MICARDIS HCT tablets are a combination of telmisartan, an orally active angiotensin II antagonist acting on the AT 1 receptor subtype, and hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. Telmisartan, a non-peptide molecule, is chemically described as 4'-[(1,4'-dimethyl-2'-propyl[2,6'-bi-1H-benzimidazol]-1'-yl)methyl]-[1,1'-biphenyl]-2-carboxylic acid. Its empirical formula is C 33 H 30 N 4 O 2 , its molecular weight is 514.63, and its structural formula is: Telmisartan is a white to slightly yellowish solid. It is practically insoluble in water and in the pH range of 3 to 9, sparingly soluble in strong acid (except insoluble in hydrochloric acid), and soluble in strong base. Hydrochlorothiazide is a white, or practically white, practically odorless, crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 297.74. It is slightly soluble in water, and freely soluble in sodium hydroxide solution. Hydrochlorothiazide is chemically described as 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2 H -1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide. Its empirical formula is C 7 H 8 ClN 3 O 4 S 2 , and its structural formula is: MICARDIS HCT tablets are formulated for oral administration in three combinations of 40 mg/12.5 mg, 80 mg/12.5 mg, and 80 mg/25 mg telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide, respectively. The tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: sodium hydroxide, meglumine, povidone, sorbitol, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, maize starch, and sodium starch glycolate. As coloring agents, the 40 mg/12.5 mg and 80 mg/12.5 mg tablets contain ferric oxide red, and the 80 mg/25 mg tablets contain ferric oxide yellow. MICARDIS HCT tablets are hygroscopic and require protection from moisture. Chemical Structure Chemical Structure

MICARDIS HCT (telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide) is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes including the classes to which this drug principally belongs. There are no controlled trials demonstrating risk reduction with MICARDIS HCT. Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake. Many patients will require more than one drug to achieve blood pressure goals. For specific advice on goals and management, see published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program's Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC). Numerous antihypertensive drugs, from a variety of pharmacologic classes and with different mechanisms of action, have been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and it can be concluded that it is blood pressure reduction, and not some other pharmacologic property of the drugs, that is largely responsible for those benefits. The largest and most consistent cardiovascular outcome benefit has been a reduction in the risk of stroke, but reductions in myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality also have been seen regularly. Elevated systolic or diastolic pressure causes increased cardiovascular risk, and the absolute risk increase per mmHg is greater at higher blood pressures, so that even modest reductions of severe hypertension can provide substantial benefit. Relative risk reduction from blood pressure reduction is similar across populations with varying absolute risk, so the absolute benefit is greater in patients who are at higher risk independent of their hypertension (for example, patients with diabetes or hyperlipidemia), and such patients would be expected to benefit from more aggressive treatment to a lower blood pressure goal. Some antihypertensive drugs have smaller blood pressure effects (as monotherapy) in black patients, and many antihypertensive drugs have additional approved indications and effects (e.g., on angina, heart failure, or diabetic kidney disease). These considerations may guide selection of therapy . MICARDIS HCT is not indicated for initial therapy for the treatment of hypertension . MICARDIS HCT may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents. MICARDIS HCT is a combination of an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and a thiazide diuretic indicated for the treatment of hypertension, alone or with other antihypertensive agents, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. MICARDIS HCT is not indicated for initial therapy

40 mg/12.5 mg, red and white tablets marked with the Boehringer Ingelheim logo and "H4" 80 mg/12.5 mg, red and white tablets marked with the Boehringer Ingelheim logo and "H8" 80 mg/25 mg, yellow and white tablets marked with the Boehringer Ingelheim logo and "H9" Tablets: 40 mg/12.5 mg, 80 mg/12.5 mg, 80 mg/25 mg

