Brand Names: Diovan HCT

Generic Name: hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Pronunciation: HYE droe klor oh THYE a zide and val SAR tan)

• What is hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• What are the possible side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• How should I take hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Diovan HCT)?
• What happens if I overdose (Diovan HCT)?
• What should I avoid while taking hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• What other drugs will affect hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Valsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure improves blood flow.

The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Diovan HCT 160-12.5 mg

oblong, red, imprinted with CG, HHH

Diovan HCT 160-25 mg

oval, orange, imprinted with NVR, HXH

Diovan HCT 80-12.5 mg

oval, orange, imprinted with CG, HGH

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 unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• eye pain, vision problems;
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
• swelling, rapid weight gain;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• urinating less than usual, or not at all;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
• dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, restless feeling, confusion, increased urination, fast heart rate, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Less serious side effects may include:

• stomach pain, diarrhea;
• back pain;
• headache, tired feeling, dizziness;
• skin rash;
• stuffy nose, sore throat; or
• dry cough.

Read the Diovan HCT (valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan (Diovan HCT)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan, or if you are unable to urinate.

Before using hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan, tell your doctor if you have congestive heart failure, kidney or liver disease, asthma, low or high blood levels of potassium, gout, lupus, diabetes, glaucoma, or an allergy to sulfa drugs or penicillin.

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may increase certain side effects of hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Follow your doctor's instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink. In some cases, drinking too much liquid can be as unsafe as not drinking enough.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while you are taking hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan, unless your doctor has told you to.

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 unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.