TELMISARTAN, AMLODIPINE & HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE TABLETS

Product Description

• Telmisartan ï an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)

• Amlodipine ï a calcium channel blocker (CCB)

• Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) ï a thiazide diuretic

Each one acts via a different mechanism, so the combination tends to be more effective than any single drug alone, especially in people whose blood pressure is not well controlled with simpler regimens. PubMed+4Apollo Pharmacy+4mediboonpharma.com+4

How they work (Mechanisms of action)

Hereïs how each component contributes:

Indications (When is it used)

• For people with hypertension, especially when one or two medications are not enough to control blood pressure. 1mg+2PubMed+2

• When doctors want to combine different mechanisms (ARB + CCB + diuretic) to achieve better blood pressure lowering and possibly reduce risks of complications (heart attack, stroke, kidney damage). PubMed+1

• May be considered in patients with other risk factors (like higher cardiovascular risk) where good blood pressure control is very important.

Common dosages

Some typical formulations (or strengths) used in the combined tablets are (but these may vary by brand / country / patient):

• Telmisartan: 40 mg or 80 mg cardiaticcare.com+2indexarepository.com+2

• Amlodipine: usually 2.5 mg or 5 mg in these combos indexarepository.com+1

• Hydrochlorothiazide: often 12.5 mg per day when used as the third drug in combinations. PubMed+1

Clinical evidence

• A study in Japanese patients whose blood pressure was not adequately controlled with telmisartan + amlodipine showed that adding HCTZ (12.5 mg) produced significantly greater reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 8 weeks, compared to continuing with just Telmisartan + Amlodipine. PubMed

• Also, in patients who were uncontrolled on amlodipine alone, switching to telmisartan + hydrochlorothiazide yielded better control. PubMed

Potential benefits

• Better blood pressure control vs fewer drugs.

• Lower risk of cardiovascular outcomes (heart attack, stroke) if BP is well managed.

• May reduce risk of targetïorgan damage (kidneys, heart) associated with longïterm high blood pressure.

• Using a triple combo may reduce pill burden (if available as a single tablet) and improve adherence.

Risks / Side effects

Like all medications, there are possible side effects and specific risks to consider.

Common side effects include:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness (especially on standing up) Apollo Pharmacy+2TrueMeds+2

• Swelling of ankles / feet (edema) due primarily to amlodipine Apollo Pharmacy+1

• Fatigue, feeling tired 1mg+1

• Nausea, stomach upset Apollo Pharmacy+1

• Changes in electrolytes: e.g. low potassium (hypokalemia), possibly low sodium; HCTZ can also raise uric acid levels. cardiaticcare.com+2PubMed+2

• Possible increased risk of dehydration, especially if fluid intake is low or with excessive sweating. mediboonpharma.com+1

Less common / more serious risks:

• Kidney impairment: especially if there is already existing kidney disease. The ARB (telmisartan) can affect kidney function, and diuretics alter fluid balance. Monitoring is needed. Apollo Pharmacy+1

• Electrolyte imbalances (potassium, sodium, magnesium) can lead to problems, e.g. arrhythmias.

• Hypotension (blood pressure going too low), especially when first starting or increasing dose.

• Allergic reactions (rare).

• For certain populations (pregnancy, severe hepatic disease, etc.), might be contraindicated. Apollo Pharmacy+1

Precautions / When it may not be suitable

• Pregnancy / Breastfeeding: This combination (especially telmisartan part) is generally avoided during pregnancy because ARBs can cause harm to the fetus. 1mg+1

• Kidney disease: Existing impairment means closer monitoring is required.

• Electrolyte disturbances: Patients with low potassium, or who are taking other medications that affect electrolytes, need caution.

• Liver disease: Might require dose adjustments or avoidance.

• Other drug interactions: Several possible interactions (e.g. other blood pressure medicines, potassiumïsparing diuretics, NSAIDs, etc.). Apollo Pharmacy+1

What to watch out for & monitoring

If you are prescribed this combo, doctors usually check / advise:

• Regular blood pressure readings (to ensure it's effective but not too low).

• Kidney function tests (creatinine, blood urea) periodically.

• Electrolyte levels (potassium, sodium) especially with the diuretic.

• Signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, excessive thirst, low urine).

• Monitor for swelling, sudden weight gain, or shortness of breath.

• If you have gout, since HCTZ can increase uric acid.

• Review all other medications / supplements you are taking to avoid interactions.