Usual starting dose is 80 mg/12.5 mg once daily Titrate up to 160 mg/25 mg as needed Initiate patients with biliary obstructive disorders or hepatic insufficiency at 40 mg/12.5 mg 2.1 Dosing Information Initiate a patient whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with telmisartan monotherapy 80 mg on MICARDIS HCT, 80 mg/12.5 mg orally once daily. Dose can be titrated up to 160 mg/25 mg after 2 to 4 weeks, if necessary. Initiate a patient whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by 25 mg once daily of hydrochlorothiazide, or is controlled but who experiences hypokalemia with this regimen on MICARDIS HCT 80 mg/12.5 mg once daily. Dose can be titrated up to 160 mg/25 mg after 2 to 4 weeks, if necessary. Patients titrated to the individual components (telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide) may instead receive the corresponding dose of MICARDIS HCT. MICARDIS HCT may be administered with other antihypertensive drugs

Dose Adjustment for Hepatic Impairment Initiate patients with biliary obstructive disorders or hepatic insufficiency under close medical supervision using the 40 mg/12.5 mg combination. MICARDIS HCT tablets are not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment

Important Administration Instructions MICARDIS HCT tablets should not be removed from blisters until immediately before administration.

Avoid fetal or neonatal exposure Correct volume or salt depletion before initiating therapy. Observe for signs and symptoms of hypotension. Monitor renal function and potassium in susceptible patients Observe for clinical signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance Hypersensitivity Reaction Acute Myopia and Secondary Angle-Closure Glaucoma 5.1 Fetal Toxicity Telmisartan Use of drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. Resulting oligohydramnios can be associated with fetal lung hypoplasia and skeletal deformations. Potential neonatal adverse effects include skull hypoplasia, anuria, hypotension, renal failure, and death. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue MICARDIS HCT as soon as possible. Hydrochlorothiazide Thiazides cross the placental barrier and appear in cord blood. Adverse reactions include fetal or neonatal jaundice and thrombocytopenia

Hypotension in Volume- or Salt-Depleted Patients In patients with an activated renin-angiotensin system, such as volume- or salt-depleted patients (e.g., those being treated with high doses of diuretics), symptomatic hypotension may occur after initialization of treatment with MICARDIS HCT. Correct volume or salt depletion prior to administration of MICARDIS HCT

Impaired Renal Function Changes in renal function including acute renal failure can be caused by drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system and by diuretics. Patients whose renal function may depend in part on the activity of the renin-angiotensin system (e.g., patients with renal artery stenosis, chronic kidney disease, severe congestive heart failure, or volume depletion) may be at particular risk of developing oliguria, progressive azotemia, or acute renal failure on MICARDIS HCT. Monitor renal function periodically in these patients. Consider withholding or discontinuing therapy in patients who develop a clinically significant decrease in renal function on MICARDIS HCT

Electrolytes and Metabolic Disorders Drugs, including telmisartan, that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system can cause hyperkalemia, particularly in patients with renal insufficiency, diabetes, or combination use with other angiotensin receptor blockers or ACE inhibitors and the concomitant use of other drugs that raise serum potassium levels . Hydrochlorothiazide can cause hypokalemia and hyponatremia. Thiazides have been shown to increase the urinary excretion of magnesium; this may result in hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia can result in hypokalemia which may be difficult to treat despite potassium repletion. Monitor serum electrolytes periodically. In controlled trials using the telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination treatment, no patient administered 40 mg/12.5 mg, 80 mg/12.5 mg, or 80 mg/25 mg experienced a decrease in potassium ≥1.4 mEq/L, and no patient experienced hyperkalemia. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases urinary calcium excretion and may cause elevations of serum calcium. Hydrochlorothiazide may alter glucose tolerance and raise serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Hyperuricemia may occur or frank gout may be precipitated in certain patients receiving thiazide therapy. Because telmisartan decreases uric acid, telmisartan in combination with hydrochlorothiazide attenuates the diuretic-induced hyperuricemia

Hypersensitivity Reaction Hydrochlorothiazide Hypersensitivity reactions to hydrochlorothiazide may occur in patients with or without a history of allergy or bronchial asthma, but are more likely in patients with such a history

