Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone
About
Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone belongs to the anti-hypertensive drugs class, primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension is a medical condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently in the arteries. It is considered an essential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone consists of three anti-hypertensive medicines, namely: Amlodipine, Chlorthalidone, and Telmisartan. Amlodipine belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers. It is a vasodilator that dilates (widens) blood vessels and increases blood flow, further improving the oxygen delivery to the heart tissue. Chlorthalidone belongs to the class of diuretics (water pill) with antihypertensive activity. It inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption from absorbing excess salts that cause fluid retention or build-up. Chlorthalidone lowers blood pressure by decreasing the amount of blood the heart pumps (cardiac output) and reducing plasma and extracellular fluid volume (body fluids outside the cells). Telmisartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists (angiotensin is a hormone that constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure). It lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels.
In some cases, Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone can cause side effects like sleepiness, taste changes, ankle swelling, headache, flushing (feeling warmth in the face, ears, neck, and trunk), dizziness, tiredness, palpitations (irregular heartbeat), and upset stomach. Most of these side effects of Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone or any other medicines, please inform your doctor. Before taking Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone, let your doctor know if you have any heart, kidney, or liver problems, diabetes, electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration. Avoid potassium supplements with Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone as it may lead to high potassium levels in the blood. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone. It is advised to complete the prescribed course, even if you feel better. Please do not stop taking Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone on your own, as it may lead to the recurrence of symptoms or worsen the disease. Do not consume alcohol with Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure.
Uses of Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone
Medicinal Benefits
Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone is an anti-hypertensive drug that treats high blood pressure (hypertension). It contains Amlodipine, Chlorthalidone, and Telmisartan. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that dilates (widens) blood vessels and increases blood flow. It is used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), and other conditions caused by coronary artery disease. Chlorthalidone is a diuretic (water pill). It prevents the body from absorbing excess salts that cause fluid retention or build-up. It effectively treats high blood pressure, fluid retention in patients with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis (chronic damage) of the liver, kidney disorders, or edema caused by steroids or estrogen therapy. Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (angiotensin is a hormone that constricts blood vessels and increases blood pressure). It lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels. It reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death from heart problems.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone
- Sleepiness
- Taste changes
- Ankle swelling
- Headache
- Flushing (feeling warmth in the face, ears, neck, and trunk)
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Palpitations (irregular heartbeat)
- Altered blood glucose levels
- Upset stomach
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Monitor your blood pressure levels regularly. If you are known to be allergic to Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone or have any kidney or liver problems or severe dehydration, please inform your doctor beforehand. Brief your medical history if you have low blood pressure, diabetes, gout, lupus (immune system disorder), hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), heart diseases (aortic stenosis, heart failure), angioedema (swelling of the lower layer of skin and tissue), anuria (low or no urine output), and asthma before starting Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone. Avoid potassium supplements with Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone as it may lead to high potassium levels in the blood. Too much sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting while using Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone may lead to dehydration; hence it is advised to drink enough fluids. Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone can affect and harm the developing baby during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding mother. Complete the course strictly as suggested by the doctor, even if you feel better, to avoid disease recurrence. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone as it may increase the risk of low blood pressure. Safety and effectiveness of Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone in pediatric patients have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone may interact with other blood pressure treating medicines (nebivolol, metoprolol, aliskiren, ramipril, benazepril, lisinopril), antidepressants (duloxetine), diabetes medicines (insulin glargine), vitamins (ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol), pain killers (aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen), blood thinners (apixaban), cholesterol-lowering drugs (atorvastatin), fits medicine (pregabalin), drugs treating mood disorders (lithium), stomach related drugs (cisapride), drugs treating abnormal heart rhythms (dofetilide), and birth control pills (that contain drospirenone).
Drug-Food Interaction: Minimize high potassium foods intake and avoid over-the-counter potassium supplements, grapefruit, or juice. Alcohol may increase the side effects of Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone.
