Diovan HCT (Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 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...

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Diovan HCT Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?

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

Before using hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease;
liver disease;
congestive heart failure;
asthma or allergies;
low or high levels of magnesium or potassium in your blood;
gout;
lupus;
diabetes; or
an allergy to sulfa drugs.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. 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.

It is not known whether hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Take this medication with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood pressure will need to be checked on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Hydrochlorothiazide can interfere with the results of a thyroid test. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medication.

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Store hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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