Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide are combined in this medicine. This medicine helps keep your blood pressure under control.
Take Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor immediately if you are allergic to medicines belonging to the sulfonamide group (also known as sulfa allergy).
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- low levels of potassium or sodium in your blood
- high levels of calcium or uric acid in your blood
- have stopped passing urine
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
as Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not take Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide with aliskiren (medicine for high blood pressure) if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood
- narrowing of the valves of the heart
- history of heart attack
- diabetes
- personal or family history of gout (high uric acid level in the blood)
- moderate or high blood cholesterol levels
- history of angioedema (swelling of the face, eyes or mouth)
- mild to moderate kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
- disorders of the parathyroid gland
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
If you are going to have an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may fall to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure and heart rate during treatment.
What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my blood pressure?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help control your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Engage in physical activity like walking for at least 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. If you have not exercised for a long time, start with light exercises such as slow walks. Speak to your doctor about what type of exercise would be suitable for you. Follow a healthy diet plan by eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and reduce your intake of foods high in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. Cutting down on deep-fried foods and using less salt when cooking can kick-start your healthy diet.
If you smoke, you should try to quit. Smoking is harmful to your blood pressure, heart and overall health. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to stop your smoking habit.
Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, stomach pain, dizziness, headache, muscle cramps or weakness, joint pain, weakness, cough, swelling of the nasal passages and the back of the throat, ringing in the ears, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, tongue or throat
- severe itching of the skin with lumps, changes in colour or size of a mole
- changes in eyesight, eye pain
- fever, rash and joint pain
- dry mouth, thirst, weakness, drowsiness, restlessness, confusion, seizures, muscle pain, cramps or weakness, very low urine output, fast heartbeat, nausea and vomiting
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide with aliskiren (medicine for high blood pressure) if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- other water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride
- potassium supplements
- other medicines for high blood pressure
- NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- medicines for depression e.g. citalopram, fluoxetine
- medicines for epilepsy (fits) e.g. carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- allopurinol (medicine for gout or high uric acid level in the blood)
- medicines for cancer e.g. cyclophosphamide, methotrexate
- heparin (blood-thinning medicine)
- barbiturates (medicines used for certain disorders such as sleep disorders or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital
- strong painkillers e.g. morphine
- calcium or vitamin D supplements
- diazoxide (medicine that can increase blood sugar level)
- anticholinergic medicines (medicines used to treat a variety of disorders such as gastrointestinal cramps, urinary bladder spasm, asthma, motion sickness, muscular spasms, Parkinson's disease and as an aid to anaesthesia) e.g. atropine, biperiden
- anti-inflammatory medicines e.g. prednisone
- medicine to increase blood pressure e.g. norepinephrine
- amphotericin B (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- amantadine (medicine to treat Parkinson's disease)
- carbenoxolone (medicine to treat lip and mouth sores)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide.
Do not take this medicine with colestyramine or colestipol. Colestyramine or colestipol may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine when taken at the same time. If you are taking colestyramine or colestipol, take Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide at least 4 hours before or 4-6 hours after your colestyramine or colestipol dose.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down on your salt intake. This may help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health. Discuss with your doctor or dietitian about ways to cut down on your salt intake.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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