Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan
About Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan
Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It is prescribed when a single medication is not enough to keep your blood pressure within a healthy range. Lowering high blood pressure helps protect your organs and reduces the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
To get the best results, you must take Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan consistently every day, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time each day to maintain a steady level in your body. Incorporating a low-sodium diet and regular physical activity will also support your treatment.
Most people tolerate this medication well, though some may experience mild side effects such as dizziness or tiredness. If you experience severe symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or changes in how much you urinate, contact your doctor immediately.
Before starting this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, gout, diabetes, or a history of allergic reactions to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or related medicines, including sulfonamide-derived medicines. It may be unsuitable for people with severe kidney or liver problems, those who cannot produce urine, or patients with diabetes taking aliskiren. Do not take this medicine during pregnancy, as it can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
This medicine can interact with other substances, including alcohol, which can make you feel more dizzy or lightheaded. It is also important to talk to your doctor before taking other medications, especially potassium supplements or pain relievers. Pregnant, breastfeeding, or elderly individuals should seek specific medical guidance before using this medication.
Uses of Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan
Medicinal Benefits
Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan offers significant support for managing your cardiovascular health by combining two distinct actions in one tablet. Its benefits include:
- Effective Blood Pressure Control: By attacking high blood pressure from two different angles, it provides a more robust and reliable lowering of blood pressure than either medicine could achieve alone.
- Organ Protection: Consistently maintaining a healthy blood pressure helps reduce the long-term strain on your heart, brain, and kidneys, lowering the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
- Simplified Treatment Plan: Taking a single combination tablet instead of two separate pills makes it much easier to stay on track with your daily medication schedule.
Directions for Use
- Take Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- It is advised to take Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan once daily; however, follow your doctor’s recommendation regarding the dosage and duration.
- Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly
- Feeling tired, weak, or fatigued
- Flu-like symptoms, stuffy nose, or sore throat
- Mild nausea or upset stomach
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as a severe skin rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Signs of electrolyte imbalance, including severe muscle cramps, extreme muscle weakness, or a fast, fluttering heartbeat
- Severe dizziness or feeling like you might pass out (fainting)
- Signs of kidney problems, such as a sudden change in how much or how often you urinate
- Signs of liver issues, such as yellowing of your skin or eyes
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Stand Up Slowly: Rise gradually from a sitting or lying position to reduce the risk of dizziness, lightheadedness, or falls.
- Monitor Your Blood Pressure: Check your blood pressure regularly at home and keep a record to share with your healthcare provider during follow-up visits.
- Avoid Use During Pregnancy: Do not take this medicine during pregnancy. Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, as it can seriously harm the unborn baby.
- Inform Healthcare Providers: Tell your doctor, dentist, surgeon, or anaesthetist that you are taking Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan before undergoing any medical, dental, or surgical procedure.
- Attend Regular Blood Tests: Keep all scheduled appointments so your doctor can monitor your kidney function and electrolyte levels.
- Protect Your Skin from Sunlight: This medicine may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit prolonged sun exposure while outdoors.
Drug Interactions
Certain medicines may interact with Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan and increase the risk of low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, kidney problems, or other side effects. Important interactions include:
- Other blood pressure drugs: Taking these alongside Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan may cause your blood pressure to drop too low, leading to severe dizziness.
- Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics: Combining these can cause your blood potassium levels to become dangerously high.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen can lower the effectiveness of Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan and increase the risk of kidney damage.
- Lithium: This medicine can raise the concentration of lithium in your blood, increasing the risk of lithium toxicity.
- Aliskiren: Combining this medicine with aliskiren is contraindicated in patients with diabetes because it may increase the risk of low blood pressure, high potassium levels, and kidney problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol and Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan to avoid unpleasant side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and liver damage.
Pregnancy
unsafeHydrochlorothiazide+valsartan is not recommended during pregnancy. This medicine may cause fetal damage and can cause serious harm to the unborn baby (fetus).
Breast Feeding
unsafeHydrochlorothiazide+valsartan is known to pass breast milk, but its effect on the baby is not known. So, before breastfeeding, let your doctor know about this.
Driving
unsafeDrive with caution, Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan usually causes drowsiness and affects driving ability.
Liver
cautionHydrochlorothiazide+valsartan to be taken with caution, especially if you have had a history of liver disease. Your doctor will have to change the dosage depending on your medical condition and your reaction to treatment.
Kidney
cautionHydrochlorothiazide+valsartan to be taken with caution, especially if you have had a history of kidney disease. Your doctor will have to change the dosage depending on your medical condition and your reaction to treatment.
Children
cautionHydrochlorothiazide+valsartan should not be used for children as the safety and efficacy of Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan in children have not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Limit your sodium intake: Avoid adding salt to your food and limit processed or packaged foods, as high sodium levels directly raise blood pressure.
