Telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide

Telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide, sold under the names Micardis HCT among others, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure.[1] It is a combination of telmisartan an angiotensin II receptor antagonist with hydrochlorothiazide a diuretic.[1] It may be used if telmisartan by itself is not sufficient.[2] It is taken by mouth.[2]

Common side effects include dizziness, upper respiratory tract infections, nausea, diarrhea, and tiredness.[1] Severe side effects may include kidney problems, electrolyte problems, and allergic reactions.[1] Use during pregnancy may harm the baby.[1] Telmisartan works by blocking the effects of angiotensin II while hydrochlorothiazide works by decreasing the kidneys' ability to retain water.[1]

The combination was approved for medical use in the United States in 2000.[3] The combination is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system.[4] It is available as a generic medication.[2] A month of medication costs the NHS about £17 as of 2018.[2] In the United States it costs about US$65 per month as of 2019.[5]