Acute Myopia and Secondary Angle-Closure Glaucoma Hydrochlorothiazide, a sulfonamide, can cause an idiosyncratic reaction, resulting in acute transient myopia and acute angle-closure glaucoma. Symptoms include acute onset of decreased visual acuity or ocular pain and typically occur within hours to weeks of drug initiation. Untreated acute angle-closure glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. The primary treatment is to discontinue hydrochlorothiazide as rapidly as possible. Prompt medical or surgical treatments may need to be considered if the intraocular pressure remains uncontrolled. Risk factors for developing acute angle-closure glaucoma may include a history of sulfonamide or penicillin allergy

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Thiazide diuretics have been reported to cause exacerbation or activation of systemic lupus erythematosus

Postsympathectomy Patients The antihypertensive effects of hydrochlorothiazide may be enhanced in the postsympathectomy patient.

Lithium: Risk of lithium toxicity Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Reduced diuretic, natriuretic, and antihypertensive effects; increased risk of renal impairment Dual blockade of renin-angiotensin system: Increased risk of renal impairment, hypotension, and hyperkalemia Antidiabetic drugs: Dosage adjustment may be required Cholestyramine and colestipol: Reduced absorption of thiazides 7.1 Agents Increasing Serum Potassium Co-administration of telmisartan with other drugs that raise serum potassium levels may result in hyperkalemia. Monitor serum potassium in such patients

Lithium Increases in serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity have been reported with concomitant use of thiazide diuretics or angiotensin II receptor antagonists, including telmisartan. Monitor lithium levels in patients receiving MICARDIS HCT and lithium

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents including Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors Telmisartan Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents including Selective Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors (COX-2 Inhibitors): In patients who are elderly, volume-depleted (including those on diuretic therapy), or with compromised renal function, co-administration of NSAIDs, including selective COX-2 inhibitors, with ARBs, including telmisartan, may result in deterioration of renal function, including possible acute renal failure. These effects are usually reversible. The antihypertensive effect of ARBs may be attenuated by NSAIDs. Therefore, monitor renal function and blood pressure periodically in patients receiving MICARDIS HCT and NSAIDs. Hydrochlorothiazide Administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, including a selective COX-2 inhibitor, can reduce the diuretic, natriuretic, and antihypertensive effects of diuretics. Therefore, when MICARDIS HCT and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents including selective COX-2 inhibitors are used concomitantly, observe closely to determine if the desired effect of the diuretic is obtained

Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System and Changes in Renal Function Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) with angiotensin blockers, ACE inhibitors, or aliskiren is associated with increased risks of hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment. The ONTARGET trial enrolled 25,620 patients ≥55 years old with atherosclerotic disease or diabetes with end-organ damage, randomizing them to telmisartan (ARB) only, ramipril (ACE inhibitor) only, or the combination, and followed them for a median of 56 months. Patients who received the combination of ARB and ACE inhibitor did not obtain any additional benefit (no additional reduction of risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or hospitalization from heart failure) compared to ARB monotherapy or ACE inhibitor monotherapy, but experienced an increased incidence of renal dysfunction (e.g., acute renal failure) compared with monotherapy groups. In general, avoid combined use of RAS inhibitors. Closely monitor blood pressure, renal function and electrolytes in patients on MICARDIS HCT and other agents that affect the RAS. Do not co-administer aliskiren with MICARDIS HCT in patients with diabetes. Avoid concomitant use of aliskiren with MICARDIS HCT in patients with renal impairment (GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 )

Digoxin When telmisartan was co-administered with digoxin, median increases in digoxin peak plasma concentration (49%) and in trough concentration (20%) were observed. Monitor digoxin levels in patients taking concomitant MICARDIS HCT and digoxin

Antidiabetic Drugs (Oral Agents and Insulin) Dosage adjustment of antidiabetic drugs may be required when co-administered with hydrochlorothiazide

Cholestyramine and Colestipol Resins Absorption of hydrochlorothiazide is impaired in the presence of anionic exchange resins. Stagger the dosage of hydrochlorothiazide and the resin such that hydrochlorothiazide is administered at least 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after the administration of the resin.