What is Exforge HCT?
Exforge HCT is a combination of amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and valsartan. Amlodipine, a calcium-channel blocker, relaxes the blood vessels (widens them) and improves blood circulation.The thiazide (water pill) diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide helps prevent the body from absorbing excessive salt. This can lead to fluid retention.Valsartan, also known as an ARB (angiotensin II antagonist), prevents blood vessels from constricting. This lowers blood pressure while improving blood flow.Exforge HCT can be used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure).Exforge HCT should only be prescribed after all other blood pressure medications have failed to treat symptoms.
Side Effects of Exforge HCT
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and/or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention.
If you experience:
- Feeling lightheadedness as though they could pass out.
- Skin rash
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light
- Low or high potassium levels—coughs in the legs, nausea; constipation—increased thirst or urination
- Kidney disease: little or no urine, swelling of the feet or ankles, and feeling tired or breathless;
- Low level of magnesium—feeling dizzy; feeling jittery or jittery. Muscle cramps or spasms
- Low salt level—headache; confusion, slurred words, severe weakness, nausea, feeling unsteady, and loss of coordination.
Side effects of Exforge HCT include:
- Dizziness;
- Headache, tiredness;
- Nausea, upset stomach;
- Sore throat, stuffy nose, and sinus pain
- Muscle spasms, back pain,
- Swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or legs.
There may be other side effects. If you experience side effects, consult your physician immediately or call 1-800-FDA-1088 to report it.
Warnings
Exforge HCT should not be taken if you have an allergy to sulfa medications or are unable to urinate.Use it only if you're not pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using the medication and immediately tell your doctor.Exforge HCT should not be used with any medications that contain aliskiren, a blood pressure medication.
Before you take this drug
Exforge HCT should not be used if:
- If you have an allergy to any sulfa drugs, inform the pharmacy.
- If you're unable to urinate,
Exforge HCT should not be used with any medications that contain aliskiren, a blood pressure medication.If you have kidney problems, it is best to avoid Exforge HCT and aliskiren.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Exforge HCT will be safe for you:
- Heart problems
- An electrolyte imbalance is a low potassium or magnesium level in the blood.
- High blood calcium levels
- Kidney disease (or dialysis if you have it);
- Liver disease
- Glaucoma;
- Gout is a condition where there is an increase in uric acid in the blood.
- Lupus;
- Gallstones
- A penicillin allergy.
You should not take this medicine if you're pregnant. If you are pregnant, stop using the medication and immediately tell your doctor. Valsartan may cause harm or even death to an unborn child if taken during the second or third trimester.Exforge HCT should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Exforge HCT?
Exforge HCT should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Read all the instructions and directions that come with your prescription. Follow the directions on the label.Exforge HCT can be taken with or without food.When you increase your dosage or start Exforge HCT, it may make your chest pain worse. If your chest pain persists or is severe, call your doctor.Exforge HCT can cause dehydration. Water is essential to your daily health.Your blood pressure must be regularly checked.This can include vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating. This can include nausea or diarrhea. If you have diarrhea or vomiting, call your doctor.Tell your dentist or surgeon that you use Exforge HCT before you undergo any dental or surgical work.Your blood pressure may not improve for up to two weeks. Even if you are feeling well, continue to take this medication as prescribed. High blood pressure can often be symptomless. Blood pressure medications may be needed for the rest of your life.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: one tablet, taken orally once daily (the dosage can be increased after two weeks of treatment). After 2 weeks of being on the maximum dose, the full blood pressure-lowering effect was attained.
Maximum dose: amlodipine/hydrochlorothiazide/valsartan 10 mg/25 mg/320 mg orally once daily.
Comment:
Patients with blood pressure that is well controlled by amlodipine, valsartan, and hydrochlorothiazide can be prescribed this combination (in a single-component formulation or in a dual-component formulation combined with a single-component formulation). Before administering the fixed-dose combination, it is recommended that each component be dose-titrated individually.
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?
Dial 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and seek immediate medical treatment.
What should be avoided?
Use potassium supplements and salt substitutes only if your doctor recommends them.Exforge HCT and alcohol can have side effects.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.You may feel dizzy if you get up too quickly from a seated or lying position. You should avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you are sure how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not a good idea to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective.
Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking. Many drugs can interact with Exforge HCT.
- Another diuretic is "water pills."
- Any other blood pressure medications;
- Insulin, or oral diabetes medication
- Steroid medicine;
- Vitamin or mineral supplements containing potassium
- Sedative, opioid, or narcotic medicine.
- Cholesterol-lowering medicine;
- Antiviral, antifungal, or antibacterial medicine
- Nsaids are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and other drugs like Advil, Motrin, or Aspirin.
This list does not include all possible interactions. Many other drugs can interact with amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and valsartan. These include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not cover all potential drug interactions.
