Diovan Hct

Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan tablet

What is it used for?

VALSARTAN;HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE is a combination of a drug that relaxes blood vessels and a diuretic. It is used for the treatment of high blood pressure.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• decreased urine output
• if you are on a special diet, like a low salt diet
• immune system problems, like lupus
• kidney diseases
• liver diseases
• an unusual or allergic reaction to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water. This medicine can be taken with or without food. Your doses are to be taken at regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with other medicine/food/etc?

• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• corticosteroids like prednisone
• diuretics, especially triamterene, spironolactone or amiloride
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• potassium salts or potassium supplements
• prescription pain medicines
• skeletal muscle relaxants like tubocurarine
• some cholesterol lowering medicines like cholestyramine or colestipol

This list is not all-inclusive. Provide your health care provider with a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements that you use. Also tell them whether you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

You must visit your health care professional for the regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure regularly while you are taking this medicine. Inquire with your doctor or health care professional regarding what your blood pressure should be and under what circumstances you should contact them. When you check your blood pressure, write down the measurements and show them to the doctor or health care professional.

Don’t  get dehydrated. Ask your doctor or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink per day. Check with them if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to go on taking this medicine.

Female patients should inform their doctor if they are planning to become pregnant during the treatment course or think that they might be already pregnant. There is a potential for the serious side effects to an unborn child, particularly in the second or third trimester. Refer to your health care professional or pharmacist for more detail on the issue.

You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Refrain from using alcohol at all costs.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar. If you have diabetes, it is necessary for you to consult with your doctor or health care professional prior to changing the dosage of your diabetic medicine.

Avoid salt substitutes unless you are advised otherwise by your doctor or health care professional.

This drug can make you more sensitive to the sun, that is why you should keep out of it during the treatment course. If sun can’t be avoided, at least wear protective clothes and always use a sunscreen.You shouldn’t use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths during the treatment course.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:

• confusion, dizziness, light headedness or fainting spells
• decreased amount of urine passed
• difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• fast or irregular heart beat, palpitations, or chest pains
• muscle cramps
• nausea and vomiting
• redness, blistering, skin peeling or loosening, including inside the mouth
• stomach pain
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet
• unusual rash, bleeding or bruising, or pinpoint red spots on the skin
• worsened gout pain
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• cough
• decreased sexual function or desire
• headache

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep away from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.