Telmisartan & Hydrochlorothiazide 40mg Tablets

What is Telmisartan & Hydrochlorothiazide 40mg Tablets ?

Telmisartan & Hydrochlorothiazide 40mg Tablets is a medication that combines two active ingredients: Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide.

Telmisartan: This is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking the action of a substance in the body called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II narrows blood vessels and releases hormones that can raise blood pressure. By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, Telmisartan relaxes the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and helps the heart pump more efficiently.
Hydrochlorothiazide: This is a diuretic, commonly known as a water pill. It works by increasing the amount of urine your body produces. This helps your body get rid of excess salt and water, which can help lower blood pressure.

Telmisartan (40mg):
- Telmisartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by blocking the action of a hormone called angiotensin II, which can cause blood vessels to narrow. By blocking this hormone, telmisartan helps blood vessels to relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure.
- It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and may also be prescribed for other conditions related to the heart.
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) (12.5mg):
- Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, commonly referred to as a “water pill”. It works by increasing the amount of urine produced by the kidneys, which helps the body get rid of excess sodium and water. This action can help lower blood pressure.
- It’s often used in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure or as part of a treatment plan for congestive heart failure and certain kidney disorders.

Telmisartan:
- Class: Telmisartan belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
- Mechanism of Action:
  - Angiotensin II is a hormone that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Telmisartan works by selectively blocking the receptors for angiotensin II in the body, preventing its binding. This action leads to:
    - Vasodilation: It relaxes and widens blood vessels, reducing resistance to blood flow.
    - Decreased Aldosterone Secretion: Angiotensin II stimulates the release of aldosterone, a hormone that causes the kidneys to retain sodium and water. By blocking angiotensin II receptors, telmisartan reduces aldosterone levels, promoting excretion of sodium and water, and thus decreasing blood volume.
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ):
- Class: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic, often referred to as a “water pill”.
- Mechanism of Action:
  - HCTZ primarily acts on the kidneys. It inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions from the distal tubules of the nephron in the kidneys. This leads to:
    - Increased Urine Production: By preventing the reabsorption of sodium, more sodium and water are excreted in the urine, resulting in increased urine volume.
    - Reduced Blood Volume: The increased excretion of sodium and water leads to a decrease in blood volume, which in turn helps lower blood pressure.

Dizziness or lightheadedness: This may occur, especially when standing up quickly from a sitting or lying position.
Fatigue: Some individuals may experience tiredness or a feeling of weakness.
Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels): This is a potential side effect, although it’s not common.
Kidney dysfunction: In rare cases, telmisartan can affect kidney function.
Allergic reactions: These can manifest as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels: This is an indication of kidney function and might be monitored in some individuals.