Alembic-Telmisartan/HCTZ Product Monograph

RECENT MAJOR LABEL CHANGES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sections or subsections that are not applicable at the time of authorization are not listed.

RECENT MAJOR LABEL CHANGES ............................................................................................. 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... 2

PART I: HEALTH PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION ....................................................................... 4

1 INDICATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 4

1.1 Pediatrics ..................................................................................................................... 4

1.2 Geriatrics ..................................................................................................................... 4

2 CONTRAINDICATIONS ........................................................................................................... 4

3 SERIOUS WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS BOX ...................................................................... 5

4 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ........................................................................................... 5

4.1 Dosing Considerations ................................................................................................. 5

4.2 Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment ............................................................ 5

4.4 Administration ............................................................................................................. 7

4.5 Missed Dose ................................................................................................................ 7

5 OVERDOSAGE ....................................................................................................................... 7

6 DOSAGE FORMS, STRENGTHS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING .......................................... 8

7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ............................................................................................ 9

7.1 Special Populations ................................................................................................... 15

7.1.1 Pregnant Women ................................................................................................... 15

7.1.2 Breast-feeding ........................................................................................................ 16

7.1.3 Pediatrics ................................................................................................................ 17

7.1.4 Geriatrics ................................................................................................................ 17

8 ADVERSE REACTIONS .......................................................................................................... 17

8.1 Adverse Reaction Overview ....................................................................................... 17

8.2 Clinical Trial Adverse Reactions ................................................................................. 17

8.3 Less Common Clinical Trial Adverse Reactions .......................................................... 26

8.4 Abnormal Laboratory Findings: Hematologic, Clinical Chemistry and Other Quantitative Data ............................................................................................................ 28

8.5 Post-Market Adverse Reactions ................................................................................ 30

9 DRUG INTERACTIONS .......................................................................................................... 31

9.1 Serious Drug Interactions .......................................................................................... 31

9.2 Drug Interactions Overview ....................................................................................... 32

9.3 Drug-Behavioural Interactions ................................................................................... 32

9.4 Drug-Drug Interactions .............................................................................................. 32

9.5 Drug-Food Interactions ............................................................................................. 41

9.6 Drug-Herb Interactions .............................................................................................. 41

9.7 Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions ............................................................................ 41

10 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ............................................................................................... 42

10.1 Mechanism of Action ............................................................................................... 42

10.2 Pharmacodynamics ................................................................................................. 42

10.3 Pharmacokinetics .................................................................................................... 44

11 STORAGE, STABILITY AND DISPOSAL ................................................................................. 47

12 SPECIAL HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS................................................................................... 47

13 PHARMACEUTICAL INFORMATION.................................................................................... 48

14 CLINICAL TRIALS ................................................................................................................ 50

14.1 Clinical Trials by Indication ...................................................................................... 50

14.2 Comparative Bioavailability Studies ........................................................................ 56

15 MICROBIOLOGY ................................................................................................................ 60

16 NON-CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY ............................................................................................. 60

17 SUPPORTING PRODUCT MONOGRAPHS............................................................................ 64

PATIENT MEDICATION INFORMATION ................................................................................... 64

PART I: HEALTH PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION

1 INDICATIONS

Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ (80 mg telmisartan/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide) is indicated for:

• treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension in patients in whom combination therapy with telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide is considered appropriate.

Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ (80 mg telmisartan/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide) is indicated for:

• treatment of patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ 80 mg/12.5 mg or patients who have been previously stabilised on telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide given separately.

These fixed-dose combinations are not indicated as initial therapy (see 4 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

1.1 Pediatrics

• Pediatrics (< 18 years of age): Based on the data submitted and reviewed by Health Canada, the safety and efficacy of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets in pediatric patients has not been established; therefore, Health Canada has not authorized an indication for pediatric use.

1.2 Geriatrics

• Geriatrics (> 65 years of age): No dosage adjustment is necessary. It should be recognized, however, that greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

2 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ (telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide) is contraindicated in:

• Concomitant use of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) –including the telmisartan component of Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ- with aliskiren-containing drugs in patients with diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2) or moderate to severe renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m²) is contraindicated (see 7 WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, Cardiovascular, Dual blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) and Renal, and 9.4 Drug-Drug Interactions, Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) with ARBs, ACEIs or aliskiren-containing drugs).

  • Patients who are hypersensitive to this drug or to any ingredient in the formulation or component of the container. For a complete listing, see the 6 DOSAGE FORMS,

    • , COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING section of the product monograph.
• Pregnant women (see 7.1.1Pregnant Women).
• Breast-feeding women (see 7.1.2 Breast-feeding women).
• Patients with anuria due to the presence of hydrochlorothiazide.

• Patients with the rare hereditary condition of fructose intolerance (HFI).

  • Mannitol: Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ contains 291.88 mg of mannitol per maximum recommended daily dose.
  • Meglumine: Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ contains 24 mg meglumine per maximum recommended daily dose.

• Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, e, g., galactosaemia, the Lapp Lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.

  • Lactose: Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ tablets contain ~180.5 mg of lactose monohydrate in the dose strength of 80/12.5 mg or ~169.4 mg of lactose monohydrate in the dose strength of 80/25 mg.

3 SERIOUS WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS BOX

Serious Warnings and Precautions

4 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

4.1 Dosing Considerations

• Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ may be substituted in patients who have been stabilized on the individual telmisartan 80 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg components as described below.

4.2 Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment

• Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ (telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide) is not for initial therapy.
• A patient whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with telmisartan monotherapy 80 mg, may be switched to Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ, (telmisartan 80 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg) once daily.
• A patient whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled with Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ (telmisartan 80 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg), may be switched to Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ (telmisartan 80 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg) once daily.

Telmisartan Monotherapy

The recommended dose of telmisartan is 80 mg once daily. The antihypertensive effect is present within 2 weeks and maximal reduction is generally attained after four weeks. If additional blood pressure reduction is required, a thiazide diuretic may be added.

No initial dosing adjustment is necessary for elderly patients or for patients with renal impairment but greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Markedly reduced telmisartan plasma levels were observed in patients on hemodialysis.

Diuretic Treated Patients

In patients receiving diuretics, telmisartan therapy should be initiated with caution, since these patients may be volume depleted and thus more likely to experience hypotension following initiation of additional antihypertensive therapy. Whenever possible, all diuretics should be discontinued two to three days prior to the administration of telmisartan to reduce the likelihood of hypotension (See 7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Hypotension). If this is not possible because of the patient’s condition, telmisartan should be administered with caution and the blood pressure monitored closely. Thereafter, the dosage should be adjusted according to the individual response of the patient.

Considerations for Special Populations

Patients with Renal Impairment

The usual regimens of therapy with Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ may be followed as long as the patient's creatinine clearance is > 30 mL/min. In patients with more severe renal impairment, loop diuretics are preferred to thiazides; in this instance, Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ is not recommended.

Patients with Hepatic Impairment

For patients with hepatic impairment, a starting dose of 40 mg of telmisartan is recommended. Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ is not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Pediatrics (<18 years of age): Based on the data submitted and reviewed by Health Canada, the safety and efficacy of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets in pediatric patients has not been established; therefore, Health Canada has not authorized an indication for pediatric use.

Geriatrics (> 65 years of age): No dose adjustment is necessary. It should be recognized, however, that greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Drug Discontinuation

If diagnosis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is suspected, Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ should be withdrawn and appropriate treatment given (See 7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Respiratory).

If increasing azotemia and oliguria occur during treatment of severe progressive renal disease, the diuretic should be discontinued (See 7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Renal, Azotemia).

If photosensitivity reactions occur during treatment with hydrochlorothiazide-containing drugs, treatment should be stopped See (7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Skin).

In the event of significant hypercalcemia, Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ should be discontinued followed by assessment of parathyroid function See (7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Endocrine and Metabolism, Hydrochlorothiazide).

If laryngeal stridor or angioedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, or glottis occurs, Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ should be discontinued immediately, the patient treated appropriately in accordance with accepted medical care, and carefully observed until the swelling disappears See (7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Immune, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus).

When pregnancy is detected, Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ should be discontinued as soon as possible See (7.1.1 Pregnant Women).

4.4 Administration

Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ can be administered with or without food, however it should be taken consistently with regard to food intake. Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ tablets are for once-daily oral administration and should be swallowed whole with liquid.

