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Diovan HCT

Generic name: hydrochlorothiazide and valsartanHYE-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide-and-val-SAR-tan ]
Drug class: Angiotensin II inhibitors with thiazides

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 5, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Diovan HCT?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill). Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (sometimes called an ARB blocker).

Diovan HCT is a combination medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering blood pressure may lower your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Diovan HCT is given after other blood pressure medicines did not work or have stopped working.

Diovan HCT may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Diovan HCT side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, Diovan HCT can cause a condition that results in the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue, leading to kidney failure. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, or dark colored urine.

Diovan HCT may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use Diovan HCT if you are unable to urinate, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

If you have diabetes, do not use Diovan HCT together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide, or if you have:

If you have diabetes, do not use Diovan HCT together with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).

You may also need to avoid taking Diovan HCT with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Valsartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Diovan HCT is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take Diovan HCT?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take Diovan HCT with or without food.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medication, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your blood and urine may also be tested if you have been vomiting or are dehydrated.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Diovan HCT.

It may take up to 4 weeks for this medication to control your blood pressure. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medication for the rest of your life.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Diovan HCT?

Hydrochlorothiazide may increase your risk of skin cancer. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Your doctor may want you to have skin examinations on a regular basis.

Do not use potassium supplements or salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Drinking alcohol can further lower your blood pressure and may cause side effects.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Diovan HCT will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

What other drugs will affect Diovan HCT?

If you also take cholestyramine or colestipol, take your Diovan HCT dose 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take the other medicine.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect Diovan HCT, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect Diovan HCT. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.