What is Telmisartan-HCTZ? Uses, warnings & side effects

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Telmisartan-hydrochlorothiazide is a generic prescription drug that combines a blood pressure drug (telmisartan) with a diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide). Telmisartan relaxes and widens blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases blood volume. They work together to reduce blood pressure and are often prescribed together. When combined into one tablet, telmisartan-HCTZ doses are taken once daily.

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Telmisartan-HCTZ overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Micardis HCT

Generic Names:

  • Telmisartan-HCTZ

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure. 

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihypertensive, diuretic, angiotensin II receptor antagonist/thiazide combination

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Telmisartan-HCTZ used for?

Telmisartan-HCTZ is used to treat hypertension.

What form(s) does Telmisartan-HCTZ come in?

  • Tablets

    • 40 mg telmisartan/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide

    • 80 mg/12.5 mg

    • 80 mg/25 mg

What are common Telmisartan-HCTZ dosages?

  • For high blood pressure: 80 mg/12.5 mg–160 mg/25 mg taken by mouth once daily

Telmisartan-HCTZ images - What does Telmisartan-HCTZ look like?

  • Telmisartan-HCTZ
    40-12.5mg tablet

  • Telmisartan-HCTZ
    80-12.5mg tablet

  • Telmisartan-HCTZ
    80-25mg tablet

How to take Telmisartan-HCTZ

  • Take your medicine as directed. The prescriber may change the dose during the course of treatment.

  • Please read the Patient Information sheet that comes with this medicine.

  • Take only one dose each day.

  • Take doses with food or on an empty stomach.

  • Do not remove a tablet from the blister pack until ready to take a dose.

    • First, tear the part of the blister pack that contains the tablet from the blister pack.

    • Peel off the paper on the back.

    • Push the tablet through the aluminum foil.

  • Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

  • Store the tablets in their unopened blister packs at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Telmisartan-HCTZ

  • Ask the doctor or pharmacist what to do if a dose of telmisartan-HCTZ is missed.

  • The prescriber will probably advise that the missed dose be taken when remembered unless it’s almost time for the next dose.

  • Do not take two doses on the same day to make up for a missed dose.

Telmisartan-HCTZ contraindications - Who shouldn't take Telmisartan-HCTZ?

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. 

  • Do not use it if you are:

    • Allergic to telmisartan or hydrochlorothiazide

    • Unable to urinate

  • Pregnancy is not a contraindication, but doctors avoid its use in pregnant women because of the risk of fetal harm.

Telmisartan-HCTZ warnings

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby, particularly in the third trimester. Tell the prescriber right away if you become pregnant or think you’re pregnant.

  • Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • The prescribing clinician needs regular visits and lab tests to monitor the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell the prescriber about all your medical conditions, particularly:

    • Kidney disease

    • Liver disease

    • Heart problems

    • Electrolyte abnormalities

    • Diabetes

    • Asthma

    • Allergies

    • Lupus

    • Gout

    • High cholesterol

    • Trouble urinating

  • Tell the prescriber if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: 

    • Kidney problems

    • Worsening of liver problems

    • Electrolyte imbalance

    • Eye problems that can lead to vision loss

    • High uric acid in the blood

    • Elevated blood sugar

    • Elevated cholesterol and fat levels

    • Worsening of lupus

    • Increased risk of skin cancer

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated, salt-depleted, or using other blood pressure medications. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy. It can also make you feel faint or lightheaded when changing position or standing up. Do not drive or do any other risky activity until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting.

  • Telmisartan-HCTZ may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and UV exposure. Consider wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses while using this medicine.

Telmisartan-HCTZ interactions & what to avoid when taking Telmisartan-HCTZ

  • Never take telmisartan-HCTZ together with the blood pressure drug Tekturna (aliskiren).

  • To avoid possibly serious drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements being used before taking telmisartan-HCTZ, particularly:

    • Other diuretics

    • Other drugs that lower blood pressure 

    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen

    • Potassium supplements

    • Salt substitutes that contain potassium

    • Corticosteroids

    • Insulin or diabetes medications

    • Narcotic pain relievers

    • Sleeping pills

    • Barbiturates

    • Some types of muscle relaxants

    • The cholesterol drugs cholestyramine or colestipol

    • The heart rhythm drug digoxin

    • The mood stabilizer lithium

  • Tell the prescriber if you are on a low-salt diet.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol when taking telmisartan-HCTZ. It can worsen some of the side effects of this medicine. 

  • Consult with the prescriber before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

  • Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.

Telmisartan-HCTZ side effects - How does Telmisartan-HCTZ make you feel?

Serious side effects

Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, rapid weight gain, swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, tiredness, clay-colored or light stools

  • Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

  • Vision changes, blurred vision, eye pain, eye swelling

  • Joint pain

  • Skin cancer: Skin changes like sores, reddish patch, irritated area, shiny bump, pink growth, or white, yellow, or waxy scar-like area on the skin

  • Severe drug reaction: Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash

  • Allergic reaction: Skin rash, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing

Telmisartan-HCTZ can cause serious side effects that may not have symptoms including:

  • Injury or death of an unborn baby

  • High potassium

  • Low calcium, low sodium, or low magnesium

  • High blood sugar

  • High cholesterol

  • High uric acid in the blood

Less serious side effects

  • Upper respiratory infections

  • Sinus pain and congestion

  • Dizziness

  • Tiredness

  • Flu-like symptoms

  • Back pain

  • Diarrhea

  • Nausea

Sources:

Telmisartan-HCTZ News & Research

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