Exforge HCT

Exforge HCT is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is currently the only blood pressure medication that contains three different drugs in the same pill (amlodipine, valsartan, and hydrochlorothiazide). The drug comes in tablet form and is typically taken once a day. Potential side effects include dizziness, headaches, and swelling or water retention.

Exforge HCT Medication Information

What Is Exforge HCT?

Exforge HCT^® (amlodipine-valsartan-hydrochlorothiazide) is a prescription medication approved to treat high blood pressure (known medically as hypertension). It is the first blood pressure medication to contain three different medications in a single tablet. It contains amlodipine (Norvasc^®), valsartan (Diovan^®), and hydrochlorothiazide.

(Click Exforge HCT Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes the Medication?

Exforge HCT is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

How Does It Work?

Exforge HCT contains three different medications.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that helps to slow down the rate at which calcium moves into your blood vessel walls. This, in turn, helps to relax the vessels, which allows better blood flow and causes lower blood pressure.

Valsartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers. Angiotensin II is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that causes blood vessels to narrow (constrict). By blocking angiotensin II, valsartan helps to relax the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic, which is commonly referred to as a "water pill." It works by increasing the amount of salt and water that the kidneys remove from the blood. This extra salt and water is passed out through the urine. This effect causes a decrease in blood volume. Because of this effect, hydrochlorothiazide can lower blood pressure and also help with water retention.

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