What Is Aliskiren-HCTZ Used For?

Aliskiren-HCTZ is used for the treatment of high blood pressure in adults. It prevents blood vessels from narrowing and reduces blood volume. Although the drug cannot cure high blood pressure, it can lower the long-term health risks associated with the condition. This medication has not been approved for use in children, and there are no universally accepted off-label aliskiren-HCTZ uses.
 

What Is Aliskiren-HCTZ Used For? -- An Overview

 Aliskiren-HCTZ (Tekturna HCT®) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension). It contains two different medications: hydrochlorothiazide (often abbreviated as HCT or HCTZ) and aliskiren (Tekturna®). Aliskiren-HCTZ is intended for people who are already taking one or both of these medications. People who may benefit from the drug include:
 
  • People whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by either aliskiren or hydrochlorothiazide alone.
     
  • People whose blood pressure is adequately controlled by hydrochlorothiazide but who are experiencing problems with low blood potassium. Aliskiren can help counteract this side effect of hydrochlorothiazide.
     
  • People who are taking aliskiren or hydrochlorothiazide and who are experiencing problematic side effects related to the dose of the medications. Using the medications together may allow for a dose reduction in one or both of the medications.
     
  • People who are taking both aliskiren and hydrochlorothiazide and who want to switch to aliskiren-HCTZ to save money.
     
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80 (read as "120 over 80"). The top number is the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90, with multiple blood pressure readings (although many healthcare providers consider anything above 120/80 to be too high). A single blood pressure reading may point to a potential problem, but it is not enough to diagnose high blood pressure.
 
Based on clinical studies, aliskiren-HCTZ has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, the drug may decrease the risk of developing health problems that can occur with long-term high blood pressure, such as stroke, heart disease, or congestive heart failure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). Aliskiren-HCTZ is not a cure for high blood pressure, however, and the condition will almost certainly return once you stop taking the drug.
 
(What Is Aliskiren-HCTZ Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;