What is Diovan HCT?
Hydrochlorothiazide works as a diuretic. Valsartan (also known as an ARB blocker) is an angiotensin I receptor-blocking drug. Diovan HCT is a combination medication used to treat hypertension. Lowering your blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks. After other blood pressure medications have failed or stopped working, Diovan HCT may be prescribed. Diovan HCT can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Diovan HCT
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat - seek immediate medical advice immediately.Diovan HCT may cause kidney failure in rare cases. If you experience unexplained weakness, muscle tenderness, or pain, call your doctor immediately, especially if there is a fever, unusual fatigue, or dark-colored urine.
Diovan HCT may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Eye pain and vision problems
- An unusual skin rash;
- Little or no urinating is acceptable.
- Jaundice refers to an abnormal yellowing of both skin and eyes.
- Easy bruising and unusual bleeding
- A seizure;
- Kidney problems: an infrequent or no urination; painful or difficult urination; foot/ankle swellings and feeling tired/short of breath may all indicate possible kidney issues.
- Signs of electrolyte deficiency include dry mouth, thirst, confusion, restlessness, nausea, muscle pain, weakness, drowsiness, and a lack of energy.
Side effects that are common include:
- Cold symptoms like stuffy noses, sneezing, and sore throats;
- Dizziness;
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, and hydrochlorothiazide
Warnings
Diovan HCT should not be used if you have a problem urinating or are allergic to sulfa medications. Use it only if you're not pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using the medication and immediately tell your doctor. Diovan HCT should not be taken with aliskiren, a blood pressure medication.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- Reduced urination or inability to urinate
- Allergy to sulfa drugs
Diovan HCT should not be taken with any medications that contain aliskiren, a blood pressure medication. If you have kidney problems, it is best to avoid using Diovan HCT in conjunction with aliskiren.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- An electrolyte imbalance is a result of a low potassium or magnesium level or if you have high calcium levels in your blood.
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Gallstones;
- Lupus;
- Congestive heart failure;
- Gout is an inflammation caused by excessively elevated levels of uric acid in your blood.
- Asthma or allergies
- High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
- Penicillin allergy
- Glaucoma;
- If you're on a diet low in salt,
You should not take this medicine if you're pregnant.If you discover you are pregnant, stop using medication immediately and notify your physician as soon as possible.Valsartan may cause harm or even death to an unborn child if taken during the second or third trimester. This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding. Diovan HCT cannot be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Diovan HCT?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose.Your medication must be taken as directed. Take Diovan HCT either with food or without. If you experience diarrhea or vomiting that continues, or if your sweating is greater than normal, call your doctor. This medication can cause you to become dehydrated, leading to low pressure and an electrolyte imbalance. Maintain a steady blood pressure by regularly taking measurements. If you are dehydrated or have vomited, your blood and urine will be tested. Tell your surgeon that you use Diovan HCT before you have surgery. This medication may take 4 weeks to bring down your blood pressure. Continue to take this medication as prescribed, even if your symptoms are normal. High blood pressure is often asymptomatic. It is possible that you will need to take blood pressure medications for the rest of your life.
Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Skin cancer is increased by hydrochlorothiazide. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). You may be asked by your doctor to undergo regular skin checks Use potassium supplements and salt replacements only on advice of a healthcare practitioner.Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and cause adverse effects.Diovan HCT can affect your reactions. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are familiar with how they will affect you. You may have impaired reactions. You may feel dizzy if you get up quickly from a seated or lying position.
Interaction with other drug
Take your Diovan HCT 4 hours before taking cholestyramine, or 4 hours after.
Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking. Diovan HCT can be affected by many drugs, including:
- Digoxin, digitalis, or lithium;
- All your heart or blood pressure medicines
- Insulin or oral diabetes medication;
- A diuretic, or "water pill".
- Opioid pain medicine;
- A sleeping pill.
- A muscle relaxer;
- An antibiotic—rifabutin, rifampin, rifamycin, rifapentine;
- Cancer medicine: cyclophosphamide, methotrexate;
- Nsaids are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin (advil), ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib (aleve), diclofenac (indomethacin), meloxicam, and others.
This list is incomplete, and other drugs can also affect Diovan. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
