hydrochlorothiazide + valsartan at a glance
Medicine class
Angiotensin receptor blocker plus thiazide diuretic
Licensed use
Essential hypertension in adults not adequately controlled by valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone
Taking the tablet
Swallow with water, with or without food
Monitoring
Blood pressure, kidney function and electrolytes require review
Sun protection
Limit excessive UV exposure, use suitable protection and report suspicious skin changes
What is hydrochlorothiazide + valsartan used for?
Licensed use:
Essential hypertension in adults whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone.
How does hydrochlorothiazide + valsartan work?
Valsartan blocks angiotensin II at AT1 receptors, reducing blood-vessel tightening and aldosterone-related effects. Hydrochlorothiazide increases kidney excretion of sodium, chloride and water. Their complementary actions lower blood pressure.
hydrochlorothiazide + valsartan preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 80 mg + 12.5 mg, 160 mg + 12.5 mg, 160 mg + 25 mg
How to take hydrochlorothiazide + valsartan
Follow the dispensing label and prescriber's instructions.
Swallow the film-coated tablet with water.
It may be taken with or without food.
Do not stop treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
Avoid driving or using machinery if dizziness or tiredness affects you.
hydrochlorothiazide + valsartan side effects
Common or expected effects
- Electrolyte or metabolic changes, including low potassium, sodium or magnesium and raised uric acid
- Light-headedness on standing or low blood pressure
- Loss of appetite, mild nausea or vomiting
- Rash or hives
Get urgent medical advice
- Angioedema, with swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Sudden eye pain or reduced vision
- Severe breathlessness, fever or rapid respiratory deterioration
- Severe electrolyte disturbance causing confusion, muscle spasms, marked weakness, seizures or an abnormal heartbeat
- Acute kidney impairment, including markedly reduced urine output
- Severe skin reactions, jaundice, pancreatitis or serious blood-cell disorders
hydrochlorothiazide + valsartan in pregnancy
Valsartan-containing treatment is not recommended in early pregnancy and is contraindicated during the second and third trimesters because it can harm fetal kidney function and development. Contact the prescriber promptly if pregnancy occurs or is planned; later exposure may require specialist fetal monitoring.
hydrochlorothiazide + valsartan while breastfeeding
The combination is not recommended while breastfeeding. Evidence for valsartan is limited and hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk. A treatment with better-established evidence is generally preferred, particularly for a newborn or premature infant.
hydrochlorothiazide + valsartan interactions
Important examples include:
Lithium
Lithium concentrations and toxicity may increase; avoid where possible or monitor closely.
NSAIDs, including ibuprofen
They may reduce the blood-pressure effect and increase the risk of kidney impairment and high potassium.
ACE inhibitors, other ARBs or aliskiren
Combined renin–angiotensin system blockade increases the risks of hypotension, high potassium and kidney injury; some combinations are contraindicated.
Common questions about hydrochlorothiazide + valsartan
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is hydrochlorothiazide + valsartan used for?
It treats essential hypertension in adults whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled by valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide alone.
Can it be taken with food?
Yes. The tablet can be taken with or without food and swallowed with water.
Why are blood tests needed?
Tests help assess kidney function and changes in potassium, sodium and other electrolytes.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.