Tribenzor 40/5/25mg Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take your medication as directed, with or without food, and continue taking it even if you feel well. Establish a routine by taking your medication at the same time every day. Be aware that this medication may increase urine production, so try to avoid taking it close to bedtime to minimize sleep disruptions.
Staying Hydrated
Drink plenty of non-caffeinated liquids, unless your doctor advises you to limit your fluid intake.
Storage and Disposal
Store your medication at room temperature in a dry location, avoiding bathrooms. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposal, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to explore local drug take-back programs.
Missed Doses
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once or take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Take your medicine exactly as prescribed, usually once daily, with or without food.
- Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well.
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly at home as directed by your doctor.
- Follow a low-sodium diet as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Engage in regular physical activity (e.g., walking) as advised by your doctor.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid sudden changes in position (e.g., standing up quickly) to prevent dizziness.
- Protect yourself from the sun, as hydrochlorothiazide can increase sun sensitivity.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood sugar, including:
+ Confusion
+ Feeling sleepy
+ Unusual thirst or hunger
+ Passing urine more often
+ Flushing
+ Fast breathing
+ Breath that smells like fruit
Signs of kidney problems, such as:
+ Unable to pass urine
+ Change in how much urine is passed
+ Blood in the urine
+ Significant weight gain
Signs of fluid and electrolyte problems, including:
+ Mood changes
+ Confusion
+ Muscle pain or weakness
+ Fast or abnormal heartbeat
+ Severe dizziness or passing out
+ Increased thirst
+ Seizures
+ Feeling very tired or weak
+ Decreased appetite
+ Unable to pass urine or change in the amount of urine produced
+ Dry mouth
+ Dry eyes
+ Severe upset stomach or vomiting
Pain when passing urine
Joint pain or swelling
Shortness of breath, significant weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs
Chest pain that is new or worsening
Significant weight loss
Muscle spasm
Restlessness
Eye Problems:
This medication can cause certain eye problems, which can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:
Change in vision
Eye pain
These symptoms usually occur within hours to weeks of starting the medication.
Skin Cancer Risk:
Rarely, people taking hydrochlorothiazide have developed certain types of skin cancer. To minimize your risk:
Protect your skin from the sun
Have your skin checked regularly as advised by your doctor
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice:
+ A change in color or size of a mole
+ Any new or changing skin lump or growth
Other Side Effects:
Most people do not experience significant side effects, but some may occur. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help if they bother you or do not go away:
Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak
Headache
Nose or throat irritation
Signs of a common cold
Upset stomach
Diarrhea
Reporting Side Effects:
If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe dizziness or fainting spells
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (signs of angioedema)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Unusual muscle weakness or cramps
- Irregular or very slow heartbeat
- Signs of dehydration (e.g., extreme thirst, dry mouth, decreased urination)
- Severe skin rash or blistering
- Persistent cough
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including the symptoms that occurred.
A known sulfa allergy.
Current use of dofetilide.
Inability to urinate.
Presence of kidney disease.
Use of another medication with similar properties. If you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist for clarification.
Concurrent use of a medication containing aliskiren, particularly if you have diabetes or kidney problems.
Breastfeeding status. Note that breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medication.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health conditions with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help determine the safety of taking this medication in conjunction with your other treatments and health status. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
To minimize the risk of accidents, avoid driving and other activities that require alertness until you understand how this medication affects you. When getting up from a sitting or lying down position, rise slowly to reduce the likelihood of dizziness or fainting. Be cautious when climbing stairs to prevent falls.
If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), this medication may cause your blood sugar levels to increase. Consult with your doctor about strategies to maintain control over your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood pressure as directed by your healthcare provider, and undergo regular blood tests and other laboratory evaluations as recommended.
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication. If you are using a salt substitute containing potassium, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a potassium product, discuss this with your doctor. Additionally, if you are on a low-salt or salt-free diet, consult with your doctor to ensure safe use of this medication.
Although rare, it is possible to experience new or worsening chest pain after starting or increasing the dose of this medication, which may increase the risk of heart attack. This risk may be higher in individuals with severe heart blood vessel disease. Discuss this with your doctor to understand the potential risks and benefits.
Before using over-the-counter (OTC) products that may increase blood pressure, such as cough or cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and certain natural products or aids, consult with your doctor. Also, discuss the use of alcohol, marijuana or other forms of cannabis, and prescription or OTC medications that may cause drowsiness with your doctor.
In hot weather or during physical activity, be cautious and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you experience excessive sweating, fluid loss, vomiting, or diarrhea, inform your doctor, as these symptoms may lead to low blood pressure.
If you are taking colesevelam, colestipol, or cholestyramine, consult with your pharmacist about the best way to take these medications with this drug. Be aware of the potential for gout attacks, and monitor your condition accordingly.
