Micardis HCT

Micardis HCT is commonly prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). The medication, which combines an angiotensin II receptor blocker and a diuretic, is more effective in lowering blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone. It comes in the form of a tablet that is usually taken once a day. Potential side effects include upper respiratory infection, dizziness, diarrhea, or fatigue.

Micardis Hydrochlorothiazide

What Is Micardis HCT?

Micardis HCT^® (telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. It has not been approved for use in children.

(Click Micardis HCT Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes It?

Micardis HCT is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim.

How Does It 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 the 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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