What is Hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan?
Hydrochlorothiazide works as a diuretic. Valsartan works as an angiotensin I receptor-blocking agent (also called an ARB blocker).
Combination medicine Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan treat hypertension. You may reduce your risk of a stroke or heart attack by lowering your blood pressure.After other blood pressure medications have failed or stopped working, hydrochlorothiazide with valsartan may be prescribed.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan.
Side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, or throat.In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan may cause a condition resulting in skeletal muscle breakdown, which can lead to renal failure. If you experience unexplained muscular pain, tenderness, or weakness, call your doctor immediately, especially if there is also a fever or dark-colored urine.
Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide can 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
- Easy bruising and unusual bleeding
- A seizure;
- Kidney problems: infrequent or no urination; painful or difficult urination; ankle swelling or feeling tired or short of breath are symptoms.
- Signs of electrolyte deficiency include dryness, increased thirst, confusion, and restlessness. Nausea. Muscle pain or weakness drowsiness.
Side effects that are common include:
- Cold symptoms like a stuffy nose and sneezing a sore throat.
- Dizziness;
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA in regards to side effects can be done at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, and hydrochlorothiazide
Warnings
If you have a problem urinating or are allergic to sulfa drugs, you should avoid using hydrochlorothiazide.Use it only if you're not pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using the medication and immediately tell your doctor.Do not take hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan if you have diabetes with any medicine that contains Aliskiren.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if:
- Reduced urination or inability to urinate
- An allergy to drugs containing sulfa.
Do not take hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan with aliskiren, a blood pressure medication, if you have diabetes.If you have kidney problems, you may need to avoid using aliskiren with hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan.
Notify your doctor of any of the following conditions:
- 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 a condition in which you have high levels of uric acid in your blood.
- Allergies or asthma
- 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 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.This medicine should not be used while breastfeeding.Anyone younger than 18 is not allowed to use hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan.
How to take Hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Take hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan either with food or without.If you experience persistent nausea or diarrhea or are perspiring more often than normal, call your doctor. This medication can cause you to become dehydrated, leading to low pressure and a serious electrolyte imbalance.You will need to check your blood pressure often. If you are dehydrated or have vomited, your blood and urine will be tested.Tell your surgeon if you plan to undergo surgery that you're taking hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan.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.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:
Initial dose: orally, 1 tablet (12.5 mg–160 mg) once daily.
Maintenance dose: Increase dosage as needed (every one to two weeks), up to a maximum of 25 mg–320 mg orally, once daily.
Comment:
Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan may be substituted for the titrated components.
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?
The use of hydrochlorothiazide can increase your risk of skin cancer. Avoid tanning beds or sunlight. When you're outdoors, wear protective clothing and use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or more. You may be asked to undergo regular skin checks by your doctor.Use potassium supplements and salt substitutes only if your doctor recommends them.Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and cause adverse effects.Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how hydrochlorothiazide (valsartan) affects 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 hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan 4 hours before taking cholestyramine or 4 hours after taking colestipol.Inform your doctor of all the medications you are taking. Hydrochlorothiazide, valsartan, and other drugs can interact with each other.
- Cyclosporine or digoxin.
- 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,
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and indomethacin are all nsaids.
This list does not include all drugs that may interact with hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
