VALSARTAN-HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Diovan HCT

GENERIC NAME(S): VALSARTAN/HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE

Description: Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist and reduces blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that causes an increase in urine production, which helps your body get rid of extra salt and water.

Uses

Treatment of high blood pressure.
May also be used to treat heart failure.

How to use valsartan-hydrochlorothiazide

Always refer to your doctors instructions before taking this medication. Duration and dosage will be determined by your medical condition and its response to the medication. Make sure to take this medication in the prescribed amount and time period even after symptoms disappear. Discontinuing the medication before completion of treatment may cause incomplete treatment of condition. If Symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Taken by mouth; With or without food; usually once a day or as directed by your physician; If this medication causes you to urinate more frequently, it is best to take it at least 4 hours before your bedtime to prevent having to get up to urinate.
If you are also taking cholesterol lowering medications (such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take this product at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications.

Warnings

Side Effects

Minor side effects (if these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor)

Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur as your body adjusts to the medication.

Serious side effects (inform your doctor immediately)
- fainting, decrease in vision, eye pain, symptoms of a high potassium blood level (such as muscle weakness, slow/irregular heartbeat), unusual change in the amount of urine (not including the normal increase in urine when you first start this drug).

Severe allergic reactions are rare. Get immediate medical help if you notice the following:

Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions

Precautions

Inform your doctor.
- Allergy to the medication or any allergies.
- Medical History of gout, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus, loss of too much body water and minerals (dehydration).

May cause dizziness or drowsiness. Limit alcohol intake.

May cause a loss of too much body water (dehydration) and salt/minerals.
- extreme thirst, very dry mouth, muscle cramps/weakness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, confusion, decreased urination, severe sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, prolonged diarrhea.

May cause light sensitivity (photosensitivity).
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps.
- Sunscreen and protective clothing are recommended when outdoors.

May affect your potassium levels.

Should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm an unborn baby. If you are planning to be pregnant or think you may be pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of use with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Before breast-feeding, consult your physician.

Interactions

Taking multiple drugs may affect how medications work and/or cause unwanted side effects. List down all the medications you are taking and inform your physician and pharmacist. Do not take, discontinue, or alter any dose of medications without prior approval of your physician.

Products that may interact with this medication include:
- aliskiren, dofetilide, lithium, drugs that may increase the level of potassium in the blood (such as ACE inhibitors including benazepril/lisinopril, birth control pills containing drospirenone).

Laboratory tests that may be affected:
- parathyroid function.

Overdose & Brands

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
- severe dizziness, fainting.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and as soon as you remember, take a regular dose or if the time of the next dose is near, wait for it before taking another dose and resume your usual schedule. Do not increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose.

Storage:

Room temperature
Do not expose to light and moisture
Do not store in the bathroom
Keep all medications away from pets and children

Brands

Available Brands

Co-Diovan [ Novartis Healthcare ]
Co-Tareg [ Sandoz ]
Dizantin/Dizantin Plus [ Korea United Pharma ]
Duoval [ Tabros Pharma ]
Valazyd H [ Zydus Healthcare Phils ]