Micardis HCT® Tablets for Hypertension

Telmisartan HCT is a prescription combination tablet used to treat high blood pressure. It combines telmisartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker, with hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. This page explains uses, strengths, dosing basics, and how to arrange US delivery from Canada with Canadian pricing, including options if purchasing without insurance.

What Micardis HCT® Is and How It Works

Micardis HCT® contains two medicines in one tablet: telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Telmisartan helps relax blood vessels by blocking the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. Hydrochlorothiazide helps the kidneys remove extra salt and water. Working together, they lower blood pressure more than either ingredient alone. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems associated with hypertension.

CanadianInsulin connects patients with licensed Canadian pharmacies. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic before dispensing.

This combination is commonly used when blood pressure is not controlled on a single medicine. It is available in strengths that match different needs and titration steps.

For background on the condition it treats, see our overview of Hypertension.

Who This Medicine Is For

Telmisartan HCT is indicated for adults with hypertension. Many patients switch to a fixed-dose combination when a single agent does not reach goal blood pressure or when pill burden should be reduced. It may be appropriate for people with compelling indications to use an angiotensin receptor blocker and who can take a low-dose thiazide diuretic.

Do not use during pregnancy. Medicines that act on the renin-angiotensin system can harm or end a pregnancy. Avoid use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes. Do not use in people with anuria. Use caution with severe kidney disease, significant liver impairment, or known hypersensitivity to sulfonamide-derived drugs, since hydrochlorothiazide is a sulfonamide.

Blood pressure and kidney function often overlap with metabolic health. For context on kidney disease in diabetes, review Diabetic Nephropathy. For heart failure education, see SGLT2 Inhibitors.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions on dose and schedule. Typical use is once daily, taken at about the same time each day, with or without food. Many patients take it in the morning, since hydrochlorothiazide can increase urination.

• Common starting dose: 40/12.5 mg once daily.
• If additional control is needed, the dose may be increased to 80/12.5 mg once daily.
• If further reduction is required, 80/25 mg once daily may be used.
• Do not exceed a total daily dose of telmisartan 80 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg.

Clinicians often reassess response after a few weeks before changing the dose. Make sure to maintain adequate hydration, especially in hot weather or during illness that causes vomiting or diarrhea.

Strengths and Forms

Telmisartan HCT comes as oral tablets in these commonly available strengths:

• 40/12.5 mg tablets
• 80/12.5 mg tablets
• 80/25 mg tablets

Availability may vary by manufacturer and supplier.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered the same day. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Keeping a daily routine and using reminders can help avoid missed doses.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature, in a dry place, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep the bottle or blister pack tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. When traveling, carry your medication in the original labeled container in your carry-on. Pack an extra supply in case of delays.

Benefits

• Two medicines in one pill reduce pill burden.
• Once-daily dosing supports adherence.
• Multiple strengths (40/12.5 mg, 80/12.5 mg, 80/25 mg) allow stepwise titration.
• Using an ARB plus a thiazide provides complementary blood pressure control.
• Lowering blood pressure helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular events linked to hypertension.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects are usually mild and may improve as the body adjusts:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache or fatigue
• Upper respiratory symptoms
• Back or muscle pain
• Stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea
• Increased urination
• Rash or photosensitivity
• Electrolyte changes, including low sodium or changes in potassium

Serious effects are uncommon but require prompt medical attention. These include symptomatic low blood pressure, kidney problems or sudden change in urine output, severe electrolyte disturbances (very high or very low potassium, low sodium), severe rash, angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat), eye pain or vision changes that could signal acute angle-closure glaucoma related to hydrochlorothiazide, gout flares, pancreatitis, or liver injury. Do not use during pregnancy due to risk of fetal harm. Tell a clinician about any history of kidney artery narrowing, significant liver disease, lupus, or allergies to sulfonamide-type drugs.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

• Aliskiren: Avoid with diabetes; not recommended with kidney impairment.
• ACE inhibitors or other ARBs: Dual blockade increases risks; typically avoid unless directed by a specialist.
• Potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, or salt substitutes containing potassium: risk of high potassium.
• NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen): may reduce blood pressure effect and increase kidney risk, especially in dehydration or older adults.
• Lithium: increased risk of lithium toxicity; monitoring is often required.
• Other antihypertensives, diuretics, or alcohol: additive blood pressure lowering.
• Bile acid sequestrants (cholestyramine, colestipol): can reduce hydrochlorothiazide absorption; dosing separation may be advised.
• Antidiabetic medicines: thiazides can raise blood glucose; monitoring may be needed.
• Corticosteroids or ACTH: may worsen electrolyte loss.

Always share a complete medication and supplement list with the prescribing clinician and pharmacist.

What to Expect Over Time

Blood pressure often improves within the first few weeks. Clinicians typically evaluate response and tolerability after a short interval and adjust the dose if needed. Monitoring may include blood pressure checks at home and periodic lab tests for kidney function and electrolytes. Many patients remain on a stable maintenance dose once goals are achieved.

Compare With Alternatives

Other ARB and thiazide combinations may be considered if a different active ingredient, dose, or tablet size is preferred. Options include candesartan plus hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan plus hydrochlorothiazide. You can review Candesartan Hctz or the brand formulation Diovan® Hct to compare dosing ranges and tablets. ACE inhibitor options are another class for hypertension; see our guide on Ramipril Uses for context.

Pricing and Access

See current Telmisartan HCT price with Canadian pricing and US delivery from Canada. You can order Telmisartan HCT tablets online and have the medicine shipped to the US after your prescription is verified. Many people also review the Micardis HCT price to understand the cost difference by strength, such as 40/12.5 mg, 80/12.5 mg, or 80/25 mg. If you are comparing a cash price or planning a self-pay purchase, create an account to view total costs and dispensing options.

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Availability and Substitutions

Availability can vary by strength and manufacturer. If a specific tablet is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a therapeutically appropriate alternative. Clinicians decide whether to adjust the dose, change the strength, or consider another ARB or thiazide combination.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Good candidates are adults with hypertension who need dual therapy and can tolerate a thiazide diuretic. It is not appropriate during pregnancy or in people with anuria. Caution applies with significant kidney or liver disease and in those prone to electrolyte imbalance.

• Ask about a 90-day supply to reduce pharmacy fees and time between refills.
• Set refill reminders so you do not run out unexpectedly.
• Use a home blood pressure monitor and log readings to support dose decisions.
• Discuss lifestyle measures that complement medication, such as sodium reduction and activity.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Which starting strength is right for me: 40/12.5 mg, 80/12.5 mg, or 80/25 mg?
• How soon should we check blood pressure and labs after starting?
• What signs of low blood pressure or electrolyte problems should I watch for?
• Are any of my current medicines likely to interact with this combination?
• If I get swelling, rash, or vision changes, what should I do?
• Could a different ARB or dose be a better fit for my goals?

Authoritative Sources

DailyMed Label

Health Canada DPD

Drugs@FDA

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