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