4.5 Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, patients should not take a double dose; patients should just carry on with the next dose at the usual time.

5 OVERDOSAGE

Limited information is available for telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets with regard to overdose in humans. Serum electrolytes and creatinine should be monitored frequently. If hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in a supine position, with salt and volume replacements given quickly. For the individual components of Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ, the following information is available:

Telmisartan

Based on limited data, the most prominent manifestations of overdose are hypotension, dizziness and tachycardia; bradycardia also occurred in this setting as a result of parasympathetic (vagal) stimulation. If symptomatic hypotension should occur, supportive treatment should be instituted.

It is not known if telmisartan can be removed from the body by hemodialysis.

Hydrochlorothiazide

The most common signs and symptoms observed are those caused by electrolyte depletion (hypokalemia, hypochloremia, hyponatremia) and dehydration resulting from excessive diuresis. If digitalis has also been administered, hypokalemia may accentuate cardiac arrhythmias.

Telmisartan is not removed by hemodialysis filtration and is not dialyzable. The degree to which hydrochlorothiazide is removed by hemodialysis has not been established.

6 DOSAGE FORMS, STRENGTHS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING

Table 1 – Dosage Forms, Strengths, Composition and Packaging

Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ tablets are available as:

Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ tablets of 80 mg/12.5 mg:

Oblong shaped, biconvex, bilayered, uncoated tablets with one white to off white color layer and one pink color mottled layer debossed with ‘L200’. White to off white color layer may contain pink color specks.

Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ tablets of 80 mg/25 mg:

Oblong shaped, biconvex, bilayered, uncoated tablets with one white to off white color layer and one yellow color mottled layer debossed with ‘L201’. White to off white color layer may contain yellow color specks.

All strengths are offered in 30-count HDPE bottles, 100-count HDPE bottles, 1000-count HDPE bottles, blister package of 30 tablets (3 blisters of 10 tablets each) in one carton box and blister package of 100 tablets (10 blisters of 10 tablets each) in one carton box.

Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ tablets are formulated for oral administration with a combination of 80 mg of telmisartan and 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide or 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide.

7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Please see 3 SERIOUS WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS BOX.

Carcinogenesis and Mutagenesis

Non-melanoma skin cancer

An increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) [basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin] after hydrochlorothiazide therapy was reported in some epidemiological studies. The risk may be higher with increasing cumulative use (see 8.5 Post Market Adverse Drug Reactions). The photosensitizing action of hydrochlorothiazide may be a possible mechanism for NMSC (see 16 NON-CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY, Carcinogenicity – Hydrochlorothiazide).

Patients taking hydrochlorothiazide should be informed of the potential risk of NMSC. They should be advised to regularly check their skin for new lesions as well as changes to existing ones, and to promptly report any suspicious skin lesions. Patients should also be advised to limit exposure to sunlight, to avoid the use of indoor tanning equipment, and to use adequate protection (e.g., a broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher, clothing, and a hat) when exposed to sunlight or UV light to minimize the risk of skin cancer.

Alternatives to hydrochlorothiazide may be considered for patients who are at a particularly high risk for NMSC (e.g., light coloured skin, known personal or family history of skin cancer, ongoing immunosuppressive therapy, etc.) (see 8.5 Post Market Adverse Reactions).

Cardiovascular

Volume and/or sodium depleted patients

In patients who are volume-depleted by diuretic therapy, dietary salt restriction, dialysis, diarrhea or vomiting, symptomatic hypotension may occur after initiation of therapy with Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ. Such conditions, especially volume and/or sodium depletion, should be corrected prior to administration of Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ. In these patients, because of the potential fall in blood pressure, therapy with telmisartan should be initiated under close medical supervision.

Ischaemic heart disease

Similar considerations apply to patients with ischemic heart or cerebrovascular disease, in whom an excessive fall in blood pressure could result in myocardial infarction or cerebrovascular accident.

Aortic and Mitral Valve Stenosis, Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

As with other vasodilators, special caution is indicated in patients suffering from aortic or mitral stenosis, or obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These patients are at risk of decreased coronary perfusion resulting from a cardiac output that is limited by a fixed cardiac vascular obstruction.

Dual blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS)

There is evidence that co-administration of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), such as the telmisartan component of Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ, or of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) with aliskiren increases the risk of hypotension, syncope, stroke, hyperkalemia and deterioration of renal function, including renal failure, in patients with diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2) and/or moderate to severe renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m²). Therefore, the use of Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ in combination with aliskiren-containing drugs is contraindicated in these patients (see 2 CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Further, co-administration of ARBs, including the telmisartan component of Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ, with other agents blocking the RAS, such as ACEIs or aliskiren-containing drugs, is generally not recommended in other patients, since such treatment has been associated with an increased incidence of severe hypotension, renal failure, and hyperkalemia.

Avoid the concomitant use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

If dual blockade therapy is considered necessary, this should only occur under specialist supervision and subject to frequent close monitoring of renal function, electrolytes, and blood pressure.

Driving and Operating Machinery

No studies on the effect on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed. However, when driving vehicles or operating machinery it should be taken into account that dizziness, syncope or vertigo may occasionally occur when taking antihypertensive therapy.

If patients experience these adverse events, they should avoid potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery.

Endocrine and Metabolism

Electrolyte and Metabolic Imbalances

Telmisartan & Hydrochlorothiazide

In controlled trials using telmisartan (80 mg) and hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg) in combination, there were no reports of hyperkalemia. Hypokalemia was reported in 1.4% of patients treated with the combination. No discontinuations due to hypokalemia occurred during treatment.

The absence of significant changes in serum potassium levels may be due to the opposing mechanisms of action of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide on potassium excretion by the kidney.

The use of a dual renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade may lead to increased occurrence of hyperkalemia when given as add-on therapy in patients with controlled blood pressure.

Hydrochlorothiazide

During thiazide diuretic therapy, periodic determinations of serum electrolytes to detect possible electrolyte imbalances should be performed at appropriate intervals. All patients receiving thiazide therapy should be observed for clinical signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance, particularly hyponatremia, hypokalemia and alkalosis hypochloremic. Serum and urine electrolyte determinations are particularly important when the patient experiences excessive vomiting or receives parenteral fluids.

Hypokalemia may develop especially with brisk diuresis, when severe cirrhosis is present or after prolonged therapy. Interference with adequate oral electrolyte intake will also contribute to hypokalemia. Hypokalemia may induce cardiac arrhythmia and may also sensitize or exacerbate the response of the heart to the toxic effects of digitalis (e.g., increased ventricular irritability).

Dilutional hyponatremia may occur in edematous patients in hot weather; appropriate therapy is water restriction rather than administration of salt, except in rare instances when the hyponatremia is life-threatening. In actual salt depletion, appropriate replacement is the therapy of choice.

Calcium excretion is decreased by thiazide diuretics which may cause intermittent and slight elevation of serum calcium in the absence of known disorders of calcium metabolism. Marked hypercalcemia may also be evidence of hyperparathyroidism.

Thiazide diuretics have been shown to increase the urinary excretion of magnesium, which may result in hypomagnesemia.

Hyperuricemia may occur, and an acute attack of gout may be precipitated in certain patients receiving thiazide therapy.

Insulin requirements in diabetic patients may be altered and latent diabetes mellitus may become manifest during thiazide diuretic therapy.

An increase in cholesterol and triglyceride levels has been associated with thiazide diuretic therapy.

Thiazide may decrease serum Protein Bound Iodine (PBI) levels without signs of thyroid disturbance.

Diabetic Patients:

In diabetic patients with undiagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD) on blood pressure lowering therapy, the risk of fatal myocardial infarction and unexpected cardiovascular death may be increased. In patients with diabetes mellitus, CAD may be asymptomatic and therefore undiagnosed. These patients should undergo appropriate diagnostic evaluation, e.g., exercise stress testing, to detect and to treat CAD accordingly before initiating blood pressure lowering treatment with Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ.

Hepatic/Biliary/Pancreatic

Hepatic Impairment

As the predominant route of elimination of telmisartan is through biliary excretion, patients with cholestasis, biliary obstructive disorders or hepatic insufficiency have reduced clearance of telmisartan leading to increased systemic exposure. Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ should therefore be used with caution in these patients. Dosage reduction should be considered which would necessitate usage of the individual tablet formulations.

Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ is not recommended for patients with severe hepatic impairment.

Thiazides should be used with caution in patients with impaired hepatic function or progressive liver disease, since minor alterations of fluid and electrolyte balance may precipitate hepatic coma (see 4.2 Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment, Patients with Hepatic Impairment).

Immune

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions to the hydrochlorothiazide component of Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ may occur in patients with or without a history of allergy or bronchial asthma.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Thiazide diuretics have been reported to cause exacerbation or activation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

A case of rare but fatal angioedema occurred in a patient who had been medicated for about 6 months with telmisartan, one of the active components of Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ. The Autopsy Report described evidence of edema of the laryngeal mucosa, with terminal respiratory and circulatory failure. This is in the context of approximately 5.2 million patient-years exposure to telmisartan annually.

In instances where swelling is confined to the face and lips, the condition generally resolves without treatment, although antihistamines may be useful in relieving symptoms. Where there is involvement of tongue, glottis, or larynx, likely to cause airway obstruction, appropriate therapy (including, but not limited to 0.3 to 0.5 mL of subcutaneous epinephrine solution 1:1000) should be administered promptly (see 8.5 Post Market Adverse Reactions).

Patients with a known hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis) or angioedema to ARBs should not be treated with Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ (see 8.2 Clinical Trial Adverse Reactions -All Clinical Trials, Immune System, Unknown: angioedema and 8.5 Post Market Adverse Reactions).

Monitoring and Laboratory Tests

For specific monitoring and laboratory tests, see 7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Cardiovascular, Endocrine and Metabolism, Hepatic and Renal and 9 DRUG INTERACTIONS sections.

Ophthalmologic

Choroidal effusion, Acute Myopia and Secondary Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Hydrochlorothiazide, a sulfonamide, has been associated with an idiosyncratic reaction resulting in choroidal effusion, acute transient myopia and/ or acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Symptoms include acute onset of decreased visual acuity, blurred vision or ocular pain and typically occur within hours to week of a drug initiation. Untreated acute-angle glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. The primary treatment is to discontinue hydrochlorothiazide as rapidly as possible. Prompt medical or surgical treatment 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.

Renal

Renal Impairment

As a consequence of inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, changes in renal function may be anticipated in susceptible individuals.

In patients whose renal function may depend on the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system such as patients with bilateral renal artery stenosis, unilateral renal artery stenosis to a solitary kidney or severe congestive heart failure, dual blockade of the renin- angiotensin-aldosterone system (e.g., concomitant use of an ARB with an ACE-inhibitor or the direct renin-inhibitor aliskiren) and treatment with agents that inhibit this system have been associated with oliguria, progressive azotemia, and rarely, acute renal failure and/or death. In susceptible patients, concomitant diuretic use may further increase risk. Appropriate assessment of renal function should be conducted prior to use of Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ.

In studies of ACE inhibitors in patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis, increases in serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen were observed. Although there has been no long-term experience with telmisartan in this patient population, an effect similar to that observed with ACE inhibitors should be anticipated.

Due to the hydrochlorothiazide component, Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≤ 30 mL/min).

Thiazide diuretics should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment.

There is no experience regarding the administration of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets in patients with a recent kidney transplant.

The use of ARBs – including the telmisartan component of Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ – or of ACEIs with aliskiren-containing drugs is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m²). (See 2 CONTRAINDICATIONS and 9 DRUG INTERACTIONS, Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) with ARBs, ACEIs, or aliskiren-containing drugs).

Telmisartan is not removed from blood by hemofiltration and is not dialyzable.

Azotemia

Azotemia may be precipitated or increased by the hydrochlorothiazide component of Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ. Cumulative effects of the drug may develop in patients with impaired renal function since the primary route of excretion is through the urine.

Reproductive Health: Female and Male Potential

• Fertility

No studies on fertility in humans with the fixed dose combination or with the individual components have been performed (see 16 NON-CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY, Reproduction, and developmental toxicology).

Respiratory

Acute Respiratory Toxicity

Very rare severe cases of acute respiratory toxicity, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have been reported after taking hydrochlorothiazide. Pulmonary edema typically develops within minutes to hours after hydrochlorothiazide intake. At the onset, symptoms include dyspnea, fever, pulmonary deterioration and hypotension. Hydrochlorothiazide should not be administered to patients who previously experienced ARDS following hydrochlorothiazide intake See (4.2 Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment, Drug Discontinuation).

Skin

Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity reactions have been reported with the use of thiazide diuretics.

7.1 Special Populations

7.1.1 Pregnant Women

Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) can cause fetal and neonatal morbidity and death when administered to pregnant women.

The use of angiotensin II receptor (AT₁) blockers (ARBs) is not recommended during pregnancy and should not be initiated during pregnancy. Epidemiological evidence regarding the risk of teratogenicity following exposure to angotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (another class of therapeutic products interfering with the RAAS) during the first trimester of pregnancy has not been conclusive; however, a small increase in risk cannot be excluded. Given the current evidence available on the risk with ARB, similar risks may exist for this class of drugs. Patients planning pregnancy should be changed to alternative anti-hypertensive treatments which have an established safety profile for use in pregnancy. When pregnancy is diagnosed, treatment with angiotensin II blockers should be stopped immediately, and, if appropriate, alternative therapy should be started.

Non-clinical studies with telmisartan do not indicate teratogenic effect but have shown fetotoxicity.

The use of ARBs during the second and third trimesters is known to induce human fetotoxicity (decreased renal function, oligohydramnios, skull ossification retardation) and neonatal toxicity (renal failure, hypotension, hyperkalemia).

Infants with a history of in utero exposure to ARBs should be closely observed for hypotension, oliguria, and hyperkalemia. If oliguria occurs, attention should be directed toward support of blood pressure and renal perfusion. Exchange transfusion may be required as a means of reversing hypotension and/or substituting for disordered renal function; however, limited experience with those procedures has not been associated with significant clinical benefit.

There is limited experience with hydrochlorothiazide during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Hydrochlorothiazide crosses the placenta and appears in cord blood. Based on the pharmacological mechanism of action of hydrochlorothiazide its use during the second and third trimester may compromise feto-placental perfusion and may cause fetal and neonatal effects like icterus, disturbance of electrolyte balance, fetal or neonatal jaundice and thrombocytopenia.

Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used for gestational edema, gestational hypertension or preeclampsia due to the risk of decreased plasma volume and placental hypoperfusion, without a beneficial effect on the course of the disease. Hydrochlorothiazide should not be used for essential hypertension in pregnant women.

Diuretics do not prevent development of toxemia (preeclampsia) of pregnancy and there is no satisfactory evidence that they are useful in the treatment of toxemia.

There has been no clinical experience with telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets in pregnancy.

7.1.2 Breast-feeding

Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ is contraindicated during lactation since it is not known whether telmisartan is excreted in human milk but significant levels have been found in the milk of lactating rats. Animal studies have shown excretion of telmisartan in breast milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of their potential for affecting the nursing infant adversely, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother. Thiazide diuretics are excreted in human milk at low levels.

7.1.3 Pediatrics

Pediatrics (<18 years of age):

Based on the data submitted and reviewed by Health Canada, the safety and efficacy of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets in pediatric patients has not been established; therefore, Health Canada has not authorized an indication for pediatric use.

7.1.4 Geriatrics

Geriatrics (> 65 years of age):

In clinical trials (n=1725) of patients treated with the combination of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide, 348 (20.2%) were 65 to 74 years of age and 78 (4.5%) were 75 years of age or older. No overall differences in the safety or efficacy profiles were observed in elderly patients compared with younger patients. It should be recognized however, that greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

8 ADVERSE REACTIONS

8.1 Adverse Reaction Overview

Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Used in Combination

The overall incidence and pattern of adverse events reported with Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (80 mg/25 mg) was comparable with Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (80 mg/12.5 mg). A dose-relationship of undesirable effects was not established, and they showed no correlation with gender, age, or race of the patients.

The combination of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide has been evaluated for safety in 1725 patients including 716 treated for over six months and 420 for over one year. In clinical trials with the individual components used in combination, no unexpected adverse events have been observed. Adverse experiences have been limited to those that have been previously reported with telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy. In general, treatment with the combination was well tolerated; most adverse experiences were mild and transient in nature and did not require discontinuation of therapy.

