Diovan HCT® (valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. Diovan HCT has not been approved for use in children.
The prescription drug Diovan HCT is used for controlling high blood pressure. In previous clinical studies, Diovan HCT significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults suffering from high blood pressure. The studies also revealed that the higher the dose of Diovan HCT, the greater the drop in blood pressure. Although Diovan HCT cannot cure high blood pressure, it can decrease the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure. Diovan HCT is not approved for use in children; and, at this time, there are no universally accepted off-label Diovan HCT uses.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Diovan or Diovan HCT.
- More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, allergic reactions, back pain, blurred vision, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, headache, joint pain, low blood pressure, nausea, runny nose, sinus inflammation, sore throat, swelling, swollen mouth and throat, upper respiratory infections, vertigo, viral infections
Why should Diovan HCT not be prescribed?
Do not take Diovan or Diovan HCT while pregnant. Avoid both drugs if they cause an allergic reaction, and do not take Diovan HCT if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a Sulfa drug such as Bactrim or Septra. Also avoid Diovan HCT if you have trouble urinating.
Special warnings about Diovan HCT
In rare cases, Diovan and Diovan HCT can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. The problem is more likely if your body's supply of water has been depleted by high doses of diuretics. Symptoms include light-headedness or faintness, and are more likely when you first start taking the drug. Diovan HCT can also cause dry mouth, weakness, drowsiness, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Call your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. You may need to have your dosage adjusted.
Use Diovan HCT with caution if you have a history of allergy or bronchial asthma, or suffer from the condition called lupus erythematosus. Report a rapid or irregular pulse to your doctor.
If you have liver or kidney disease, Diovan and Diovan HCT must be used with caution. Be sure the doctor is aware of either problem. Also let the doctor know if you suffer from gout or diabetes.
The safety and effectiveness of Diovan and Diovan HCT have not been studied in children.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Diovan HCT
Check with your doctor before combining Diovan with salt substitutes that contain potassium, or with diuretics that leave potassium in the body, including the following:
Amiloride (Midamor)
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Triamterene (Dyrenium)
The hydrochlorothiazide in Diovan HCT may interact with a variety of drugs. Be sure to check with your doctor before combining Diovan HCT with the following:
Alcohol
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and prednisone
Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase)
Insulin
Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, Motin, and Naprosyn
Other blood pressure medications such as Cardizem, Lopressor, and Procardia
Phenobarbital
Narcotic drugs such as morphine or codeine products
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Drugs such as Diovan and Diovan HCT can cause injury or even death to the unborn child when used during the last 6 months of pregnancy. As soon as you find out that you're pregnant, stop taking the drug and call your doctor. Both of these drugs may also appear in breast milk and could affect the nursing infant. If the medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to avoid breastfeeding while you are taking Diovan or Diovan HCT.
