Diovan HCT (Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Diovan HCT

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) »

What are angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and how do they work?

The class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), as the class name suggests, are drugs that block the action of angiotensin. Specifically, ARBs prevent angiotensin II from binding to the angiotensin II receptor on blood vessels and other tissues.

Angiotensin II is a very potent chemical that causes the muscles surrounding blood vessels to contract, thereby narrowing the blood vessels. Narrowing of blood vessels increases the pressure within the blood vessels and may lead to high blood pressure (hypertension). Reducing the binding and activity of angiotensin II leads to widening (dilation) of blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure against which the heart must pump, the amount of work that the heart must do is reduced. ACE inhibitors also reduce blood pressure in the kidneys, slowing the progression of kidney disease due to high b...

Read the Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) article »

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Diovan HCT

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Diovan HCT
(valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide USP)

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. [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Diovan HCT (valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide, USP) is a combination of valsartan, an orally active, specific angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) acting on the AT₁ receptor subtype, and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic.

Valsartan, a nonpeptide molecule, is chemically described as N-(1-oxopentyl)-N-[[2 '-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)[1,1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl]methyl]-L-Valine. Its empirical formula is C₂₄H₂₉N₅O₃, its molecular weight is 435.5, and its structural formula is

Valsartan Structural Formula Illustration

Valsartan is a white to practically white fine powder. It is soluble in ethanol and methanol and slightly soluble in water.

Hydrochlorothiazide USP is a white, or practically white, practically odorless, crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in water; freely soluble in sodium hydroxide solution, in n-butylamine, and in dimethylformamide; sparingly soluble in methanol; and insoluble in ether, in chloroform, and in dilute mineral acids. Hydrochlorothiazide is chemically described as 6-chloro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine-7-sulfonamide 1,1-dioxide.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic. Its empirical formula is C₇H₈ClN₃O₄S₂, its molecular weight is 297.73, and its structural formula is

Hydrochlorothiazide Structural Formula Illustration

Diovan HCT tablets are formulated for oral administration to contain valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide, USP 80/12.5 mg, 160/12.5 mg, 160/25 mg, 320/12.5 mg and 320/25 mg. The inactive ingredients of the tablets are colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxides, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

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...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Diovan HCT »

What are the precautions when taking valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: gout, kidney disease, liver disease, lupus.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can increase the risk for lightheadedness or a serious loss of body water (dehydration). Report prolonged...

Read All Potential Precautions of Diovan HCT »

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/28/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.