8.2 Clinical Trial Adverse Reactions

Clinical trials are conducted under very specific conditions. The adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials; therefore, may not reflect the rates observed in practice and should not be compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug. Adverse reaction information from clinical trials may be useful in identifying and approximating rates of adverse drug reactions in real-world use.

Adverse events at an incidence of ≥1% in patients treated with 80 mg/12.5 mg telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination, irrespective of their causal relationship, are presented in the following table. This table includes the results of two pivotal studies. One study, a factorial design, compared the use of various doses of telmisartan tablets and hydrochlorothiazide tablets in combination to telmisartan alone, hydrochlorothiazide alone and placebo. The other study compared the fixed dose combination 80 mg/12.5 mg of telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide to telmisartan 80 mg alone.

Table 2 - ADVERSE EVENTS OCCURRING IN ≥ 1% OF PATIENTS TREATED WITH 80 MG/12.5 MG TELMISARTAN/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE IN PIVOTAL CLINICAL TRIALS

HCTZ = hydrochlorothiazide

Note: Telmisartan 80 mg open label treatment is not included in the Telmisartan 80 mg column

Additional adverse reactions reported in clinical trials with telmisartan plus hydrochlorothiazide are listed below according to system organ class:

Body as a Whole: Allergy, leg pain.

Central and Peripheral Nervous System: Vertigo.

Gastro-intestinal System: Dyspepsia, gastritis, gastro-intestinal disorder.

Metabolic and Nutritional System: Hypokalaemia, loss of diabetic control, hyperuricaemia.

Musculo-Skeletal System: Myalgia, arthralgia.

Nervous System Disorders: Sleep disorder.

Psychiatric System: Anxiety.

Respiratory System: Bronchitis, sinusitis, respiratory distress, pneumonitis.

Reproductive system and breast disorders: erectile dysfunction.

Skin and Appendages System: Eczema, skin disorder.

Urinary System: Urinary tract infection.

In controlled trials with 1017 patients, 0.3% of patients treated with telmisartan (80 mg) and hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg) used in combination discontinued due to hypotension.

Adverse events occurred at approximately the same rates in men and women, older and younger patients and black and non-black patients.

Abnormal Hematologic and Clinical Chemistry Findings

In controlled trials, clinically relevant changes in standard laboratory test parameters were rarely associated with administration of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide in combination.

Table 3 - Laboratory Parameter Results in Patients Treated with Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide in Combination

Liver function Tests: Occasional elevations of liver enzymes and/or serum bilirubin have occurred. No telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide treated patients discontinued therapy due to abnormal liver function.

Serum Electrolytes: see 7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS.

Telmisartan

Additional side effects were reported in clinical trials with telmisartan in the indication hypertension or in patients 50 years or older at high risk of cardiovascular events.

Telmisartan has been evaluated for safety in 27 clinical trials involving 7968 patients. Of these 7968 patients, 5788 patients were treated with telmisartan monotherapy including 1058 patients treated for ≥ 1 year and 1395 patients treated in placebo-controlled trials.

The following potentially serious adverse events have been reported rarely with telmisartan in controlled clinical trials: syncope and hypotension. In placebo-controlled trials, no serious adverse event was reported with a frequency ≥ 0.1% in telmisartan-treated patients.

All Clinical Trials

The adverse drug events listed below have been accumulated from 27 clinical trials including 5788 hypertensive patients treated with telmisartan. Adverse events have been ranked under headings of frequency using the following convention: very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100, < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1000, <1/100); rare (≥ 1/10000, < 1/1000); very rare

(< 1/10000).

Body as a Whole, General:

Common: Chest pain, influenza-like illness, symptoms of infection (e.g., urinary tract infection, cystitis, fatigue, conjunctivitis)

Uncommon: Hyperhidrosis, asthenia (weakness)

Blood and Lymphatic System:

Uncommon: Anemia

Rare: Thrombocytopenia

Unknown: Eosinophilia

Cardiovascular System:

Common: Edema, palpitation

Uncommon: Bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension, hypotension

Rare: Tachycardia

Central and Peripheral Nervous System:

Very Common: Headache

Common: Dizziness, insomnia

Uncommon: Vertigo

Eye Disorders:

Rare: Visual disturbance

Gastro-Intestinal System:

Common: Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, nausea, constipation, gastritis

Uncommon: Dry mouth, flatulence, vomiting

Rare: Abdominal discomfort

Hepato-biliary Disorders:

Rare: Hepatic function abnormal/liver disorder*

*Most cases of hepatic function abnormal / liver disorder from post-marketing experience with telmisartan occurred in patients in Japan, who are more likely to experience these adverse reactions

Immune System:

Rare: Hypersensitivity, systemic lupus erythematosus*

* based on post-marketing experience.

Unknown: Anaphylactic reaction, angioedema

Infections and Infestations:

Uncommon: Upper respiratory tract infections. Urinary tract infections

Not known: Sepsis including fatal outcome

Investigations:

Uncommon: Blood creatinine increased

Rare: Blood uric acid increased, hepatic enzymes increased, blood creatinine phosphokinase increased, haemoglobin decreased

Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders:

Uncommon: Hyperkalemia

Rare: Hypoglycemia (in diabetic patients)

Musculo-Skeletal System:

Common: Arthralgia, muscle spasms (cramps in legs) or pain in extremity (leg pain), myalgia, arthritis

Uncommon: Tendon pain (tendonitis like symptoms), back pain

Nervous System:

Uncommon: Syncope (faint)

Psychiatric System:

Common: Anxiety, nervousness

Uncommon: Depression

Renal and Urinary System:

Uncommon: Renal impairment (including acute kidney injury)

Respiratory System:

Common: Upper respiratory tract infections including pharyngitis and sinusitis, bronchitis, coughing, dyspnea, rhinitis

Skin and Appendages System:

Common: Skin disorders like rash

Uncommon: Pruritus

Rare: Erythema, drug eruption, eczema, toxic skin eruption

Unknown: Urticaria

Hemoglobin:

Infrequently, a decrease in hemoglobin has been observed which occurs more often during treatment with telmisartan than with placebo.

Clinical Trial Adverse Reactions Hydrochlorothiazide

Whenever adverse reactions are moderate or severe, thiazide dosage should be reduced, or therapy withdrawn.

Cardiovascular: Orthostatic hypotension (may be aggravated by alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics)

Central nervous system: Dizziness, vertigo, paresthesia, headache, xanthopsia

Gastrointestinal system: Anorexia, gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, jaundice (intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice), pancreatitis, sialadenitis

Hematologic: Leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia

Hypersensitivity: Purpura, photosensitivity, rash, urticaria, necrotizing angiitis (vasculitis), fever, respiratory distress including pneumonitis, anaphylactic reactions

Other: Hyperglycemia, glycosuria, hyperuricemia, muscle spasm, weakness, restlessness, transient blurred vision

Placebo-Controlled Trials-Telmisartan Monotherapy

The overall incidence of adverse events reported with telmisartan (41.4%) was usually comparable to placebo (43.9%) in controlled clinical trials.

Adverse events occurring in ≥ 1% of 1395 hypertensive patients treated with telmisartan monotherapy in placebo-controlled clinical trials, regardless of drug relationship, include the following:

Table 4 - Adverse Events Occurring in ≥ 1% of 1395 Hypertensive Patients Treated with Telmisartan Monotherapy

The incidence of adverse events was not dose-related and did not correlate with the gender, age, or race of patients.

8.3 Less Common Clinical Trial Adverse Reactions

In addition, the following adverse events, with no established causality, were reported at an incidence <1% in placebo-controlled clinical trials with telmisartan monotherapy as well as telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination therapy:

Clinical trial telmisartan monotherapy

Autonomic Nervous System Disorders: sweating increased

Body as a Whole: abdomen enlarged, allergy, cyst NOS, fall, fever, leg pain, rigors, syncope

Cardiovascular Disorders, General: hypotension, hypotension-postural, leg edema

Central & Peripheral Nervous System Disorder: hypertonia, migraine-aggravated, muscle contraction-involuntary

Gastrointestinal System Disorders: anorexia, appetite increased, flatulence, gastrointestinal disorder nos, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux, melena, mouth dry, abdominal pain, constipation

Heart Rate & Rhythm Disorders: arrhythmia, tachycardia

Metabolic & Nutritional Disorders: diabetes mellitus, hypokalaemia

Musculoskeletal System Disorders: arthritis, arthritis aggravated, bursitis, fascitis plantar, tendon pain

Myo Endo Pericardial & Valve Disorders: myocardial infarction

Psychiatric Disorders: nervousness

Red Blood Cell Disorders: anemia

Reproductive Disorders, Female: vaginitis

Resistance Mechanism Disorders: abscess, infection, bacterial, moniliasis genital, otitis media

Respiratory System Disorders: bronchospasm, epistaxis, pneumonia, bronchitis, dyspnea

Skin & Appendage Disorders: rash, skin dry, angioedema (rare).