Drug-Disease Interaction: People with low blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, severe dehydration, diabetes, gout, lupus, hyperkalemia, heart diseases, angioedema, anuria, and asthma should consult the doctor before taking Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeIt is unsafe to consume alcohol since alcohol consumption with Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone may increase the risk of low blood pressure and cause adverse effects, such as dizziness, fainting, light-headedness, or headache.
Pregnancy
unsafeTelmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone is not recommended and unsafe in pregnancy. It can affect and harm the developing baby. Consult your doctor before taking Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone if you plan to become pregnant or already pregnant. Your doctor will weigh the potential risks and benefits before prescribing Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is no evidence on how Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone affects breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before taking Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionTelmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone may cause side effects like dizziness, headaches, nausea, or tiredness, which can affect your ability to concentrate and drive. Hence, it is recommended not to drive or operate machinery until you are mentally alert.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone. The dosage will be initiated in lower doses and will be further increased in patients with liver diseases. However, Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone is not recommended in patients with severe hepatic impairment.
Kidney
cautionTelmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone may affect kidney functioning. Hence it is advised to seek doctor advice before starting Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone if you have kidney problems. However, it is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment.
Children
unsafeSafety and effectiveness of Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone in pediatric patients have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Reduce sodium intake in your diet to maintain your blood pressure.
- Eat natural and healthy foods by cutting down on high on sodium processed foods.
- Lose those extra pounds since being obese can be a risk factor for hypertension.
- Exercise regularly to maintain good heart health.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
- Chronic stress may also cause high blood pressure. Therefore, avoid stress triggers and make time for yourself to relax and do activities that you enjoy.
- Try to include heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids-containing food drinks in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oil like olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, and coconut oil to lower your elevated blood pressure.
- Limit sodium chloride intake (table salt) in your daily diet to 2300 mg per day or less than 1500 mg is ideal for most adults.
Special Advise
- Keep a check on your daily blood pressure, and if you notice any fluctuations, please consult a doctor.
- Your doctor may ask you to undergo blood and urine tests if you have been suffering from vomiting or dehydration.
- If you have diabetes, using Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone may affect your blood sugar levels. Inform your doctor so that your diabetes medication may be adjusted accordingly.
- Your dietician may prescribe you a suitable exercise program and diet to manage your blood pressure.
- Thiazide diuretics like Chlorthalidone may increase serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Hence it is advised to monitor your cholesterol levels regularly.
- Therapy with Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone should be discontinued if you have been suggested tests for parathyroid function in cases like hyperparathyroidism (excessive parathyroid hormone levels).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension is a medical condition in which blood pressure is elevated persistently in the arteries. It is considered an essential risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and can be caused due to obesity, diabetes, smoking, high salt intake, stress, lack of physical activity, or ageing. Blood pressure is measured in the ratio of systolic pressure to diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is the pressure when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg and, diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. The ideal blood pressure range lies in between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. If the blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or greater, it is considered high blood pressure.
FAQs
Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone consists of anti-hypertensive/ blood pressure-lowering drugs: Amlodipine, Chlorthalidone, and Telmisartan. These medicines collectively lower the blood pressure by preventing the fluid build-up and widening the blood vessels, thus improving the blood supply and oxygen delivery to the heart.
Yes, Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone can make you feel dizzy. Dizziness usually occurs when you suddenly stand up from a lying or sitting position. Try rising slowly when you change your posture to relieve dizziness. If the side effect persists longer, please seek medical help.
Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone may cause ankle swelling upon long-term use. Please try to keep your feet at elevated levels when sitting for long hours or sleeping. If the problem persists, consult your doctor and do as advised.
Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone can cause high potassium levels in the blood leading to hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood). Hence it is not recommended to use potassium supplements along with Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone. However, consult your doctor if you are already taking other medicines before starting Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone.
Do not stop using Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone even if you feel better. It should be strictly used as advised by your doctor to avoid the recurrence of symptoms and worsening of the disease.
Please inform your doctor if you are taking Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone and need to undergo any surgery. Your doctor may ask you to stop using Telmisartan+amlodipine+chlorthalidone or prescribe any alternate medication because blood pressure may be further lowered if taken along with general anesthesia.
