myHeartyHeart.com >> Heart Medications >> Diovan HCTZ Working to Keep Blood Pressure Low
Diovan HCTZ Working to Keep Blood Pressure Low
Diovan HCTZ (generic name Valsartan HCTZ) is a drug used to treat hypertension. It contains an angiotensin receptor blocker along with a thiazide diuretic. It works by blocking the hormone angiotensin, which relaxes blood vessels the thiazide diuretic makes your body produce more urine which makes it get rid of extra water and salt that is in your body. This all reduces your blood pressure.
Diovan HCTZ should be taken as prescribed by your doctor usually once a day with or without food. Make sure to drink enough fluids so you do not become dehydrated from it. This drug can rarely effect your potassium levels which can result in weakness/cramping of your muscles or very slow heartbeats. Therefore it is wise to limit your intake of salt and any salt substitutes along with potassium supplements. Notify your doctor if you notice any of these. You may feel better soon after starting to take this medication but do not stop it without consulting you doctor as high blood pressure as you may know often has no symptoms.
This medication may affect your blood sugar levels if you are diabetic and you may need to have your doctor adjust the dose. Diovan HCTZ may also make your dizzy or lightheaded. Tell your surgeon if you are taking this medication. Valsartan HCTZ may also make you sensitive to the sun so avoid prolonged exposure. These effects can be more pronounced in the elderly. Valsartan HCTZ can cause serious harm to your baby if you take it while you are pregnant. It is very important to be on effective birth control while taking this medication. The medication also passes into breast milk and can cause potential harm to the baby.
Diovan HCTZ interacts with some medications that are sold over the counter and especially with the prescription drugs cisapride, prednisone, diazoxide and narcotic analgesics. It can also interact with lithium, probenecid, quinidine, and methenamine.
If you miss a dose of this medication take it as soon as you remember unless it’s near the time for the next dose wait and resume your normal dosing schedule. The medication can be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture.
While you are taking Diovan you doctor should also be monitoring your kidney function and potassium blood levels. Make sure you dispose of this medication properly not by flushing it down the toilet or drain. Your pharmacist can give you more information on how to do this properly.
While Diovan HCTZ works well to control high blood pressure, you should still try and make some lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, exercise, and dietary changes.