Urinary System Disorders: dysuria, hematuria, micturition disorder, urinary tract infection, cystitis

Vascular (Extracardiac) Disorders: cerebrovascular disorder, purpura.

Vision Disorders: vision abnormal.

Respiratory: rhinitis, dyspnea

Special senses: conjunctivitis

Clinical Trials with Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Combination Therapy

Gastrointestinal: constipation

Respiratory: dyspnea

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: angioedema (rare)

8.4 Abnormal Laboratory Findings: Hematologic, Clinical Chemistry and Other Quantitative Data

Clinical Trial Findings

In placebo-controlled clinical trials involving 1041 patients treated with telmisartan monotherapy, clinically relevant changes in standard laboratory test parameters were rarely associated with administration of telmisartan.

Table 5 - Laboratory Parameter Results in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials Involving 1041 Patients Treated with Telmisartan Monotherapy

Hemoglobin, Hemotocrit

Clinically significant changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit (<10g/dl and <30%, respectively) were rarely observed with telmisartan treatment and did not differ from rates in placebo-treated patients. No patients discontinued therapy due to anemia.

Cholesterol

In placebo-controlled trials, marked increases in serum cholesterol were reported in a total of 6 telmisartan-treated patients (0.4%) and no placebo patients. Two of these patients were followed over time, in both cases cholesterol values reverted to baseline levels.

Serum elevations in cholesterol were reported as adverse events in 11 of 3445 patients (0.3%) in all clinical trials. There were no reported cases of hypercholesterolemia in telmisartan-treated patients in placebo-controlled trials.

8.5 Post-Market Adverse Reactions

Telmisartan

Since the introduction of telmisartan in the market, cases of anxiety, dizziness, vision troubled, vertigo, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, retching, hyperhidrosis, arthralgia, myalgia, muscle spasm, back pain, asthenia, pain in extremity, fatigue, chest pain, blood creatinine increased, erythema, pruritus, syncope/faint, insomnia, depression, stomach discomfort, vomiting, hypotension (including orthostatic hypotension), bradycardia, tachycardia, abnormal hepatic function/liver disorder, renal impairment (including acute kidney injury), hyperkalemia, dyspnoea, anaemia, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, hyponatraemia and weakness have been reported. The frequency of these effects is unknown. As with other angiotensin II blockers, rare cases of angioedema (including fatal outcome), pruritus, rash and urticaria have been reported.

Cases of muscle pain, muscle weakness, myositis and rhabdomyolysis have been reported in patients receiving angiotensin II receptor blockers.

In addition, since the introduction of telmisartan in the market, cases with increased blood creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) have been reported.

Hydrochlorothiazide

Adverse experiences that have been reported with hydrochlorothiazide alone without regard to causality are listed below:

Blood and Lymphatic System: aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, leukopenia, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia (sometimes with purpura) bone marrow depression

Body as a Whole: fever, asthenia (weakness)

Cardiovascular: orthostatic hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias

Central and Peripheral Nervous System: dizziness, vertigo, paraesthesia, restlessness, nervousness

Eye Disorders: transient blurred vision, xanthopsia, (acute myopia, acute angle-closure glaucoma, and choroidal effusion; frequency unknown)

Gastrointestinal Disorders: pancreatitis, sialadenitis, gastric irritation, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort

Hepatobiliary Disorders: Jaundice (cholestatis intrahepatic).

Hypersensitivity: purpura

Immune System Disorders: anaphylactic reactions

Laboratory Findings: Metabolic: hyperglycaemia, glucosuria, hyperuricaemia

Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: volume depletion, decreased appetite, hypomagnesemia, hypercalcemia, alkalosis hypochloraemic, hyperglycemia, glycosuria, electrolyte imbalances (including hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia), hypercholesterolemia

Musculoskeletal: muscle spasm, cramps in legs

Nervous System Disorders: headache, light-headedness

Non-melanoma skin cancer: Some pharmacoepidemiological studies have suggested a higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin with increasing use of hydrochlorothiazide. A systematic review and meta-analysis undertaken by Health Canada suggested, with important uncertainty, that the use of hydrochlorothiazide for several years (>3 years) could lead to:

• 122 additional cases (95% CI, from 112 to 133 additional cases) of SCC per 1000 treated patients compared with non-use of hydrochlorothiazide (meta-analysis of 3 observational studies);
• 31 additional cases (95% CI, from 24 to 37 additional cases) of BCC per 1000 treated patients compared with non-use of hydrochlorothiazide (meta-analysis of 2 observational studies).

Renal: renal failure, renal dysfunction, interstitial nephritis

Respiratory Disorders: respiratory distress, pneumonitis, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); frequency very rare

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: rash, urticaria, erythema multiforme including Stevens-Johnson syndrome, exfoliative dermatitis including toxic epidermal necrolysis, photosensitivity reaction, lupus erythematosus-like reactions, reactivation of cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Vascular disorders: necrotising angiitis (vasculitis)

9 DRUG INTERACTIONS

9.1 Serious Drug Interactions

9.2 Drug Interactions Overview

Telmisartan

Cytochrome P450: Telmisartan is not metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes; as such, it is not expected that a pharmacokinetic interaction of telmisartan with drugs which inhibit or induce CYP isozymes will occur.

Hydrochlorothiazide

Cytochrome P450: Hydrochlorothiazide is not metabolized by humans; as such, no pharmacokinetic interaction with agents known to inhibit or induce CYP isozymes or other enzymes systems is expected.

9.3 Drug-Behavioural Interactions

Interactions with behaviour have not been established.

9.4 Drug-Drug Interactions

The drugs listed in this table are based on either drug interaction case reports or studies, or potential interactions due to the expected magnitude and seriousness of the interaction (i.e., those identified as contraindicated).

Table 6 – Established or Potential Drug-Drug Interactions with Telmisartan

Legend: C = Case Study; CT = Clinical Trial; T = Theoretical

Table 7 – Established or Potential Drug-Drug Interactions with Hydrochlorothiazide

9.5 Drug-Food Interactions

When telmisartan is taken with food, the reduction in the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of telmisartan varies from approximately 6% (40 mg) to approximately 19% (160 mg), and the reduction in C_max varies from approximately 26% (40 mg) to 56% (160 mg). However, three hours after administration, plasma concentrations are similar whether telmisartan is taken with or without food.

9.6 Drug-Herb Interactions

Interactions with herbal products have not been established.

9.7 Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions

Interactions with laboratory tests have not been established.

10 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

10.1 Mechanism of Action

Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ (telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide) is a combination of a selective angiotensin II receptor blocker, plain (telmisartan), in combination with hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic.

Telmisartan

Telmisartan is an orally active, AT1 selective angiotensin II receptor blocker. By selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptors, telmisartan inhibits the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II. Telmisartan blocks AT1 receptors and has essentially no affinity for the AT2 receptors. AT2 receptors have been found in many tissues; to date, they have not been found to be associated with cardiovascular homeostasis.

Telmisartan does not inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE, also known as kininase II), the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II and degrades bradykinin, nor does it affect renin or other hormone receptors, or ion channels involved in cardiovascular regulation of blood pressure and sodium homeostasis.

In hypertensive patients, antagonism of angiotensin II AT1 receptors results in two to three-fold increases in plasma renin and angiotensin II plasma concentrations. Long term effects of increased AT2 receptor stimulation by angiotensin II are unknown.

Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic which affects the renal tubular mechanisms of electrolyte reabsorption, directly increasing excretion of sodium and chloride in the distal tubule, thus promoting water excretion. The diuretic action of hydrochlorothiazide reduces plasma volume, with consequent increases in plasma renin activity, increases in aldosterone secretion, increases in urinary potassium loss and decreases in serum potassium. The latter effects of the renin-aldosterone link are mediated by angiotensin II; as such, co-administration of an angiotensin II AT1 receptor blocker may prevent the potassium loss associated with thiazide diuretics. The precise mechanism of the antihypertensive effect of thiazides however, is not fully understood.

10.2 Pharmacodynamics

Telmisartan

The antihypertensive effects of telmisartan were demonstrated in 6 placebo-controlled clinical trials, in a total of 1773 patients, 1031 of whom were treated with telmisartan. Upon initiation of antihypertensive treatment with telmisartan, blood pressure was reduced after the first dose and there was a gradual increase in the antihypertensive effect during continued treatment for ≤12 weeks, with most of the increase occurring during the first month. Onset of antihypertensive activity occurs within 3 hours after administration of a single oral dose. The antihypertensive effect of once daily administration of telmisartan is maintained for the full 24-hour dose interval. The magnitude of blood pressure reduction from baseline, after placebo subtraction, was on average (SBP/DBP) -11.3/-7.3 mmHg for telmisartan 40 mg once daily, and -13.7/-8.1 mmHg for telmisartan 80 mg once daily. Upon abrupt cessation of treatment with telmisartan, blood pressure gradually returned to baseline values over a period of several days. During long term studies (without placebo control) the effect of telmisartan appeared to be maintained for ≥1year.

For those patients treated with telmisartan 80 mg once daily who required additional blood pressure reduction, addition of a low dose of hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg) resulted in incremental blood pressure reductions of -9.4/-7.0 mmHg.

There was essentially no change in heart rate in telmisartan-treated patients in controlled trials.

In clinical trials with post-dose in-clinic monitoring no excessive blood pressure lowering peak effect was observed even after the first dose, and the incidence of symptomatic orthostasis was very low (0.04%).

With automated ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the 24-hour trough-to-peak ratio for telmisartan was determined to be at least 80% for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

The antihypertensive effect of telmisartan is not influenced by patient age, weight or body mass index. Blood pressure in hypertensive black patients is significantly reduced by telmisartan (compared to placebo), but less so than in non-black patients.

In hypertensive patients with normal renal function, no clinically significant effects on renal plasma flow, filtration fraction, or glomerular filtration rate were observed. In multiple dose studies in hypertensive patients, telmisartan had no adverse effect on renal function as measured by serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen.

Diabetic Patients: Multiple exploratory post hoc analyses were carried out on the three cardiovascular (CV) outcome trials (ONTARGET, TRANSCEND and PRoFESS). In TRANSCEND and PRoFESS, an increased risk of unexpected CV death was seen with telmisartan versus placebo in diabetics without previously diagnosed coronary artery disease (CAD) but not in those with a documented history of CAD. No such increased risk was demonstrated in ONTARGET for telmisartan versus ramipril in diabetes patients without previously diagnosed CAD.

These findings in diabetics with added cardiovascular risk, could be related to a pre-existing but asymptomatic or silent CAD. Diabetics with undiagnosed and therefore untreated CAD may be at increased risk when lowering blood pressure too far, e.g., when initiating antihypertensive therapy, due to a further reduction of perfusion in an already narrowed coronary artery.

Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and an antihypertensive agent. After oral administration of hydrochlorothiazide, diuresis begins within 2 hours, peaks in about 4 hours and lasts 6 to 12 hours.

Hydrochlorothiazide affects the renal tubular mechanism of electrolyte reabsorption, increasing excretion of sodium and chloride in approximately equivalent amounts and reduces the rate of formation of solute-free water. Natriuresis causes a secondary loss of potassium and bicarbonate.

In hypertensive patients, hydrochlorothiazide has an antihypertensive effect. However, the mechanism has yet to be sufficiently clarified. Hydrochlorothiazide has no effect on normal blood pressure.

Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Combination

In a placebo-controlled clinical study, the combination of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide resulted in decreases in trough systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) which were greater than the decreases induced by either agent administered as monotherapy.

In a controlled clinical trial directly comparing telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets with telmisartan (80mg) monotherapy, trough SBP and DBP reductions observed with telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets were significantly greater than with telmisartan alone.

Similarly, in other controlled studies with patients who did not achieve or maintain adequate response with telmisartan monotherapy, the addition of 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide to titrated doses of telmisartan further reduced systolic and diastolic pressure.

The antihypertensive effect of telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide (80 mg/12.5 mg) was independent of age or gender. The overall response to the combination was similar for black and non-black patients.

There was essentially no change in heart rate in patients treated with the combination of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide in the placebo-controlled trial.

10.3 Pharmacokinetics

There are no pharmacokinetic interactions between telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide as the pharmacokinetic parameters of the individual components are unchanged by their co-administration as telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. The results of a randomized, crossover study demonstrated that the bioavailabilities of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide were the same, whether administered as the fixed-dose combination or as the single entity formulations.

Table 8 - Single Dose Pharmacokinetics in Normotensive Subjects (10 Male and 10 Female Caucasian Subjects, 18 to 45 years of age). Given are arithmetic means (%CV).

Telmisartan

Absorption: Following oral administration, telmisartan is well absorbed with a mean absolute bioavailability of about 50%. Mean peak plasma concentrations (C_max) of telmisartan are reached in 0.5 - 1 hour after dosing. The pharmacokinetic profile is characterized by greater than proportional increases in plasma concentrations (C_max and AUC) with increasing doses >40 mg. Telmisartan shows bi-exponential decay kinetics with terminal elimination half life of approximately 24 hours and does not accumulate in plasma upon repeated once daily administration. Food slightly reduces the bioavailability of telmisartan.

Distribution: Telmisartan is extensively bound to plasma proteins (>99.5%) at concentrations achieved at the recommended dosage. The apparent volume of distribution is approximately 500 L, suggesting extensive tissue binding sites.

Metabolism: Telmisartan is metabolized by conjugation to form a pharmacologically inactive acylglucuronide; this is the only metabolite that has been detected in human plasma and urine. Following both oral dosing and intravenous administration of radiolabelled telmisartan, the parent compound represented approximately 85%, and the glucuronide approximately 11% of total radioactivity in plasma. The cytochrome P450 isoenzymes are not involved in the metabolism of telmisartan.

Elimination: Total plasma clearance of telmisartan is > 800 mL/min. Biliary excretion is the predominant route of elimination of telmisartan and its metabolite.

Hydrochlorothiazide

Absorption: Following oral administration, peak concentrations of hydrochlorothiazide were reached approximately 2.0 hours after dosing. Based on cumulative renal excretion of hydrochlorothiazide the absolute bioavailability was about 60% to 70%.

Distribution: Hydrochlorothiazide is 40% protein bound in the plasma and its apparent volume of distribution is 2 to 5 L/kg.

Elimination: Hydrochlorothiazide is not metabolized but is eliminated rapidly by the kidney. The plasma-half life has been observed to vary between 5.6 and 14.8 hours when the plasma levels can be followed for up to 24 hours. At least 61 percent of the oral dose is eliminated unchanged within 24 hours. Hydrochlorothiazide crosses the placenta but not the blood-brain barrier and is excreted in breast milk.

Special Populations and Conditions

Telmisartan

Pediatrics:

Telmisartan pharmacokinetics have not been investigated in patients < 18 years of age; therefore, Health Canada has not authorized an indication for pediatric use.

Geriatrics: The pharmacokinetics of telmisartan does not differ between elderly patients and those younger than 65 years of age.

Sex: Gender differences in plasma concentrations of telmisartan were observed, C_max and AUC being approximately 3-and 2 -fold higher respectively in females compared to males without relevant influence on efficacy.

Genetic Polymorphism: No studies were conducted to evaluate the influence of genetic polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of telmisartan.

Hepatic Insufficiency: In patients with hepatic insufficiency, plasma concentrations of telmisartan are increased, and absolute bioavailability approaches 100% (see 7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and 4 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Reduction of the dose of telmisartan should be considered which would necessitate usage of the individual tablet formulations.

Renal Insufficiency:

Lower plasma concentrations were observed in patients with renal insufficiency undergoing dialysis. Telmisartan is highly bound to plasma protein in renal-insufficient subjects and cannot be removed by dialysis. The elimination half-life is not changed in patients with renal impairment.

