Micardis Drug Interactions Explained
The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when
Micardis is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
ACE Inhibitors
Combining Micardis with an ACE inhibitor could negatively affect your kidney function. If you must take Micardis along with an ACE inhibitor, your healthcare provider should monitor your kidney function (using a simple blood test) regularly.
One ACE inhibitor in particular (
ramipril) is specifically not recommended for use in combination with Micardis. Ramipril may decrease the level of Micardis in the blood, and Micardis may increase the level of ramipril in the blood.
Digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin)
Taking
digoxin and Micardis together may increase the levels of digoxin in the blood. When starting or stopping digoxin or changing the
digoxin dosage, your healthcare provider may choose to monitor you more closely and make necessary dosing adjustments.
Diuretics
When you are taking Micardis with a diuretic, your
blood pressure may decrease too much. This is more likely to occur when Micardis is first started. In order to decrease the chances of developing this Micardis interaction, your healthcare provider may change the dosages of either medicine, start you on a lower dose of Micardis, and monitor you more closely.
Taking Micardis with one group of diuretics (known as potassium-sparing diuretics) may cause increased blood potassium (hyperkalemia), which can cause serious problems. Diuretics in this group include:
If you take Micardis with a potassium-sparing diuretic, your healthcare provider should monitor your potassium levels to make sure they do not become too high.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Micardis can interact with
NSAIDs in several ways. The combination could cause your blood pressure to increase or may cause swelling (edema), especially if you have
congestive heart failure (CHF). If you are elderly, have kidney disease or kidney failure, or are taking a diuretic ("water pill") or are dehydrated, taking NSAIDs and Micardis together may cause kidney failure. Talk to your healthcare provider about this potential drug interaction before taking these medications together.
Lithium
Combining
lithium with Micardis may cause increase levels of lithium in the blood, possibly leading to
lithium toxicity. More frequent monitoring of your lithium levels is recommended.
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