Diovan (Valsartan) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. Valsartan keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention. The combination of hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). The full effects of this medication are usually seen within about 4 weeks.
Manufacturer Information
We currently have the brand (also known as Co-Diovan) from Turkey manufactured by Norvatis and the generic from Canada and UK. It may come from other countries around the world. Diovan HCT is available in tablet form and strengths of: 80 mg/12.5 mg, 160 mg/12.5 mg, 160 mg/25 mg, 320 mg/12.5 mg, and 320 mg/25 mg.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
• Chills, fever, or sore throat;
• Symptoms of a kidney and liver disorder (nausea, vomiting, dark/brown urine);
• Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the lips, mouth or
tongue
Less serious side effects may include:
• Back pain;
• Dry cough;
• Headache, tired feeling, dizziness;
• Skin rash;
• Stomach pain, diarrhea;
• Stuffy nose, sore throat
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or valsartan, or if you are unable to urinate. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant as it can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take this medication during your second or third trimester. There may be an interaction between Diovan HCT and other medications such as any other blood pressure medications, steroids, lithium, cholestyramine, cyclosporine, insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth, rifampin, ritonavir. Inform your doctor about all medications you use before you start taking Diovan HCT.
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