Drug Interaction - Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide

A randomized, 3-way crossover study was conducted in 14 healthy subjects to investigate the potential for a pharmacokinetic interaction between telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide when administered concomitantly. Oral doses of either hydrochlorothiazide alone (25 mg, qd x 7), telmisartan alone (160 mg, qd x 7) or both drugs at the respective doses in combination, daily for 7 days were administered. Plasma concentrations of both telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide were assessed at steady state. Based on a comparative analysis, it was concluded that there is no pharmacokinetic interaction between telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide when administered concomitantly.

11 STORAGE, STABILITY AND DISPOSAL

Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ tablets are packaged in blisters and bottles and should be stored at room temperature (15-30°C). Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ tablets are hygroscopic and require protection from moisture. Due to the hygroscopic property of the tablets, they should be taken out of the sealed blister shortly before administration.

12 SPECIAL HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS

There are no special handling instructions.

PART II: SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

13 PHARMACEUTICAL INFORMATION

Drug Substance - Telmisartan

Proper name: Telmisartan

Chemical name: [1,1’-Biphenyl]-2-carboxylic acid, 4’-[(1,4’- dimethyl-2’-propyl[2,6’-bi- 1H-benzimidazol]-1’-yl)methyl].

Molecular formula and molecular mass: C₃₃H₃₀N₄O₂, 514.63

Structural formula:

Physicochemical properties:

Description:

Telmisartan is a white to off-white, odorless crystalline powder. It is practically insoluble in water and in the pH range of 3 to 9, sparingly soluble in strong acid (except HCl) and soluble in strong base.

Polymorphism:

Exhibits two different polymorphic modifications, Form A (thermodynamically more stable) and form B, and a third pseudo polymorphic form.

Melting Point:

269 ± 1°C (polymorphic Form A)

183 ± 1°C (polymorphic Form B)

Drug Substance - Hydrochlorothiazide

Proper name: Hydrochlorothiazide

Chemical name: 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide.

Molecular formula and molecular mass: C₇H₈ClN₃O₄S₂, 297.75

Structural formula:

Physicochemical properties:

Description:

Hydrochlorothiazide is a white to practically white, crystalline powder. Hydrochlorothiazide is slightly soluble in water and freely soluble in sodium hydroxide solution.

Melting Point:

273-275°C

14 CLINICAL TRIALS

14.1 Clinical Trials by Indication

Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets (80 mg telmisartan/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide) is indicated for:

• treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension in patients in whom combination therapy with telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide is considered appropriate.

Table 9 - Summary of patient demographics for clinical trials in telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets (80 mg telmisartan/12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide)

* median age

T = telmisartan

H = hydrochlorothiazide

In controlled clinical trials for Study 502.261 and Study 502.204, 571 patients were exposed to telmisartan 80 mg and concomitant hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg.

Table 10 - Results of Study# 502.261, and Study# 502.204 in telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets (80 mg telmisartan/ 12.5 mg hydrochlorothiazide)

BP = blood pressure

DBP = diastolic blood pressure

H = hydrochlorothiazide

SBP = systolic blood pressure

T = telmisartan

Study 502.204

Table 11 - Observed Mean Reduction from Baseline in Trough Supine Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) from BI Study# 502.204

¹ compared to placebo; p<0.01

² compared to HCTZ 12.5 mg alone; p<0.01

³ compared to telmisartan 80 mg alone; p<0.01

Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets (80 mg telmisartan/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide) is indicated for:

• treatment of patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets 80 mg/12.5 mg or patients who have been previously stabilised on telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide given separately.

Table 12 - Summary of patient demographics for clinical trials in telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets (80 mg telmisartan/25 mg hydrochlorothiazide)

* median age

T = telmisartan

H = hydrochlorothiazide

Table 13 - Results of Study# 502.480 in telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets (80 mg Telmisartan/ 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide)

BP = blood pressure

DBP = diastolic blood pressure

H = hydrochlorothiazide

SBP = systolic blood pressure

T = telmisartan

Study 502.480

At baseline, trough seated DBP means were comparable for both treatment groups with a mean of 95.0 mmHg for T80/H12.5 and 95.3 mmHg for T80/H25. Both groups showed a reduction in DBP by the end of study, with a larger reduction being observed in the T80/H25 treatment group. An adjusted mean change from baseline of -5.5 mmHg was observed for the T80/H12.5 group compared with an adjusted mean change of -7.1 mmHg for the T80/H25 group. The difference (95% CI) in the adjusted means of -1.6 mmHg (-2.5 mmHg, -0.6 mmHg) indicated the additional reduction in mean trough DBP present in the T80/H25 group. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.0012), which shows the superiority of T80/H25 over T80/H12.5 in reducing mean trough seated DBP in patients not responding adequately to T80/H12.5.

The analysis of the change from baseline in trough seated SBP at the last visit during the double-blind treatment phase was performed using the same methodology as for the primary endpoint. At baseline, trough seated SBP means of the 2 groups were comparable, with a mean of 147.4 mmHg for T80/H12.5 and 147.9 mmHg for T80/H25. Mean trough seated SBP decreased in both treatment groups by the end of study; the larger reduction was observed in the T80/H25 group. The adjusted mean change from baseline in the T80/H12.5 group was -7.1 mmHg, while for T80/H25 it was -9.8 mmHg. The difference (95% CI) between the groups in the adjusted means was -2.7 mmHg (-4.2 mmHg, -1.2 mmHg) with a p-value of 0.0003. The data show that treatment with T80/H25 reduced mean trough seated SBP more than T80/H12.5.

Table 14 - Analysis of Change from Baseline to the End of Study in Trough Seated DBP (FAS) Study# 502.480

*Adjusted for baseline trough seated DBP and pooled country.

Table 15 - Analysis of Change from Baseline to the End of Study in Trough Seated SBP (FAS) Study# 502.480

*Adjusted for baseline trough seated SBP and pooled country.

Figure 1: Adjusted (for baseline and country) mean change from baseline (with SE) of trough seated BP in the pivotal clinical trial study# 502.480

In this study, both treatments were generally well tolerated as evidenced by a similar incidence of adverse event (AE) frequencies between T80/H12.5 (29.6%) and T80/H25 (31.5%) and the data obtained were consistent with the known safety profile of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets. Frequently reported AEs in one or the other treatment arm (overall incidence ≥1% or 8 patients) were back pain (1.9% of the T80/H12.5 patients and vs. 2.0% of the T80/H25 patients), bronchitis (2.2% vs. 1.1%), headache (2.8% vs. 0.6%), palpitations (1.4% vs. 0.9%), and nasopharyngitis (0.6% vs. 1.7%). The frequency of AEs events considered drug related was also similar (5.0% for T80/H12.5 and 5.7% for T80/H25). Two serious AEs considered drug-related by the investigators were reported in the trial

(atrioventricular block third degree in the T80/H12.5 group and atrial flutter in the T80/H25 group).

14.2 Comparative Bioavailability Studies

An open-label, randomized, 4-way crossover, replicate-design study was conducted to compare the bioavailability following single oral administration of telmisartan (80 mg) and hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg) administered as either telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets or as the individual monotherapy formulations. Twenty (10M/10F) healthy subjects participated in this study. Comparative measures of exposure to telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide were based on AUC and C_max. The results of this study demonstrated that both telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide had similar bioavailabilities administered as either telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablets or as the single entity formulations.

Conventional average bioequivalence, average scaled bioequivalence, and individual bioequivalence (as a secondary analysis) using a moment-based scaled approach were evaluated with respect to Telmisartan pharmacokinetic variables. With respect to HCTZ pharmacokinetic variables, conventional average bioequivalence was evaluated. The upper bounds of the one-sided 95% confidence interval for the average, scaled bioequivalence measure M_as are, on the ratio scale, 109.4% and 113.8% for the primary pharmacokinetic variables AUC_0-∞ and C_max, respectively. These upper bounds of the confidence intervals are below the upper bound of the bioequivalence range, 125%. Thus average, scaled bioequivalence with respect to the variables AUC_0-∞ and C_max is shown. Similarly, average, scaled bioequivalence with respect to the secondary variable AUC_0-48h was shown. The 90% confidence intervals for the “test/reference” mean ratio for the primary pharmacokinetic variables AUC_0-∞ and C_max are 100.0% to 111.0% and 106.8% to 129.0%, respectively. The confidence interval for AUC_0-∞ falls in the bioequivalence range of 80% to 125%, while the confidence interval for C_max falls in the bioequivalence range of 75% to 133%. The confidence interval for the “test/reference” mean ratio of the secondary variable AUC_0-48h falls in the 80% to 125%, bioequivalence range.

