what is Micardis Plus 80/12.5 used for : Micardis Plus is used to lower high blood pressure which is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. How to take Micardis plus: Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water It is important to take Micardis Plus exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. The usual dose for adults is one Micardis Plus 40/12.5 mg tablet once a day. If your blood pressure is still too high after 4-8 weeks of starting treatment, your doctor may increase your dose to one Micardis Plus 80/12.5 mg tablet once a day. If your blood pressure is still not satisfactorily controlled with Micardis Plus 80/12.5 mg, your doctor may increase your dose to one Micardis Plus 80/25 mg tablet once a day. Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose. Possible side effects: ‘Flu-like’ symptoms Fainting, dizziness, or spinning sensation A feeling of tension or fullness in the nose, cheeks, and behind the eyes, sometimes with a throbbing ache (sinusitis) Infections of the air passages Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Abnormal or blurred vision Eye pain Back pain Changes in heart rhythm or increased heart rate Rash or redness or itchiness of the skin Increased sweating Dizziness or light-headedness when you stand up (postural hypotension) Stomach pain or discomfort (abdominal pain, dyspepsia, gastritis) Wind or excessive gas in the stomach or bowel Vomiting Diarrhea or constipation Dry mouth Pins and needles Sleep disturbances or trouble sleeping Feeling anxious Depression Impotence Leg pain or cramps in legs Aching muscles or aching joints not caused by exercise or muscle spasms Chest pain Liver problems Changes in the levels of potassium or sodium or uric acid in your blood (such changes are usually detected by a blood test) Advice To Reduce Blood Pressure To measure blood pressure correctly: Don’t eat or drink anything 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure. Empty your bladder before your reading. Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your reading. Put both feet flat on the ground and keep your legs uncrossed. Rest your arm with the cuff on a table at chest height. Make sure the blood pressure cuff is snug but not too tight. The cuff should be against your bare skin, not over clothing. Do not talk while your blood pressure is being measured. You will also find the following Non-Pharmacological treatments effective in blood pressure reduction: Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline Exercise regularly Eat a healthy diet Reduce sodium in your diet Quit smoking Reduce caffeine Reduce your stress Monitor your blood pressure at home using for example Beurer, Blood Pressure Monitor or Omron Blood Pressure Measuring Device See your doctor regularly Warnings & Precautions : Do not take Micardis Plus if you have an allergy to: any medicine containing telmisartan or hydrochlorothiazide (the two active ingredients in Micardis Plus) other sulfonamide-derived medicines any of the other ingredients of the drug Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions: kidney problems liver problems heart problems diabetes a condition known as primary hyperaldosteronism (raised aldosterone levels, also known as Conn’s syndrome) fructose intolerance galactose intolerance recent severe diarrhea or vomiting asthma systemic lupus erythematosus (a disease affecting the skin, joints, and kidney) eye problems skin cancer. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you get without a prescription Some medicines and Micardis Plus may interfere with each other. These include: any other medicines used to treat high blood pressure such as beta-blockers heart medicines such as digoxin, a medicine used to treat heart failure or antiarrhythmic medicines other diuretics or fluid tablets, medicines used to help the kidneys get rid of salt and water by increasing the amount of urine produced laxatives potassium supplements or potassium-containing salt substitutes medicines or salt substitutes that may increase your potassium levels How to store micardis plus: Store below 25°c Don’t refrigerate Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Store in the original package to protect from moisture. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the box/blisters/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.