Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide), Valsartan (val-SAR-tan)

Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of an antihypertensive (blood pressure medicine) and a diuretic ("water pill").

Brand Name(s):

Diovan HCT, Diovan/HCT, Diovan

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.
• Be sure to drink plenty of fluids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or vomiting while you are using this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using other blood pressure medicines, or diuretics ("water pills") such as furosemide, torsemide, Demadex®, Lasix®, spironolactone, triamterene, Aldactone®, Maxide®, indapamide, metolazone, Lozol®, Zaroxolyn®.
• Tell your doctor if you are also using digoxin (Lanoxin®), cholestyramine (Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®), lithium, steroids, ACTH, muscle relaxers, pain or arthritis medicine. Tell your doctor if you use insulin, or diabetes medicine that you take by mouth (such as glyburide, metformin, Actos®, Glucophage®, Glucotrol®).
• Do not use potassium tablets or salt substitutes that contain potassium, unless your doctor tells you to.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breast-feeding, or if you have liver disease, diabetes, cirrhosis, kidney disease, lupus, congestive heart failure, gout, asthma, or high cholesterol.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash.
• Chest pain.
• Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Increase in how much or how often you urinate.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain.
• Dizziness, restlessness, tired feeling, or trouble sleeping.
• Headache, problems with vision.
• Increased sweating.
• Mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach upset.
• Ringing in your ears.
• Runny or stuffy nose.