Diovan-HCT

How does Diovan-HCT work? What will it do for me?

This is a combination product that contains 2 medications: valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide. This combination medication is used to treat high blood pressure.

Valsartan belongs to the class of medications called angiotensin II receptor blockers and helps to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to the class of medications called diuretics or "water pills" and helps control blood pressure by getting rid of excess salt and water. The full effects of this combination product are usually seen within about 4 weeks.

This medication Levitra Super Force is most often used when a person has taken valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide as separate medications without any problems.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Diovan-HCT?

Once the dose of each component (valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide) has been determined by your doctor, the appropriate dose of the combination tablets can be taken once daily. The usual adult dose of valsartan ranges from 80 mg to 160 mg once daily, with a maximum of 320 mg, while the usual adult dose of hydrochlorothiazide ranges from 12.5 mg to 25 mg once daily, with a maximum of 25 mg.

This medication may be taken with or without food, but it should be taken in the same manner each day.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Diovan-HCT come in?

80 mg/12.5 mg
Each light orange, ovaloid, film-coated tablet, imprinted with "HGH" on one side and "CG" on the other, contains valsartan 80 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg.Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.

160 mg/12.5 mg
Each dark red, ovaloid, film-coated tablet, imprinted with "HHH" on one side and "CG" on the other, contains valsartan 160 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg.Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, talc, and titanium dioxide.

320 mg/12.5 mg
Each pink, ovaloid, film-coated tablet imprinted with "NVR" on one side and "HIL" on the other contains 320 mg of valsartan and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide as the active ingredients. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating:hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, black iron oxide, talc, and titanium dioxide.

160 mg/25 mg
Each brown, ovaloid, film-coated tablet, imprinted with "HXH" on one side and "NVR" on the other, contains valsartan 160 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg.Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: black iron oxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, red iron oxide, talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.

320 mg/25 mg
Each yellow, ovaloid, film-coated tablet, imprinted with "NVR" on one side and "CTI" on the other, contains valsartan 320 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg.Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose; coating: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Diovan-HCT?

Do not use valsartan - hydrochlorothiazide if you:

• are allergic to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or any ingredients of this medication
• are allergic to other sulfonamide-derived medications (sulfa drugs, e.g., sulfamethoxazole)
• are pregnant or breast-feeding
• have anuria (inability to pass urine)

What Is Diovan HCT?

Diovan HCT^® (valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. The medication has not been approved for use in children.

 

(Click Diovan HCT Uses for Hard On more information, including possible off-labeluses.)

 

Who Makes It?

Diovan HCT is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

 

How Does Diovan HCT Work?

Diovan HCT is a combination of two medicines -- Diovan^®and hydrochlorothiazide. Diovan is a newer type ofblood pressure medicineknown as an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or ARB for short. As the name implies, Diovan blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, Diovan causes blood vessels to relax.

 

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.

 

Because of its combined effects, Diovan HCT causes a greater drop inblood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.

Effects of Diovan HCT

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is thediastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking Diovan HCT, systolicblood pressure (the top number) decreased by 14 to 21 mmHg on average and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) decreased by 8 to 11 mmHg on average.

 

By lowering blood pressure, this medication can decrease the risk of developing health problems, such as a heart attack or stroke, that are caused by long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).

 

When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Diovan HCT include:

 

• The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken once a day.
   
• Diovan HCT may be taken with or without food.
    
• Diovan HCT should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
   
• For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Diovan HCT will not work if you stop taking it.
   

Dosing Information

The dose of Diovan HCT your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:

 

• Other medical conditions you may have
• Other medications you may be currently taking
• How you respond to the drug.
   

As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Diovan HCT?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:

 

• Heart disease, including congestive heart failure
• Liver disease, including cirrhosis
• Kidney disease or kidney failure
• Diabetes
• Gallstones or other gallbladder problems
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE for short)
• Gout
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Pancreatitis
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Fluid or electrolyte problems
• Any allergies, including allergies to other angiotensin II receptor blockers, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
   

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:

 

• Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Diovan HCT and Pregnancy)
• Are on dialysis
• Drink alcohol regularly
• Are breastfeeding.
   

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

 

Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium or potassium supplements without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

 

 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Diovan HCT may have overdose symptoms that can include an extremely low blood pressure or increased heart rate.