Diovan HCT Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Hypertension

Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. It is a measurement of the force with which blood pushes against the walls of blood vessels. People with hypertension have readings greater than 130/80 millimeters of mercury.

There are two components to any blood pressure reading. The first one is systolic pressure – the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats. The second one is diastolic pressure – the pressure when the heart is at rest, in between beats. People with clinical hypertension have systolic pressure higher than 130 mmHg and diastolic pressure higher than 80 mmHg.

Diovan HCT Active Ingredients

Generic Diovan HCT Alternative: Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide

Diovan HCT is a combination medication which contains two active ingredients: valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker, which relaxes blood vessels to allow easier blood flow. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic which increases urination, thus helping to eliminate excess water and salt from the body.

General Drug Information

What is Diovan HCT and What Is It Used For?

Diovan HCT is prescribed to lower chronic high blood pressure (hypertension). Patients need to control high blood pressure in order to prevent a number of serious complications like heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.

Usage and Application

Diovan HCT should be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor. The dosage depends on the patient’s medical condition and response to treatment.

Most patients are prescribed one daily oral dose. This medication may cause some patients to urinate more frequently, therefore, it is better that it is taken at least four hours before going to bed.

Patients who take drugs to lower cholesterol – like cholestyramine or colestipol – should take Diovan HCT at least four hours before – or at least four to six hours after – these medications.

Diovan HCT should be taken regularly in order to experience its full benefit. To help patients remember, this medication should be taken at the same time every day.

Most patients with high blood pressure do not usually feel sick. It is important for patients to continue taking this medication even if they feel well.

Patients should alert their doctor in the event there is no improvement or their condition worsens.

Considerations Before Taking Diovan HCT

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide. The possibility of an allergy to the medicine’s inactive ingredients should also be ruled out prior to treatment.

It is vital to discuss the patient’s medical history, especially a history of gout, lupus, liver, or kidney disease. Health issues related to severe dehydration should also be discussed.

Diovan HCT may cause dizziness. Patients should not drive, use machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until the effects of the medication are known and they are in condition to do so safely. Alcohol and marijuana can exacerbate dizziness for Diovan HCT patients, so it is important to limit alcoholic beverages and discuss marijuana use with the treating physician.

Patients should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Severe sweating, diarrhea, and vomiting may cause lightheadedness, increasing the risk of serious dehydration. Patients should report prolonged diarrhea or vomiting to their doctor.

Diovan HCT may affect blood sugar levels, a particular concern for diabetic patients. It is important to check blood sugar regularly and report the results to the treating physician. Changes to the patient’s diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet may be necessary.

Patients taking Diovan HCT may become more sensitive to the sun. They should limit sun exposure and avoid the use of tanning booths and sunlamps. It is important to use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Contact your doctor in the event of sunburn.

Diovan HCT may affect potassium levels in the body. Patients should consult their doctor or pharmacist before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes.

Before having surgery or certain dental procedures, patients should tell their doctor or dentist about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products they are taking.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, especially dizziness and changes in the amount of urine.

Diovan HCT is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can harm an unborn baby. Women should contact their doctor for more information.

It is not clear if valsartan passes into breast milk. Hydrochlorothiazide, however, passes into breast milk, although it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Nursing mothers should consult their doctor before breastfeeding.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Diovan HCT should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up on the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Diovan HCT

Drug interactions may change the way Diovan HCT works, increasing the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Some medications – such as the blood pressure medication aliskiren or the antiarrhythmic drug dofetilide – may interact negatively with Diovan HCT. This is also the case with Lithane and birth control pills containing Angeliq.

Negative interactions are possible with medicines which increase levels of potassium in the blood. Examples include ACE inhibitors like Fortekor and Zestril.

Patients need to be aware of products that can raise blood pressure or worsen heart failure. This includes cough-and-cold products, diet aids, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. Patients should discuss the safe use of such products with their pharmacist.

Diovan HCT may interfere with certain laboratory tests, causing false test results. This is the case with tests evaluating parathyroid function.

Adverse Reactions

Most patients are able to use Diovan HCT safely and without serious negative side effects.

Common side effects include dizziness or lightheadedness, especially at the start of treatment, when the body adjusts to the medication. It is important to get up slowly and exercise caution when rising from a sitting or lying position. Patients should inform their doctor should dizziness and lightheadedness persist.

Diovan HCT may cause dehydration and mineral loss. Patients should monitor for symptoms like extreme thirst, dry mouth, muscle cramps, confusion, and irregular heartbeat.

Serious side effects can include fainting, decreased vision, and eye pain. Patients should monitor for changes in the amount of urine, which may signify kidney problems.

Serious side effects may also be caused by high levels of potassium in the blood. Patients should seek immediate medical help in the event of muscle weakness, and slow or irregular heartbeat.

Serious allergic reactions to Diovan HCT are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness, and trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects.

How to Store Diovan HCT

Diovan HCT should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.