Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Diovan HCT

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Pronunciation: HYE droe klor oh THYE a zide and val SAR tan)

• What is hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Diovan HCT)?
• What happens if I overdose (Diovan HCT)?
• What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Valsartan is in a group of drugs called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Valsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure improves blood flow.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Diovan HCT 160-12.5 mg

oblong, red, imprinted with CG, HHH

Diovan HCT 160-25 mg

oval, orange, imprinted with NVR, HXH

Diovan HCT 80-12.5 mg

oval, orange, imprinted with CG, HGH

What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• urinating less than usual, or not at all;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, increased urination, fast heart rate, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

Less serious side effects may include:

• stomach pain, diarrhea;
• back pain;
• headache, tired feeling, dizziness;
• skin rash;
• stuffy nose, sore throat; or
• dry cough.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan, or if you are unable to urinate.

Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Valsartan may cause injury and even death to the unborn baby if you take it during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use an effective form of birth control. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment.

Before using hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, kidney or liver disease, asthma, low or high blood levels of potassium, gout, lupus, diabetes, or an allergy to sulfa drugs.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

In rare cases, hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, nausea or vomiting, and dark colored urine.