Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)
val-SAR-tan, hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide
Treats high blood pressure. This medicine contains an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and diuretic (water pill).
Drug classes
Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist/Thiazide Combination (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide combination is used alone or with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten. Valsartan relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. A lower blood pressure will increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow of urine. This helps lower blood pressure.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren. especially if you also have diabetes or kidney disease.
Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Atropine, biperiden, carbamazepine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, rifampin, ritonavir, heparin ACE inhibitor blood pressure medicine Diuretic (water pill) Insulin or other diabetes medicine An NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, such as aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxenAsk your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
If you also use cholestyramine or colestipol, take these at least 4 hours after you take this medicine.
Alcohol, narcotic pain relievers, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfa drugs, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, heart or blood vessel problems, heart failure, diabetes, gout, high cholesterol, lupus, trouble urinating, or a history of asthma or allergies.
This medicine may cause vision changes.
This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting while you are using this medicine.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or legs
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting
Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Diovan HCT
There may be other brand names for this medicine.