How Does Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Work?
Telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two medicines --
telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide.
Telmisartan is a newer type of
blood pressure medicine known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB for short). As the name implies, telmisartan blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, telmisartan causes blood vessels to relax.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.
The combined effects of telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide cause a greater drop in
blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.
Is Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Used for Children?
Telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide has not been approved for use in children.
Is Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Used for Off-Label Purposes?
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide for treating a condition other than those listed in this article. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, there are no universally accepted off-label telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide uses.
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