Diovan Hct (Valsartan-hydrochlorothiazide)

General information

Diovan hct is a combination product that contains 2 medications: valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide. This combination medication is used to treat high blood pressure. Valsartan belongs to the class of medications called angiotensin II receptor blockers and helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the class of medications called diuretics or 'water pills' and helps control blood pressure by getting rid of excess salt and water. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

Directions

Take Diovan hct exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual adult dose of valsartan ranges from 80 mg to 160 mg once daily, with a maximum of 320 mg, while the usual adult dose of hydrochlorothiazide ranges from 12.5 mg to 25 mg once daily, with a maximum of 25 mg. This medication may be taken with or without food, but it should be taken in the same manner each day.

Precautions

Before taking Diovan hct you should talk with your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, low blood pressure, asthma, electrolyte problems, diabetes, gallstones, congestive heart failure, glaucoma, allergies. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects.

Contraindications

Do not take Diovan hct if you are allergic to valsartan, to any of the ingredients of the medication, or to sulfonamide-derived medications or pregnant or if you have anuria. Tell you doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have low potassium levels in the blood, skin rash, itching, dry mouth, increased thirst, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness, weakness, dizziness, seizures, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, tiredness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: barbiturates (butabarbital, pentobarbital, thiopental), carbamazepine, lithium, diabetes medications, corticosteroids (prednisone, hydrocortisone), narcotics (codeine, morphine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, meloxicam, piroxicam), potassium-sparing diuretics (triamterene). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are dizziness, fast or slow heartbeat.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.