardis 40 mg/12.5 mg tablets (lower telmisartan dose).
• Co-Micardis 80 mg/12.5 mg tablets (higher telmisartan dose). Common pack size: 28 tablets (4×7 blister packs). The queried “Co-Micardis 28 tablets” typically refers to one of these two strengths in a 28-tablet pack.

Consume Type:

• Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew).

Directions/Usage:

• Adults: 1 tablet once daily (usually in the morning).
• Can be taken with or without food.
• Take at the same time each day for consistent blood pressure control.
• Do not exceed 1 tablet per day (maximum 80 mg telmisartan + 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide).
• Duration: Long-term (often lifelong) for hypertension; do not stop suddenly without medical advice (rebound hypertension risk).
• Regular blood pressure, renal function, and electrolyte monitoring required.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Dizziness, light-headedness (especially when standing).
• Fatigue, headache.
• Upper respiratory infection symptoms.
• Back pain.
• Increased uric acid (gout risk from hydrochlorothiazide).
• Low potassium (hypokalaemia), increased creatinine (renal function changes). Rare/serious (seek help): Severe hypotension, angioedema (swelling of face/lips/throat), acute kidney injury, electrolyte imbalance (low sodium/potassium), or severe skin reactions.

Package Type:

• Blister packs (typically 4 strips of 7 tablets = 28 tablets total; foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet and dosing guide).

Storage Advice:

• Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in pregnancy (fetal toxicity – stop immediately if pregnancy occurs), hypersensitivity to telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide/sulphonamides, severe renal/hepatic impairment, anuria, or hypokalaemia/hypercalcemia.
• Caution in bilateral renal artery stenosis (risk of acute kidney injury), heart failure, gout, diabetes, or volume depletion.
• Hydrochlorothiazide component increases risk of skin cancer with long-term use (use sunscreen, avoid excessive sun).
• Monitor renal function, electrolytes (especially potassium), and blood pressure regularly.
• Avoid potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics without monitoring.
• If swelling, severe dizziness, reduced urine output, muscle weakness, or severe headache occurs, seek immediate care.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes:

Similar telmisartan + hydrochlorothiazide tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic telmisartan/HCTZ 40mg/12.5mg or 80mg/12.5mg (various importers).
• Micardis Plus (original Boehringer Ingelheim brand, higher price if stocked).
• Other brands like Telmisartan Plus or local generics. Alternatives: Losartan + HCTZ (Cozaar Plus generics), valsartan + HCTZ, irbesartan + HCTZ, or separate telmisartan + diuretic. Consult cardiologist/pharmacist in Accra for switch.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Boehringer Ingelheim

Country of Origin:

• Germany