diovan HctValsartan/hydrochlorothiazide - Drug Information and Side Effects on Drug3k.com


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Overview

Photos

How To Use

Side Effects

Precautions

Missed Dose

Drug Interactions

diovan Hct

Uses
Diovan Hct is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Diovan Hct is a combination of two drugs (an angiotensin receptor blocker and a thiazide water pill /diuretic). Valsartan blocks the hormone angiotensin thereby relaxing blood vessels, causing them to widen. The thiazide diuretic increases the amount of urine you make, therefore decreasing excess water and salt in your body. High blood pressure reduction helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

Storage

Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include unusually fast or slow heartbeat, severe dizziness or fainting.

Photos

DIOVAN HCT
DIOVAN HCT

Diovan HCT
Diovan HCT
Diovan HCT

How To Use

Take Diovan Hct by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor.
You may take Diovan Hct with or without food.
Use Diovan Hct regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
Drink adequate fluids to prevent from becoming dehydrated.
If you are on restricted fluid intake, consult your doctor for further instructions.
Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first.
Diovan Hct can infrequently raise or lower your potassium blood levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness/cramping or very slow heartbeats.
Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 4 weeks before the full benefit of Diovan Hct occurs.
It is important to continue taking Diovan Hct even if you feel well.
Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.
If you are also taking cholestyramine or colestipol, take valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide at least 2 hours before either of these drugs.

Side Effects

You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, or tiredness as your body adjusts to the medication.
You may also experience diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or cough.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual thirst, weakness, confusion, fainting, fast heartbeat, decreased sexual ability.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusual change in the amount of urine (after the first several days of starting Diovan Hct), signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), seizures, chest pain, yellowing eyes or skin, stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, unusual fatigue.
An allergic reaction to Diovan Hct is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Diovan Hct should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before using Diovan Hct, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: urinary problems (inability to make urine or anuria).
Before using Diovan Hct, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, heart problems, severe loss of body fluids (dehydration through excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea), mineral/electrolyte problems (e.g., imbalance of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium), diabetes, gout, lupus, high levels of fats in the blood (high cholesterol or triglycerides), asthma, any allergies (especially to sulfa drugs or ACE inhibitors such as captopril, lisinopril).
Diovan Hct may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Diovan Hct.
Hydrochlorothiazide may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths or sunlamps.
Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Caution is advised when using Diovan Hct in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Diovan Hct, especially the dizziness effect.
Diovan Hct should be used only when clearly needed during the first three months of pregnancy.
It is not recommended for use during the last six months of the pregnancy due to the risk for fetal harm.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
See also the Warning section.
Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk.
Breast-feeding is not recommended due to the potential harm to the nursing infant.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Diovan Hct should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: cisapride, dofetilide.
If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide.
Before using Diovan Hct, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: ACE inhibitors (e.g., captopril, lisinopril), antidiabetic drugs (e.g., insulin, glipizide), beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol), cholestyramine, colestipol, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), diazoxide, drugs which can increase dizziness (e.g., phenobarbital, narcotic analgesics), drugs which are affected by the acid level in the urine (e.g., amphetamine, methenamine, quinidine), other heart drugs (e.g., digoxin), other high blood pressure medications, lithium, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, indomethacin), potassium supplements (e.g., potassium chloride) or salt substitutes, probenecid.
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure.
Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.