Why is Diovan HCT prescribed?

Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT) is prescribed for the treatment of symptoms associated with high blood pressure (hypertension). It is given to patients when the use of other medications has not been sufficient in controlling their blood pressure. It can also be given when patients are just starting to use antihypertensive medications since they may require multiple drugs to control their blood pressure.

What does it do?

Hypertension is a medical condition wherein the force that the blood exerts on the walls of your blood vessels is too high. When hypertension is not treated, it can lead to cardiac problems such as strokes and heart attacks. Incorporating a healthy diet and regular exercise in your lifestyle is beneficial in controlling your blood pressure.

Valsartan is classified as an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that prevents the action of substances in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten, allowing better blood flow and lowers blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide is classified as a diuretic and its action is to excrete water and salt from the body through urine. Together, these drugs help control the patients' blood pressure to prevent future complications.

How should I take it?

Diovan HCT is available in 80mg/12.5mg, 160mg/12.5mg, 160mg/25mg and 320mg/25mg tablets, intended for oral administration, with or without meals. Take it at the same time every day and swallow it as a whole. Do not crush, chew, break it in half, or tamper the tablet in any way. Take Diovan HCT exactly as your doctor instructed and do not make alterations in the dosage or frequency.

Diovan HCT does not treat your high blood pressure and only helps in controlling it. The full effect of Diovan HCT may take 4 weeks before it is evident. Do not stop taking it even if you feel well. Consult your doctor before you stop taking the medication.

What if I missed a dose?

Taking the dose properly at the scheduled time is needed to attain the desired effect of the drug. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and catch the next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses just to make up for your missed dose.

What are the special precautions before taking Diovan HCT?

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide, any component of Diovan HCT, or other medications.

If you are taking Aliskiren, inform your doctor to determine whether the use of Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide is appropriate for you.

Inform your doctor of your past and present medical history if you have or have had decreased urination or difficulty urinating, an electrolyte imbalance, kidney disease, liver disease, gallstones, a heart attack, chest pain, congestive heart failure, glaucoma, lupus, gout, or hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels).

If you are on a low salt diet, tell your doctor as well. Avoid alcohol intake to prevent drowsiness.

For the drug label information of Diovan HCT, click here.

Does it have any side effects?

It is important to note that all drugs have corresponding side effects and adverse reactions. Additional information may be obtained when you ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects include:
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache

Serious side effects include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Pain in the stomach area and spreads to the back
• Rashes
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, hands or lower legs
• Weight gain

Is it safe to take it with another drug?

Some drug interactions may cause serious or life-threatening reactions when administered together. Immediately inform your doctor if you are taking Diovan HCT with any of the following medications:

• Accupril
• Aldactone
• Amiloride
• Aminolevulinic acid
• Arsenic trioxide
• Captopril
• Cisapride
• Cordarone
• Dofetilide
• Dolasetron
• Droperidol
• Dyrenium
• Enalapril
• Fosinopril
• Geodon
• Heparin
• Ibuprofen
• Insulin
• K-dur 20
• Lioresal
• Lithium
• Lotensin
• Multaq
• Naproxen
• Perindopril
• Pimozide
• Protonix
• Remifentanil
• Restasis
• Tegretol
• Tekturna
• Trimethoprim
• Univasc
• Zestril
• Zolpidem

Tell your doctor of any prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to prevent interactions with these medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for other possible interactions not listed within this section.

How should I store it?

Store Diovan HCT at room temperature (20-25°C) in a clean environment away from light and moisture. Do not keep it in the bathroom. Always keep it in the container it came in and keep it tightly closed. Keep out of reach from children and pets. Throw away unused or expired medications. Do not flush it in the toilet or down the sink. Consult your pharmacist on the proper disposal of this medication.

What action should I do in case of overdose?

Some symptoms of overdose may include the following:

In the event of an overdose, inform your doctor and seek immediate medical attention to prevent further complications or possible death.

Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

The use of Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide can cause harm to the fetus when given to pregnant women. According to the US FDA, it is categorized as Pregnancy Category D which states that there is evidence of harm to the fetus when used. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking this medication, discontinue taking it and inform your doctor immediately.

It is unknown if Valsartan is present in human milk while Hydrochlorothiazide is present in human milk. The use of Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended when breastfeeding an infant unless instructed by your doctor.

The use of Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide in pregnant and breastfeeding women should be avoided. However, the potential benefits may allow the use of the drug despite the possible risks.

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