Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide

Generic Name: valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide

Brands: Diovan HCT

What is the most important information I should know about Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· Do not take Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, valsartan can cause injury or even death to the developing baby. Notify your doctor immediately if you think you might be pregnant.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Also use caution when rising from a sitting or lying position.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide.

What is Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· Valsartan is in a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

· Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It increases the amount of water and salt excreted in the urine and decreases edema (swelling).

· Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide is used to reduce hypertension (high blood pressure).

· Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· Do not take Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to sulfa-based drugs such as sulfa antibiotics. You may have an allergic reaction to hydrochlorothiazide.

· Before taking Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor if you ·have diabetes; ·have gout; ·have a collagen vascular disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus; ·have pancreatitis; ·have kidney disease; ·have liver disease; ·have any type of heart disease or have had a stroke; ·are on a salt-restricted diet or have a high level of potassium in the blood; or ·are taking a potassium supplement (e.g., K-Dur, Klor-Con, others) or a potassium-sparing diuretic such as amiloride (Midamor), triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide), or spironolactone (Aldactone).

· You may not be able to take Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that valsartan is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. When used during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, valsartan can cause injury and even death of the developing baby. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· Hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. It is not known whether valsartan passes into breast milk. Do not take Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· Take Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

· Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide can be taken with or without food.

· Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking this medication, your condition could become worse.

· Call your doctor before taking any more doses if you develop severe dizziness or fainting.

· Store Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide overdose are not well known but may include dizziness, weakness, fainting, and fatigue.

What should I avoid while taking Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may further lower blood pressure and increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide.

· Avoid a diet high in salt. Too much salt may cause your body to retain water and may decrease the effects of hydrochlorothiazide.

· Do not use salt substitutes or take potassium supplements without first talking to your doctor. Valsartan can affect potassium levels in the body.

· Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

· Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. It is easy to become dangerously dehydrated while taking hydrochlorothiazide.

What are the possible side effects of Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment. ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); ·little or no urine; ·unusual fatigue, abnormal bleeding or bruising; ·yellowing of the skin or eyes; or ·fainting.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide and talk to your doctor if you experience ·diarrhea or upset stomach; ·muscle pain or cramps; ·dizziness; ·insomnia; ·congestion or cough; ·tingling or numbness in the arms, legs, hands, or feet; ·excessive urination; ·muscle weakness or cramps; ·increased hunger or thirst; ·nausea or decreased appetite; or ·increased skin sensitivity to sunlight.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide?

· Before taking Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide, tell your doctor if you are taking ·a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con, and others; ·a potassium-sparing diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Dyazide, Maxzide); ·a barbiturate such as phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), pentobarbital (Nembutal), secobarbital (Seconal), mephobarbital (Mebaral), and others; ·a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), ketoprofen (Orudis, Orudis KT, Oruvail), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve), and others; ·an oral diabetes medication such as glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Glynase, Diabeta), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), tolazamide (Tolinase), or tolbutamide (Orinase); ·cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid); ·lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others); or ·digoxin (Lanoxin).

· You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide written for health professionals that you may read.

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