Individuals with lupus should be aware that this medication may cause their condition to become active or worsen. If you experience new or worsening symptoms, inform your doctor promptly. If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Profound hypotension (very low blood pressure)
- Bradycardia (slow heart rate) or tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., severe hypokalemia, hyponatremia)
- Dehydration
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting
- Shock
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number. For poison control, call 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, including intravenous fluids for hypotension, and correction of electrolyte imbalances.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Aliskiren (in patients with diabetes or renal impairment due to increased risk of hyperkalemia, hypotension, and renal failure with olmesartan)
- Do not co-administer with ACE inhibitors in patients with diabetic nephropathy
Major Interactions
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride) or potassium supplements (increased risk of hyperkalemia with olmesartan)
- NSAIDs (including COX-2 inhibitors) (may reduce antihypertensive effect of olmesartan and HCTZ, and increase risk of renal impairment)
- Lithium (increased serum lithium levels and toxicity due to HCTZ)
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin) (may increase amlodipine exposure)
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, St. John's Wort) (may decrease amlodipine exposure)
- Other antihypertensive agents (additive hypotensive effects)
Moderate Interactions
- Corticosteroids (may antagonize the diuretic and antihypertensive effects of HCTZ)
- Bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol) (may reduce absorption of HCTZ)
- Digoxin (HCTZ-induced hypokalemia may potentiate digoxin toxicity)
- Allopurinol (increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions with HCTZ)
- Metformin (risk of lactic acidosis with HCTZ in renal impairment)
- Skeletal muscle relaxants, non-depolarizing (prolonged effect with HCTZ)
- Alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics (may potentiate orthostatic hypotension with HCTZ)
Minor Interactions
- Antidiabetic agents (HCTZ may increase blood glucose, requiring adjustment of antidiabetic therapy)
- Pressor amines (e.g., norepinephrine) (decreased arterial responsiveness to pressor amines with HCTZ)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To establish baseline cardiovascular status and guide therapy.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess baseline electrolyte balance, especially potassium due to HCTZ and olmesartan effects.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess kidney function, as renal impairment affects dosing and risk of adverse effects.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess baseline hepatic function, as amlodipine is metabolized by the liver.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: HCTZ can affect glucose metabolism.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: HCTZ can increase uric acid levels.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Regularly (e.g., daily at home, at each clinic visit)
Target: <130/80 mmHg (individualized based on guidelines and patient comorbidities)
Action Threshold: Persistently elevated BP despite therapy, or symptomatic hypotension
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., 1-2 weeks after initiation/dose change, then every 3-6 months)
Target: Potassium: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L; Sodium: 135-145 mEq/L
Action Threshold: Hypokalemia (<3.5 mEq/L), Hyperkalemia (>5.0 mEq/L), Hyponatremia (<135 mEq/L)
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., 1-2 weeks after initiation/dose change, then every 3-6 months)
Target: Stable creatinine, eGFR > 60 mL/min/1.73m²
Action Threshold: Significant increase in creatinine (>30% from baseline) or decrease in eGFR
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 6-12 months, more frequently in diabetics)
Target: Individualized based on diabetes management goals
Action Threshold: Significant increase in glucose levels
Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 6-12 months, more frequently in patients with history of gout)
Target: Individualized, typically <7 mg/dL
Action Threshold: Significant increase in uric acid levels or onset of gout symptoms
Symptom Monitoring
- Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially upon standing)
- Fainting (syncope)
- Swelling of ankles, feet, or hands (edema)
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Muscle cramps or pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Signs of angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing)
- Persistent cough (less common with ARBs than ACEIs, but still possible)
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Severe skin reactions (rash, blistering)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Contraindicated in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy due to the risk of fetal injury and death associated with the olmesartan component. Discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected. Use in the 1st trimester is generally not recommended due to potential risks.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Not recommended during breastfeeding. Olmesartan is not known to be excreted in human milk. Amlodipine is excreted in human milk, but risk to infant is considered low. Hydrochlorothiazide is excreted in human milk and may suppress lactation. Due to potential for serious adverse effects on the infant, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. Not recommended for use in children.
Geriatric Use
Use with caution, especially in patients 75 years or older. Start with lower doses of individual components if initiating therapy. Monitor renal function and electrolytes closely, as elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, particularly the diuretic component and potential for orthostatic hypotension.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Tribenzor is a fixed-dose combination and is not indicated for initial therapy of hypertension. It is typically used when patients are not adequately controlled on dual therapy or are already on the individual components.
- Patients should be advised to report any signs of angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat) immediately, as this is a rare but serious side effect of ARBs.
- Monitor for orthostatic hypotension, especially at the start of therapy, with dose increases, or in patients who are volume-depleted.
- Advise patients to avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium unless specifically instructed by their physician, due to the olmesartan component.
- Hydrochlorothiazide can cause photosensitivity reactions; advise patients to use sun protection.
- Regular monitoring of electrolytes (especially potassium and sodium) and renal function is crucial due to the diuretic and ARB components.
Alternative Therapies
- Other ARB/CCB combinations (e.g., Azor, Exforge)
- Other ARB/diuretic combinations (e.g., Benicar HCT, Diovan HCT)
- Other CCB/diuretic combinations
- Individual monotherapy or dual therapy with different classes of antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, alpha-blockers)