- Stay properly hydrated: Drink water consistently throughout the day to avoid dehydration, which can worsen dizziness. Consult your doctor if you have a medical condition requiring fluid restriction.
- Watch your potassium levels: This medicine can affect your potassium balance. Consult your healthcare provider before using potassium-based salt substitutes or consuming large amounts of potassium-rich foods like bananas or spinach.
- Exercise regularly: Engage in moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 30 minutes on most days, as recommended by your doctor.
- Avoid alcohol: Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can interact with this medicine to make you feel excessively dizzy or lightheaded.
Special Advise
- Do not use Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or unable to urinate.
- If you have diabetes and taking Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan with other blood pressure-lowering pills like 'aliskiren,' immediately stop taking both together and consult a doctor, as it may cause serious complications.
- Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes while using Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan unless your doctor has told you to do so.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension: It is a chronic condition when blood pressure is too high. This condition can lead to hardened arteries (blood vessels), decreasing the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Blood pressure is the measurement of the force that our heart uses to pump blood to all parts of the body. Raised blood pressure can cause chest pain (angina) and heart attack (when blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure also causes brain damage (stroke) and kidney failure. High blood pressure can be diagnosed with the help of a blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer. Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart pumps blood out. On the other hand, diastolic pressure is when your heart is at the resting stage between heartbeats. If your blood pressure is 140/90 mm of Hg, it means the systolic pressure is 140 mm of Hg, and diastolic pressure is 90 mm of Hg. Ideal blood pressure should be between 90/60 mm of Hg and 120/80 mm of Hg.
FAQs
Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan is used to lower high blood pressure (hypertension) by removing extra fluid (electrolytes) from the body.
Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan is a combination of two medicines, namely: Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide. Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) that blocks the hormone angiotensin and relaxes blood vessels. This allows the blood to flow more smoothly in the blood vessels, and the heart can pump more efficiently. Hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic or water pill) removes extra water and certain electrolytes from the body. Together, both lower fluid overload, blood pressure improves blood flow and reduce the future risk of a heart attack.
Yes, Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan can cause dizziness. It is advised to avoid driving or operate any heavy machinery while taking Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan. In case you feel dizzy or lightheaded, it is advised to rest for some time until you feel better.
In case you have missed a dose of Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan, you are advised to take it as soon as you remember. However, try not to miss a dose in the first place, if it's time for you to take your next dose, then do not take both doses together. Take only one dose; taking a double dose of Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan will lead to low blood pressure.
No, you are advised to inform your doctor and monitor your blood pressure for at least two weeks before stopping the medicine. Depending upon your current blood pressure readings, there is a possibility your doctor may lower your medicine dosage and not recommend discontinuing it.
No, Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan does not lead to weight gain as a side effect. However, if your kidney function worsens, your body may swell due to water build-up (fluid retention), causing weight gain. Advise your doctor if you feel any unexplained weight gain or swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands.
Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan should not be taken by people who are allergic to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or any of its ingredients, are pregnant or planning pregnancy, or are unable to urinate (anuria). It should also be avoided in people with severe kidney or liver disease unless advised by a doctor. If you have diabetes and are taking aliskiren, do not use these medicines together. Tell your doctor before starting treatment if you have kidney disease, liver disease, dehydration, gout, electrolyte imbalance, biliary cirrhosis, or cholestasis. This medicine is generally not recommended for children because its safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan should be taken for as long as it has been prescribed by the doctor. It may be a lifelong treatment, as it controls but does not cure high blood pressure. Consult your doctor if you face any difficulty while taking Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan.
The common side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan may include nausea, diarrhoea, taste change, dizziness, upset stomach, fatigue, and headache. Most of these side effects of Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
It is usually best to take Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan in the morning. Because this medication contains a diuretic (water pill) that increases urination, taking it early in the day helps prevent your sleep from being interrupted. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find the best schedule for you.
Yes, one of the components of Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan can cause your body to lose potassium, while the other component can sometimes help retain it. Your doctor will monitor your blood levels regularly to ensure your potassium stays within a healthy range. Talk to your doctor before taking potassium supplements or changing your diet.
It is highly recommended to limit or avoid alcohol while taking Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan. Alcohol can worsen side effects like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting by lowering your blood pressure further. Talk to your doctor about what is safe for you.
Yes, in some cases, Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan can affect how your kidneys work, especially if you already have kidney disease or are dehydrated. Your healthcare provider will perform regular blood tests to check your kidney function while you are on this medication. Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden changes in urination.
Many salt substitutes contain potassium instead of sodium. Using these while taking Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan can lead to dangerously high levels of potassium in your blood. It is best to avoid them and talk to your doctor or pharmacist for safe dietary advice.
No, you should not take Hydrochlorothiazide+valsartan if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication can cause serious harm or even death to an unborn baby, especially if taken during the second and third trimesters. If you discover you are pregnant, stop taking this medicine immediately and talk to your doctor.
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