Angiotensin II antagonists with diuretics

About Angiotensin II antagonists with diuretics

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antihypertensives.

These preparations contain an Angiotensin II antagonist and a diuretic. Both of the medicines in this combination act to lower high blood pressure.

The Angiotensin II antagonist works by causing blood vessels to relax, which in turn lowers blood pressure.

The diuretic works on the kidneys to increase the flow of urine, reduce the amount of water in the body and reduce blood pressure.

Angiotensin II antagonists with diuretics are available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: CoAprovel; Cozaar-Comp; Micardis Plus. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Angiotensin II antagonists with diuretics

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems, diabetes or gout
• If you suffer from porphyria, Addison's disease or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription

How to Take Angiotensin II antagonists with diuretics

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will have to have regular blood tests to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor first.
• Try to take this medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Occasionally, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting may occur. Make sure that you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machinery or do other jobs that could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• This preparation can occasionally cause the skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is. Try to avoid sunlight or sun beds until you know how your skin reacts to sunlight, and wear a sun cream higher than factor 15.
• You may experience lightheadedness or fainting when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Getting up slowly should help.
• Alcohol can also affect your blood pressure. You should try to avoid alcohol whilst taking this medicine, or if you do drink alcohol only drink a little and be aware of its effects on you.

Can Angiotensin II antagonists with diuretics cause problems?

Along with their needed effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. If any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Diarrhoea, dizziness, fainting, feeling or being sick, swollen ankles, cough, spinning sensation, problems with taste, muscle pain, migraine type headaches, itching or skin rashes, stomach pains or sexual problems, gout, tiredness, indigestion, flushing, fast heart beat, sore throat, stuffy nose, dry mouth.

Important: If you develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), flu like symptoms, swelling of the face, lips or tongue stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience any other worrying or troublesome side effects, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Angiotensin II antagonists with diuretics

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 03/02/2005