What is Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Diovan HCT, Valsartan/hydroCHLOROthiazide AvPak, Valsartan/hydroCHLOROthiazide AvPak

Generic Names:

  • Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide

Uses:

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

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist/Thiazide Combination

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide used for?

Diovan HCT comes in tablet form and is used to treat patients with high blood pressure (hypertension). It works by helping prevent your body from absorbing too much salt and keeping blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. Common side effects include dizziness or headaches.

What form(s) does Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide come in

  • Tablet

What are common Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide doses?

  • Tablet 160-25MG

  • Tablet 160-12.5MG

  • Tablet 80-12.5MG

  • Tablet 320-12.5MG

  • Tablet 320-25MG

Common Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide prescriptions

  • Valsartan-hydroCHLOROthiazide
    160-12.5mg tablet

  • Valsartan-hydroCHLOROthiazide
    160-25mg tablet

  • Valsartan-hydroCHLOROthiazide
    320-12.5mg tablet

  • Valsartan-hydroCHLOROthiazide
    320-25mg tablet

  • Valsartan-hydroCHLOROthiazide
    80-12.5mg tablet

How to take Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

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

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

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide contraindications

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

Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide warnings

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

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

  • 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.

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

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Kidney problemsEye or vision problems, including glaucoma, myopiaChanges in blood sugar levelsHigh cholesterol, fats, or uric acid in the bloodIncreased risk of skin cancer

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

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

Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide interactions

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

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

  • If you also use cholestyramine or colestipol, take these at least 4 to 6 hours before or 4 hours after you take this medicine.

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

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

  • Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Atropine, biperiden, carbamazepine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, digoxin, lithium, methotrexate, rifampin, ritonavir, heparinOther blood pressure medicine, including ACE inhibitorsDiuretic (water pill)Insulin or other diabetes medicineNSAIDs (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)

  • Do not use this medicine together with aliskiren. especially if you also have diabetes or kidney disease.

Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or legs

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

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

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

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

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

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

  • Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights

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