|
Angiotensin II, the main active molecule in the renin-angiotensin system, can
contribute to hypertension. By reducing
angiotensin II, you can control blood pressure.
Angiotensin II works by binding to highly specific receptors in the cell membrane
of various tissues. The 2 main types of receptors found in humans are the AT1 and AT2
receptors. AT1 receptors have mainly harmful effects, whereas AT2 receptors
appear to have beneficial effects. MICARDIS blocks the angiotensin II from binding
to the AT1 receptor sites, but it doesn't block the AT2 receptors or any positive
effects.
MICARDIS HCT contains the thiazide diuretic hydrochlorothiazide. Thiazides
affect the renal tubular mechanism of electrolyte reabsorption, directly increasing
excretion of sodium salt and chloride in approximately equivalent amounts. The
mechanism of the antihypertensive effect of thiazides is not fully understood.
Selected important cautionary information
The most common adverse events occurring with MICARDIS® Tablets monotherapy at a rate of ≥1% and greater than placebo, respectively, were: upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (7%, 6%), back pain (3%, 1%), sinusitis (3%, 2%), diarrhea (3%, 2%), and pharyngitis (1%, 0%).
The most common adverse events occurring in ≥2% of patients taking MICARDIS® HCT vs placebo, respectively, were: dizziness (5%, 1%), diarrhea (3%, 0%), fatigue (3%, 1%), nausea (2%, 0%), influenza-like symptoms (2%, 1%), sinusitis (4%, 3%), and URTI (8%, 7%).
|
USE IN PREGNANCY
When used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters, drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus. When pregnancy is detected, MICARDIS and MICARDIS HCT Tablets should be discontinued as soon as possible (see WARNINGS, Fetal/Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality).
|
|
|
