What is Amlodipine-Valsartan-Hctz: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 12, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Amlodipine-Valsartan-Hctz overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Exforge HCT, Exforge HCT

Generic Names:

  • Amlodipine-Valsartan-Hctz

Uses:

  • Treats high blood pressure. This medicine contains a calcium channel blocker (CCB), an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), and a diuretic (water pill).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihypertensive

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Amlodipine-Valsartan-Hctz used for?

Amlodipine-Valsartan-HCTZ is used to help treat high blood pressure. This medication contains amlodipine, valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker (CCB), and valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). They both relax blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide causes the body to get rid of extra salt and water by increasing urine production. This medication is indicated for use by adults.

What form(s) does Amlodipine-Valsartan-Hctz come in

  • Tablet

What are common Amlodipine-Valsartan-Hctz doses?

  • Tablet 10-320-25MG

  • Tablet 5-160-12.5MG

  • Tablet 5-160-25MG

  • Tablet 10-160-12.5MG

  • Tablet 10-160-25MG

Common Amlodipine-Valsartan-Hctz prescriptions

  • amLODIPine-Valsartan-HCTZ
    10-160-12.5mg tablet

  • amLODIPine-Valsartan-HCTZ
    10-160-25mg tablet

  • amLODIPine-Valsartan-HCTZ
    10-320-25mg tablet

  • amLODIPine-Valsartan-HCTZ
    5-160-12.5mg tablet

  • amLODIPine-Valsartan-HCTZ
    5-160-25mg tablet

How to take Amlodipine-Valsartan-Hctz

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Amlodipine-Valsartan-Hctz contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to amlodipine, valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfa drugs, if you are pregnant, or if you are not able to form urine (anuria).

Amlodipine-Valsartan-Hctz warnings

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy, especially in your second or third trimester. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver disease, diabetes, gout, heart or blood vessel disease, heart failure, angina, high cholesterol, lupus, trouble urinating, or a history of allergies, asthma, or heart attack.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Worsening angina or risk of heart attack in people with heart problemsKidney problemsLow potassium levelsEye or vision problems (including glaucoma, myopia)

  • This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

  • Drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Amlodipine-Valsartan-Hctz interactions

  • Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren.

  • Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Atropine, biperiden, carbamazepine, clarithromycin, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, digoxin, heparin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, lithium, methotrexate, rifampin, ritonavir, simvastatin, sildenafil, tacrolimus, telithromycinDiuretic (water pill)Insulin or diabetes medicine that you take by mouthNSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)Steroids (including hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone, prednisolone, dexamethasone)

  • Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.

  • If you also use cholestyramine or colestipol, take these at least 4 hours after you take this medicine.

  • Alcohol, narcotic pain medicine, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Amlodipine-Valsartan-Hctz side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Confusion, weakness, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips

  • Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat

  • Sores, reddish patch or irritated area, shiny bump, pink growth, or white, yellow or waxy scar-like area on the skin

  • Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, unusual sweating