) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure in adults. Diovan HCT is a single tablet containing two prescription drugs. Valsartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists, which help blood vessels to relax. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a group of drugs called diuretics (water pills), which help the body get rid of excess fluid.This medication comes in tablet form and is taken once a day, with or without food.Common side effects... "Pin It")
Diovan HCT Overview
Diovan HCT (generic: valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)) is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure in adults. Diovan HCT is a single tablet containing two prescription drugs. Valsartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists, which help blood vessels to relax. Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a group of drugs called diuretics (water pills), which help the body get rid of excess fluid.
This medication comes in tablet form and is taken once a day, with or without food.
Common side effects of Diovan HCT include dry mouth, thirst, and weakness. Diovan HCT can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive until you know how this medication affects you.
Uses of Diovan HCT
Diovan HCT is a prescription medication used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults:
- when one medicine to lower your high blood pressure is not enough
- as the first medicine to lower high blood pressure if your doctor decides you are likely to need more than one medicine.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Side Effects of Diovan HCT
Diovan HCT may cause serious side effects including:
- Harm to an unborn baby causing injury and even death. See "Black Box Warning".
- Low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is most likely to happen if you:
- take water pills
- are on a low salt diet
- get dialysis treatments
- have heart problems
- get sick with vomiting or diarrhea
- drink alcohol
Lie down if you feel faint or dizzy. Call your doctor right away.
- Worsening liver problems. Liver problems may get worse in people who already have liver problems and take Diovan HCT.
- Allergic reactions. People with and without allergy problems or asthma who take Diovan HCT may get allergic reactions.
- Worsening of Lupus. Hydrochlorothiazide, one of the medicines in Diovan HCT may cause Lupus to become active or worse.
- Fluid and electrolyte (salt) problems. Tell your doctor about any of the following signs and symptoms of fluid and electrolyte problems:
- dry mouth
- thirst
- lack of energy (lethargic)
- weakness
- drowsiness
- restlessness
- confusion
- seizures
- muscle pain or cramps
- muscle fatigue
- very low urine output
- fast heartbeat
- nausea and vomiting
- Kidney problems. Kidney problems may become worse in people that already have kidney disease. Some people will have changes on blood tests for kidney function and may need a lower dose of Diovan HCT. Call your doctor if you get swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands, or unexplained weight gain. If you have heart failure, your doctor should check your kidney function before prescribing Diovan HCT.
- Skin rash. Call your doctor right away if you have an unusual skin rash.
Other side effects were generally mild and brief. They generally have not caused patients to stop taking Diovan HCT.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of Diovan HCT. For a complete list, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Diovan HCT Interactions
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Some of your other medicines and Diovan HCT could affect each other, causing serious side effects. Especially, tell your doctor if you take:
- other medicines for high blood pressure or a heart problem
- water pills (diuretics)
- potassium supplements
- a salt substitute containing potassium
- antidiabetic medicines including insulin
- narcotic pain medicines
- sleeping pills
- lithium, a medicine used in some types of depression (Eskalith, Lithobid, Lithium Carbonate, Lithium Citrate)
- aspirin or other medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).
Ask your doctor if you are not sure if you are taking one of these medicines.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show to your doctor and pharmacist when a new medicine is prescribed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking any new medicine. Your doctor or pharmacist will know what medicines are safe to take together.
In addition this medication shouldn't be taken in combination with other ARBs, ACE-Inhibitors, and aliskiren. If you are unsure if you are taking any of these medications, consult your physician or pharmacist.
Diovan HCT Precautions
Do not take Diovan HCT if you have diabetes and are currently taking aliskiren. This combination is associated serious side effects.
You should not take Diovan HCT during pregnancy. See “Black Box Warning”.
Do not take Diovan HCT if you:
- are allergic to any of the ingredients in Diovan HCT. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in Diovan HCT.
- make less urine due to kidney problems
- are allergic to medicines that contain sulfonamides.
Diovan HCT Food Interactions
Avoid salt substitutes containing potassium while taking Diovan HCT. These products, when taken with Diovan HCT, can lead to elevated potassium in the blood (hyperkalemia).
Inform MD
Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including if you:
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
- have diabetes
- have liver problems
- have kidney problems
- have or had gallstones
- have Lupus
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Diovan HCT and Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Diovan HCT should not be taken during pregnancy. Diovan HCT can cause death or serious injury to the unborn baby. See "Black Box Warning".
Diovan HCT and Lactation
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Diovan HCT passes into breast milk. You should choose either to take Diovan HCT or breastfeed, but not both.
Diovan HCT Usage
- Take Diovan HCT exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may change your dose if needed.
- Take Diovan HCT once each day.
- Diovan HCT can be taken with or without food.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Just take the next dose at your regular time.
- If you take too much Diovan HCT, call your doctor or Poison Control Center, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Diovan HCT Dosage
Take Diovan HCT exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.
The usual starting dose is Diovan HCT 160/12.5 mg once daily. The dosage can be increased after 1 to 2 weeks of therapy to a maximum of one 320/25 mg tablet once daily as needed to control blood pressure.
Diovan HCT Overdose
If you take too much Diovan HCT, call your local Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical attention right away.
Forms of Diovan HCT
Diovan HCT tablets are available in the following strengths:
- 80/12.5 mg
- 160/12.5 mg
- 160/25 mg
- 320/12.5 mg
- 320/25 mg
Active ingredients: Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide
Inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxides, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide.
Other Requirements
- Store Diovan HCT tablets at room temperature between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
- Keep Diovan HCT in a closed container in a dry place.
Keep Diovan HCT and all medicines out of the reach of children.
Diovan HCT FDA Warning
WARNING: AVOID USE IN PREGNANCY
When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Diovan HCT as soon as possible. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus.
