Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide
Generic Details
Generic Name
Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide
Other Names
- Diovan HCT
- Valturna
Drug Class
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker (ARB) and Thiazide Diuretic Combination
Chemical Formula
Molecular Weight
Mechanism of Action
- Valsartan: Selective antagonist of angiotensin II AT1-receptor subtype
- Hydrochlorothiazide: Inhibits reabsorption of sodium and chloride
Indications
- Hypertension
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
Typical Dosage
- 80mg/12.5mg
- 160mg/12.5mg
- 160mg/25mg
Pediatric Dosage
- Not recommended for pediatric use
Geriatric Dosage
- Dosage adjustments may be required in the elderly
Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
- Hyperkalemia
- Hypotension
Contraindications
- History of angioedema related to previous treatment with ACE inhibitors
- Severe renal impairment
- Anuric patients
Pregnancy Category
- D for valsartan
- C for hydrochlorothiazide
- Avoid during pregnancy
Lactation Safety
- Valsartan: Unknown if excreted in breast milk
- Hydrochlorothiazide: Compatible with breastfeeding
Drug Interactions
- Lithium: May enhance the toxicity of lithium
- NSAIDs: May reduce the antihypertensive effect of valsartan
Overdose Symptoms
- Hypotension
- Hyperkalemia
Antidote for Overdose
- Symptomatic and supportive treatment
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from light and moisture
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapid and extensive for both components
- Distribution: Both drugs highly bound to plasma proteins
- Metabolism: Valsartan - liver, hydrochlorothiazide - minimal hepatic metabolism
- Excretion: Primarily through urine
Precautions
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Electrolyte imbalances
Warnings
- Hypotension
- Renal impairment