Did your doctor prescribe this medicine for you because you have high blood pressure, or what we all call 'pressure'? It's called Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide. You may know it by the brand name Diovan HCT. So today, let's talk about what this medicine is, how it works in our bodies, and what we need to be especially careful about when using it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. Together, these two control your blood pressure. Let's see how that works.
1. Valsartan: This belongs to the class of drugs called ARB (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker). Just like when a water pipe is constricted, the pressure inside it increases. When our blood vessels constrict, the pressure increases as the blood moves through them. This medicine called Valsartan relaxes your blood vessels a little. Then the blood can move through them more easily and with less pressure.
2. Hydrochlorothiazide: This belongs to the group of drugs called diuretics, which are commonly called 'water pills'. It works by speeding up the excretion of excess water and salt from your body through your kidneys. When your body loses a little fluid, the pressure inside your blood vessels also decreases.
So, in both of these ways, this medicine helps control your blood pressure and keep it at the right level.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
This medicine is not suitable for everyone, so it is very important to talk openly with your doctor about your health condition. Especially if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell them about it.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why is it important to tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. |
| Gout | The medicine may worsen gout symptoms. |
| Heart failure | Special care and dosage adjustment may be required. |
| Kidney disease | The drug may affect kidney function. |
| Liver disease | The dosage may need to be adjusted if liver function is impaired. |
| Lupus disease | There is a risk of this situation escalating. |
| Pancreatitis | There is a small risk of this condition occurring with this medicine. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are allergic to medications containing sulfa. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This is very important. This medicine can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. |
| Breastfeeding the baby | The medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk. |
How should I use the medicine?
- Take it correctly: Take it at the same time every day , exactly as your doctor prescribed. This will help maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.
- With or without food?: You can take it before or after a meal. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Don't stop: Never stop taking your medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so can cause your blood pressure to suddenly rise.
- What if you take too much medicine?: If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
- What if I forget?: If I forget to take a dose, take it as soon as I remember. But if it is almost time for my next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
- Do not share: This medicine has been prescribed for your specific condition. Therefore, do not share it with anyone else.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
Regular medical check-up
See your doctor at regular intervals to check your blood pressure. Ask him or her what your ideal blood pressure should be and when you should call your doctor if it changes.
Other medications
While you are taking this medicine, do not take any medicine for cough, cold, or other pain without consulting your doctor. Some medicines, such as painkillers, can increase your blood pressure.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Be especially careful if you are a girl. If you are planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. This medicine may cause serious harm to an unborn baby, so do not use it during pregnancy.
Dizziness and drowsiness
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. So, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a sitting position. Do these things slowly. This will reduce the chance of you feeling dizzy and falling. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can make you feel drowsy even more.
Be careful of the sun.
This medication may make your skin sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). So be careful of the sun as much as possible. If you must go out in the sun, wear clothing that covers your body and use a good sunscreen. Some people also talk about the risk of skin cancer while taking this medication. So talk to your doctor about that too.
Food and liquids
Do not take salt substitutes without your doctor's advice, as they may contain potassium. Also ask your doctor how much water you should drink each day. Tell your doctor if you have severe nausea, vomiting, or excessive sweating. This can be dangerous if you lose a lot of fluid from your body, causing dehydration.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common. The important thing is to be aware of these.
| Side effect | What you feel |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Low blood pressure | Severe dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Dehydration | Excessive thirst, dry mouth, headache, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Kidney injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights. |
| Decreased potassium levels | Muscle pain or stiffness, unusual weakness, irregular heartbeat. |
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| Dizziness | Especially in the early days of starting the medication. |
| Headache | |
| Fatigue | |
| Upset stomach | |
Take-Home Message
- Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide are a combination of two medications used to control high blood pressure.
- It is very important to take the medicine at the same time every day, exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you have, especially if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- Be careful when driving or doing tasks that require attention, as drowsiness and dizziness may occur.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms, changes in vision, or severe dizziness, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not stop taking your medication suddenly without consulting your doctor for any reason. If you have any concerns about your health, always talk to your doctor.
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