Micardis HCT Uses

Regular Micardis HCT uses have proven effective in significantly reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The medicine can also decrease the risk of developing health problems that often occur with long-term high blood pressure, such as heart attack and stroke. There are currently no Micardis HCT uses approved for children, nor are there any off-label uses for the drug at this time.

An Overview of Micardis HCT Uses

Micardis HCT® (telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to control high blood pressure (hypertension).
 
Micardis HCT Uses and High Blood Pressure
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90 with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
Based on clinical studies, Micardis HCT has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The higher the dose of Micardis HCT, the greater the drop in blood pressure tends to be. By lowering blood pressure, Micardis HCT can decrease the risks that often occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). However, Micardis HCT is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 

How Does Micardis HCT Work?

Micardis HCT is a combination of two medicines -- Micardis® and
 hydrochlorothiazide. Micardis is a newer type of blood pressure medicine known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB for short). As the name implies, Micardis blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, Micardis causes blood vessels to relax.
 
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.
 
Because of its combined effects, Micardis HCT causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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