Diovan HCT

Diovan HCT is prescribed to control high blood pressure in adults. The drug combines two different medications. As a result, it causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone. Diovan HCT can decrease the risk of developing health problems, such as a heart attack or stroke, caused by long-term high blood pressure. The medication comes in tablet form and is taken once daily.

 

What Is Diovan HCT?

Diovan HCT® (valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. The medication has not been approved for use in children.
 
(Click Diovan HCT Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Diovan HCT is manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Diovan HCT Work?

Diovan HCT is a combination of two medicines -- Diovan® and
 hydrochlorothiazide. Diovan is a newer type of blood pressure medicine known as an angiotensin II receptor blocker, or ARB for short. As the name implies, Diovan blocks angiotensin II receptors. This decreases the effectiveness of a chemical known as angiotensin II, which normally causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking the effects of angiotensin II, Diovan causes blood vessels to relax.
 
Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. By increasing the amount of water removed from the blood, hydrochlorothiazide causes a decrease in blood volume.
 
Because of its combined effects, Diovan HCT causes a greater drop in blood pressure than when either medicine is used alone.
  

Effects of Diovan HCT

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. During clinical studies in people taking Diovan HCT, systolic blood pressure (the top number) decreased by 14 to 21 mmHg on average and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) decreased by 8 to 11 mmHg on average.
 
By lowering blood pressure, this medication can decrease the risk of developing health problems, such as a heart attack or stroke, that are caused by long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure).
 

When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take Diovan HCT include:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken once a day.
     
  • Diovan HCT may be taken with or without food.
     
  • Do not break, chew, or crush the tablets.
     
  • Diovan HCT should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Diovan HCT will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Diovan HCT your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking
  • How you respond to the drug.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Diovan HCT Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Diovan HCT

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Diovan HCT. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common side effects include:
 
  • The common cold
  • Low potassium levels in the blood.
     
(Click Diovan HCT Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions

Diovan HCT can potentially interact with a number of medicines (see Diovan HCT Drug Interactions for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Diovan HCT?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant (see Diovan HCT and Pregnancy)
  • Are on dialysis
  • Drink alcohol regularly
  • Are breastfeeding.
     
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
Do not take any salt substitutes containing potassium or potassium supplements without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
 
(Click Diovan HCT Precautions and Warnings for more information, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much Diovan HCT may have overdose symptoms that can include an extremely low blood pressure or increased heart rate.
 
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Diovan HCT Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Diovan HCT Be Stored?

Diovan HCT should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Diovan HCT as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Never take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Diovan HCT tablets are available in several strengths, each with different amounts of either Diovan or hydrochlorothiazide. These strengths include:
 
  • Diovan HCT 80 mg/12.5 mg – which has 80 mg of Diovan and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide
  • Diovan HCT 160 mg/12.5 mg -- which has 160 mg of Diovan and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide
  • Diovan HCT 160 mg/25 mg -- which has 160 mg of Diovan and 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide
  • Diovan HCT 320 mg/12.5 mg -- which has 320 mg of Diovan and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide
  • Diovan HCT 320 mg/25 mg -- which has 320 mg of Diovan and 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide.
     

Generic Diovan HCT

Diovan HCT is not currently available as a generic medicine (see Generic Diovan HCT for more information).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;