Diovan HCT is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used in the treatment of high blood pressure in adults. A combination of two different medications, Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide, Diovan HCT causes a significant drop in the blood pressure compared to other blood pressure medications. Diovan HCT is manufactured by the renowned pharmaceutical company Novartis Pharmaceuticals and has been indicated to treat hypertension in adults. Approved by majority of the drug regulatory authorities, Diovan HCT is a fast acting drug that starts showing its effects starting from the first dose. The safety and efficacy of the drug has not been studied for the children below the age of eighteen years of age, so it must not be prescribed to children below 18 years.

It is vital to take the drug as per doctor’s instructions and in prescribed dosage form. Some of the usage instructions associated with the drug are:

• Take the drug with or without food.
• Swallow it as a whole with water, do not break or chew it.
• Drinking extra fluid is recommended while taking this medication.
• Initially, patients may feel to urinate more often while taking this drug. This might disturb their sleep, so it is advice to take drug before 6 pm.
• Patients should not increase or decrease the dosage without doctor’s recommendation.
• If patients are taking cholestryramine or colestipol medication, then they are advised to consult with doctor prior taking this medication.
• Patients should not stop taking medication if they start feeling better after few weeks.
• More than one tablet is not recommended in a day.
• For getting the best result of the drug patients should take it at the same time every day.

Dosage Instructions

Doctors will determine the exact dosage for a patient by assessing several factors such as age, medical history, other medications, and severity of condition.

• For hypertension, the recommended dosage is 160/12.5mg taken one tablet per day.
• The dosage may increase or decrease depending upon patients’ response.
• Complete effects of the drug can be seen only after one month.

Diovan HCT Missed and Over Dosage

If a patient forgets to take prescribed dosage of Diovan HCT, they are recommended to take it as soon as they remember it. If it is time to take next dosage, skip the missed dosage and resume with normal dosing schedule. Taking two tablets in a day to compensate for the missed dose is not recommended.

If a patient has taken an over dosage of the drug they should call their doctor immediately. They can even call their local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Diovan HCT Storage

It is important to store the drug at room temperature between 15 and 30 degree Celsius. The drug should be stored out of the reach of children and pets. It is necessary to keep the drug away from direct light, heat and moisture.

Every patient must be aware of the warnings and precautions while taking this drug in order to minimize unwanted side effects and optimize the therapeutic outcomes. Patients suffering from other medical condition must consult the doctor prior taking Diovan HCT. Patients suffering from following medical conditions should discuss with doctor before taking Diovan HCT:

• Liver problems
• Gallstones
• Kidney problems
• Lupus
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Gout
• Pancreatitis
• Asthma
• Allergies with any food, dyes or preservatives

Intake of the drug in certain medical conditions is strictly not advised. Those conditions are:

• If patient is pregnant or breast-feeding
• Allergic to its any ingredient
• Urinating problems
• Taking dofetilide or ketanserin
• Taking aliskiren and have diabetes or kidney problems

Some common side effects are associated with Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide. However, the common side effects do not require medical intervention and these side effects disappear with the regular use of the drug. Some of the common side-effects of the drug are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Diovan HCT Serious Side Effects

Severe side-effects may be experienced by few patients. On experiencing any of the severe side effects patients must immediately stop using the medication and report to the doctor. Some of the severe side effects of Diovan HCT include:

• Severe allergic reactions like rash, hives, difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• Muscle pain or tenderness
• Harm an unborn baby
• Low blood pressure
• Kidney and eye problems
• Worsening of lupus
• Unexplained blisters or peeling of the skin

Diovan HCT Drug Interactions

There are some medicines which may interact with this drug. Thus, patients are advice if they take any prescription, over-the-counter, herbal supplements they should consult the doctor before starting this medicine. Patients taking any of the following medicines must consult the doctor prior taking Diovan HCT:

• Potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements
• Dofetilide or ketanserin
• ACE inhibitors
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Certain cancer medications
• Insulin or diabetic medicines
• Lithium
• Medicines for treating heart problems