Diovan HCT

valsartan-hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan Tablets

What is Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan?

Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan is a combination medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by combining two different types of drugs: valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that relaxes blood vessels, and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic (water pill) that helps your body get rid of excess salt and water. This combination helps lower blood pressure more effectively than either drug alone.

Important Information Before Taking This Medication

Before starting Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan, it's crucial to inform your doctor about your medical history. This includes:

• Kidney disease: This medication can affect kidney function, and your doctor needs to monitor your kidney health while you are taking this medication.
• Liver disease: Your doctor will need to assess your liver function as the medication's metabolism is partially processed in the liver.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension): This medication lowers blood pressure; pre-existing low blood pressure can be exacerbated.
• Heart problems: Including heart failure, your doctor needs to understand your heart condition to avoid any complications.
• Diabetes: This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. Regular monitoring is required.
• High cholesterol or high triglycerides: This information helps your doctor tailor your treatment plan.
• Allergies: Especially to sulfa drugs, valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: This medication can be harmful to an unborn child, and its use during pregnancy or breastfeeding requires special considerations.
• Dietary restrictions: Such as low-sodium diets.
• Other medications: Including over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements, as they may interact with Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan.

How to Use Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan

This medicine is taken orally with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, but consistency is important. Follow your doctor's prescribed dosage and schedule precisely. Do not adjust your dosage without consulting your doctor.

Children: Consult your pediatrician before giving this medicine to children. Special precautions may be necessary.

Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Never double the dose.

Overdosage: In case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center.

Sharing medication: This medication is prescribed for your individual needs. Do not share it with others.

Potential Drug Interactions

Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan can interact with various other medications. It's essential to disclose all medications you are currently using to your doctor. Examples of potential interactions include:

• Barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
• Other diuretics (e.g., triamterene, spironolactone, amiloride)
• Lithium
• Diabetes medications
• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Potassium supplements or salts
• Prescription pain medications
• Skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g., tubocurarine)
• Some cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol)

Monitoring Your Health While Taking This Medication

Regular checkups with your doctor are essential to monitor your blood pressure and overall health while taking Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan. Monitor your blood pressure regularly at home and record the results to show your doctor.

Dehydration: Avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids as directed by your doctor. Report severe diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating immediately.

Pregnancy: Women of childbearing age should inform their doctor if they are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to the unborn child, particularly during the second and third trimesters.

Drowsiness and Dizziness: This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you know how it affects you. Avoid alcohol.

Sun Sensitivity: This medicine can increase your sensitivity to the sun. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when exposed to sunlight. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.

Self-Medication: Avoid taking over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, or pain without consulting your doctor, as some ingredients might interact with your medicine.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention:

• Confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Decreased urine output
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, or throat tightness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash, blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin
• Stomach pain
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet
• Unusual rash, bleeding, bruising, or pinpoint red spots
• Worsened gout pain
• Yellowing of eyes or skin (jaundice)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but report to your doctor if they persist or bother you):

• Cough
• Decreased sexual function or desire
• Headache

Storage

Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Discard any unused medication after the expiration date.

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