Table 16 - Results for Telmisartan

* batch no.9960326

^† Telmisartan 80 mg oblong tablet, batch no. 9960326;

^§ Expressed as the median (range) only.

² Expressed as the arithmetic mean (CV%) only.

For Hydrochlorothiazide, the 90% confidence intervals for the “test/reference” mean ratio for the primary pharmacokinetic variables AUC_0-∞ and C_max are 91.8% to 109.5% and 90.8% to 107.4%, respectively. The confidence intervals for the “test/reference” mean ratio of the pharmacokinetic variable Ae_0-48h is 91.0% to 103.9%. All confidence intervals fall in the bioequivalence range of 80% to 125%.

Table 17 - Results for Hydrochlorothiazide

* batch no.9960326

^† Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg tablet, batch no. F4260;

^§ Expressed as the median (range) only.

² Expressed as the arithmetic mean (CV%) only.

Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets 80 mg/25 mg:

A double blind, randomized, two-way, single-dose, crossover comparative bioavailability study of Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ 80 mg/25 mg Tablets (Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, India) and Micardis^® Plus 80 mg/25 mg Tablets [Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd./ Ltée] was conducted in healthy, adult, human male subjects under fasting conditions. Comparative bioavailability data from 51 subjects that were included in the statistical analysis are presented in the following table:

Summary table of the comparative bioavailability data for Telmisartan

¹ Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ (Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide) Tablets, 80 mg/25 mg (Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, India)

² MICARDIS^® PLUS (Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide) Tablets, 80 mg/25 mg [Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd./ Ltée]

³ Expressed as the median (range) only.

⁴ Expressed as the arithmetic mean (CV%) only.

Summary table of the comparative bioavailability data for Hydrochlorothiazide

¹ Alembic-Telmisartan / HCTZ (Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide) Tablets, 80 mg/25 mg (Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited, India)

² MICARDIS^® PLUS (Telmisartan / Hydrochlorothiazide) Tablets, 80 mg/25 mg [Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd./ Ltée]]

³ Expressed as the median (range) only.

⁴ Expressed as the arithmetic mean (CV%) only.

15 MICROBIOLOGY

No microbiological information is required for this drug product.

16 NON-CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

General Toxicology

Telmisartan and Hydrochlorothiazide

Repeated-dose toxicity studies of 26 weeks duration were conducted in both rats and dogs. These studies were designed to compare the toxicological profiles of telmisartan, and hydrochlorothiazide administered alone, with that of the drugs given in combination.

Table 18 - Repeat Dose Toxicity Studies Conducted with Telmisartan/Hydrochlorothiazide

HCTZ = hydrochlorothiazide

Repeated, oral doses of telmisartan with and without hydrochlorothiazide for 26 weeks in rats induced a pronounced and persistent dose-related decrease of blood pressure without reflex tachycardia. At 50 mg/kg of telmisartan, the addition of hydrochlorothiazide had an additive effect on the blood pressure lowering effect of telmisartan. Clinical laboratory and histopathological changes were similar to those observed in previous toxicity studies in rats with telmisartan alone. Essentially, there were no new toxicities observed with the addition of hydrochlorothiazide.

In dogs, repeated oral doses of telmisartan with hydrochlorothiazide administered for 26 weeks was associated with nephrotoxicity, which is consistent with the findings from previous studies with telmisartan alone. The addition of 0.63 mg/kg of hydrochlorothiazide to 4 mg/kg telmisartan did not increase renal toxicity whereas the co-administration of 1.25 mg/kg hydrochlorothiazide significantly increased toxicity. The exacerbation of nephrotoxicity in this species can be ameliorated by saline supplementation.

No effects of telmisartan on male or female fertility were observed.

Carcinogenicity

No carcinogenicity or mutagenicity studies have been conducted with the combination of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide. However, these studies have been conducted for telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide alone. Based on the preclinical safety profile of the telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination and on human pharmacokinetic studies, there is no indication of any adverse interaction between telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

Telmisartan

The carcinogenic potential of telmisartan was assessed in 2-year feeding studies in mice at doses of 10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg/day in rats at 3, 15, and 100 mg/kg/day. Drug administration did not affect overall survival time in either study nor did it affect the rate of tumour-induced mortality. There were no increases in overall tumour incidence, incidence of benign or malignant tumours or in tumour multiplicity associated with telmisartan administration.

The standard battery of genotoxicity assays did not reveal any telmisartan-related effects at either the gene or chromosome level. These assays included bacterial mutagenicity tests with Salmonella typhimurium and E. coli, a gene mutation test with CHO cells, a cytogenetic test with human lymphocytes and an in vivo mouse micronucleus assay.

Hydrochlorothiazide

According to the experimental data available, hydrochlorothiazide revealed inconsistent evidence of carcinogenic activity in rats and mice, with conflicting evidence of hepatic adenoma in male mice at the highest dose (dietary concentrations of 2000 ppm in rats and 5000 ppm in mice), and adrenal pheochromocytoma in one rat study but not in another. Current evidence is inadequate to draw a clear conclusion for a carcinogenic effect of hydrochlorothiazide in animals.

The mutagenic potential was assessed in a series of in vitro and in vivo test systems. While some positive results were obtained in vitro, all in vivo studies provided negative results. Hydrochlorothiazide enhanced the UVA-induced formation of pyrimidine dimers in vitro and in the skin of mice following oral treatment. It is therefore concluded that although there is no relevant mutagenic potential in vivo, hydrochlorothiazide could enhance the genotoxic effects of UVA light. This mechanism of photosensitization could be associated with a higher risk for non-melanoma skin cancer.

Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology

Telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide: A developmental toxicity study was conducted in rats with oral doses of telmisartan and hydrochlorothiazide used in combination (3.2/1.0, 15/4.7, 50/15.6 and 0/15.6 mg/kg/day). Although the two higher dose combinations appeared to be more toxic to the dams than either drug alone, the results indicated the lack of teratogenic, fetotoxic or embryotoxic potential of the telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination at the doses tested in this animal model.

Telmisartan: In studies on fertility and reproductive performance in male and female rats, no effect on mating performance, reproductive organs, or fertility in either sex or on litter parameters was observed with telmisartan oral doses of 5-100 mg/kg. No teratogenic or embryotoxic potential in rats was observed at oral doses of ≤50 mg/kg administered during gestation. However, at toxic dose levels, non-clinical studies indicated some hazardous potential of telmisartan to fetal development (increased number of late resorptions in rabbits) and to the postnatal development of the offspring: lower body weight, delayed eye opening, and higher mortality.

Telmisartan was detectable in the placenta, fetus and amniotic fluid of rats after single oral doses of 1 mg/kg.

Hydrochlorothiazide: Hydrochlorothiazide was orally administered to pregnant mice and rats during gestation, at doses of up to 3000 and 1000 mg/kg/day respectively. There was no evidence of fetotoxicity or teratogenicity.

Hydrochlorothiazide had no adverse effects on the fertility of mice and rats of either sex in studies where these species were exposed via their diet, to doses of ≤100 and ≤4 mg/kg respectively, prior to mating and throughout gestation.

Non-Clinical Pharmacodynamics

The effect of telmisartan in combination with hydrochlorothiazide was investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Repeated oral administration of telmisartan at a dose of 3 mg/kg/day for 5 days to conscious rats reduced mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) significantly and persistently with maximal decrease in MAP of approximately 36 mmHg. Hydrochlorothiazide alone (10 mg/kg/day) had no effect on blood pressure in this model, however when administered in combination with telmisartan (3 mg/kg/day), induced a significantly greater antihypertensive effect than with telmisartan alone, with a maximal reduction of about 53 mmHg. Furthermore, the telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination ameliorated the alteration in potassium balance when compared to hydrochlorothiazide alone in this model.