Telmisartan+chlorthalidone
About Telmisartan+chlorthalidone
Telmisartan+chlorthalidone belongs to the class of anti-hypertensives primarily taken to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension or high blood pressure is a life-long or chronic condition in which the blood pressure against the artery wall becomes too high. It can lead to the risk of heart diseases, like heart attack and stroke.
Telmisartan+chlorthalidone is a combination of Telmisartan (angiotensin II receptor antagonist) and Chlorthalidone (thiazide diuretic or water pill). Telmisartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker that helps to relax and widen the blood vessels (arteries). Chlorthalidone is a diuretic that prevents absorption of excess salt in the body, preventing fluid retention. Together it lowers blood pressure and prevents the risk of any future stroke, heart attack, and oedema (fluid retention).
You can take Telmisartan+chlorthalidone with food or an empty stomach. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Your doctor will advise you on how often you take your tablets based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience dizziness, feeling tired, skin ulcers, diarrhoea, nausea diarrhoea, back pain, and cold/flu symptoms. Most of these side effects of Telmisartan+chlorthalidone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless the doctor has told you. In rare cases, Telmisartan+chlorthalidone can cause a condition that results in a skeletal muscle problem, leading to further kidney failure. If you notice unexplained muscle pain, dark colour urine, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever or unexplained tiredness, immediately contact the doctor. If you suspect pregnancy while taking Telmisartan+chlorthalidone, tell your doctor right away. Telmisartan+chlorthalidone should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as Telmisartan+chlorthalidone can pass into breast milk, so before starting Telmisartan+chlorthalidone, you need to stop nursing or do not take Telmisartan+chlorthalidone while breastfeeding. Besides this, you should not use the Telmisartan+chlorthalidone if you are unable to urinate. If you have diabetes, do not use Telmisartan+chlorthalidone with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine). Before taking Telmisartan+chlorthalidone, tell your doctor if you have ever had liver disease, kidney failure, glaucoma (increased eye pressure), high or low levels of magnesium or potassium in your blood, have allergies or asthma, lupus (an autoimmune disease), diabetes, or an allergy to penicillin or sulfa drugs.
Uses of Telmisartan+chlorthalidone
Medicinal Benefits
Telmisartan+chlorthalidone belongs to the class of anti-hypertensives primarily taken to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Telmisartan+chlorthalidone is a combination of Telmisartan (angiotensin II receptor antagonist) and Chlorthalidone (thiazide diuretic or water pill). Telmisartan+chlorthalidone works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels (arteries), making the heart more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. It helps to lower high blood pressure, thus reduces the chances of future heart attack and stroke. Besides this, it prevents excessive water and electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, etc.) from the body through urine which can otherwise raise high blood pressure. In addition to this, Telmisartan+chlorthalidone also reduces the future risk of any stroke or heart attack.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Telmisartan+chlorthalidone
- Dizziness
- Feeling tired
- Nausea
- Skin ulcers
- Diarrhoea
- Back pain
- Cold/flu symptoms
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: It is a chronic condition when blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Blood pressure is the measurement of the force that our heart uses to pump blood to all parts of the body. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg, and diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. Ideal blood pressure should be between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg.
FAQs
No, you are advised to inform your doctor and monitor your blood pressure for at least two weeks before stopping the medicine. Depending upon your current blood pressure readings, there is a possibility your doctor may lower your medicine dosage and not recommend discontinuing it.
Telmisartan+chlorthalidone can be safely taken as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. Conditions such as high blood pressure are life-long conditions, and one should not abruptly discontinue it without discussing it with a doctor.
It is not recommended to take Telmisartan+chlorthalidone if you are pregnant as it can cause damage to the unborn baby (may lead to fetal toxicity). It contains telmisartan, a category D pregnancy drug, and it is harmful to the baby.
Yes, Telmisartan+chlorthalidone can cause dizziness. It is advised to avoid driving or operate any heavy machinery while taking Telmisartan+chlorthalidone. In case you feel dizzy or lightheaded, it is advised to rest for some time until you feel better.
You should not take Telmisartan+chlorthalidone if you have ever had liver disease, kidney failure, glaucoma, high or low levels of magnesium or potassium in your blood, have allergies or asthma, lupus (an autoimmune disease), diabetes, or allergic to penicillin or sulfa drugs, anuria (reduction or absence of urine) and pregnant women in their second or third trimesters. Besides this, avoid using Telmisartan+chlorthalidone (in case of diabetes) with aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine) as it can lead to a life-threatening condition.
In case you have missed a dose of Telmisartan+chlorthalidone, you are advised to take it as soon as you remember. However, try not to miss a dose in the first place; if it's time for you to take your next dose, then do not take both doses together. Take only one dose; taking a double dose of Telmisartan+chlorthalidone will lead to low blood pressure.
Yes, prolonged intake of Telmisartan+chlorthalidone can cause an increase in blood potassium level. So, patients taking Telmisartan+chlorthalidone should avoid taking supplements and food rich in potassium to avoid any unpleasant side-effect.
Telmisartan+chlorthalidone contains a diuretic (chlorthalidone) which may affect a man's ability to maintain or gain an erection (erectile dysfunction). However, if you have any problem, you can consult your doctor, and accordingly, your medicine can be changed as other blood pressure-lowering medication does not affect erection.
