Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide



Diovan HCT®







Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide

(val SAR tan & hye droe klor oh THYE a zide)

U.S. Brand Names
Diovan HCT®
Canadian Brand Names
Diovan HCT®
Pharmacologic Category
Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker Combination; Antihypertensive Agent, Combination; Diuretic, Thiazide
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. Use during pregnancy can cause birth defects. If you become pregnant or plan on getting pregnant while taking this medicine, call healthcare provider right away.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have a sulfonamide (“sulfa”) allergy, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Blockage in the kidneys' arteries or other kidney disease or hyperaldosteronism.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.
How does it work?
  • Valsartan lowers blood pressure by decreasing production of a strong chemical in the body.
  • Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) lowers blood pressure and gets rid of extra salt and water in the body through the kidneys.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine at a similar time of day.
  • Take this medicine early in the day to avoid sleep problems.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Wear disease medical alert identification.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you are taking lithium, talk with healthcare provider. Side effects of this medicine may be increased.
  • Talk with healthcare provider before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain natural products or supplements.
  • If you have diabetes, this medicine may sometimes raise blood sugars. Talk with healthcare provider about how to adjust for this.
  • If you have or have had gall stones, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have systemic lupus erythematosus, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Limit alcohol intake (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Watch for gout attacks.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, bright indoor lights, and tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and eyewear. Sunscreens will not protect you.
  • Be careful in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Headache.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Feeling tired or weak.
  • Cough.
  • Sunburn.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
  • Check blood work (potassium, kidney function). Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Severe headache.
  • Significant weight gain.
  • Swelling of feet or hands.
  • Any rash.
  • For females, if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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