Description:

Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide tablets  is a fixed-dose combination antihypertensive medication. It treats essential hypertension (high blood pressure) in adults when blood pressure is not adequately controlled by telmisartan monotherapy or when combination therapy is appropriate from the start. Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that relaxes blood vessels, while hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a thiazide diuretic that reduces blood volume by increasing urine output of sodium and water, providing additive blood pressure-lowering effects.

Prescription: Prescription-only (Rx). Requires a doctor’s prescription (typically from a cardiologist, physician, or general practitioner) with blood pressure monitoring, renal function tests, and electrolyte checks. In Ghana and similar markets, it is regulated and available through pharmacies (imported generic).

Therapeutic Category:

Antihypertensive combination / Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) + thiazide diuretic  for essential hypertension.

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each film-coated tablet contains:

• Telmisartan 40 mg or 80 mg (common strengths)
• Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg or 25 mg (standard fixed ratios: 40/12.5 mg, 80/12.5 mg, or 80/25 mg) Excipients: Standard tablet components (e.g., lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide; refer to label for full list).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant: Film-coated tablets in common fixed-dose combinations:

• Telmisartan 40 mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg
• Telmisartan 80 mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg
• Telmisartan 80 mg + Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg Pack of 28 tablets (calendar pack for monthly use; 4×7 or 2×14 blisters common).

Consume Type:

Oral (tablet; swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food).

Directions/Usage: Adults: 1 tablet once daily (usually in the morning). Starting dose: Often 40 mg/12.5 mg once daily; may increase to 80 mg/12.5 mg or 80 mg/25 mg if blood pressure not controlled after 4 weeks. Maximum: 80 mg telmisartan + 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide daily. Take at the same time each day. Regular blood pressure monitoring required. Dose adjustment in renal impairment (avoid if severe). Follow cardiologist/physician instructions; do not stop abruptly.

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness (especially first dose or dose increase)
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Back pain
• Upper respiratory infection symptoms
• Diarrhea
• Electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia, hyponatremia from hydrochlorothiazide)
• Hyperuricemia/gout exacerbation Serious rare: Angioedema (swelling of face/lips/tongue), acute kidney injury, severe hypotension, severe allergic reactions.

Package Type:

Blister packs (usually 28 tablets: 4 strips of 7 or 2 strips of 14; tablets oblong/biconvex, film-coated, color-coded by strength; in carton box with patient information leaflet).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25-30°C), in the original packaging to protect from moisture and light. Keep tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Monitor blood pressure, renal function, and electrolytes (especially potassium, sodium, creatinine) regularly.
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity, anuria, severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min), severe hepatic impairment, pregnancy (Category D—fetal harm), or history of angioedema with ARBs/ACEIs.
• Caution in bilateral renal artery stenosis, volume/salt depletion (risk of hypotension), gout, diabetes (hydrochlorothiazide may affect glucose), or hyperkalemia risk.
• Pregnancy: Contraindicated (discontinue if pregnancy occurs). Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
• Interactions: Lithium (increased levels), NSAIDs (reduced efficacy, renal risk), potassium-sparing diuretics/ACEIs (hyperkalemia).
• Report swelling of face/lips, severe dizziness, fainting, or persistent cough promptly.
• Not for hypertensive crisis (use faster-acting agents).

Product Substitutes: Other telmisartan + hydrochlorothiazide tablets in Ghana: Micardis Plus (original Boehringer Ingelheim), generic telmisartan/HCTZ (various importers), or brands like Telma-H, Telmikind-H, Telsartan-H. Alternatives: Other ARB + diuretic combos (e.g., losartan + HCTZ, valsartan + HCTZ) or separate agents—consult cardiologist/pharmacist per blood pressure control needs.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Crescent Pharma Limited.

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom.