Diovan HCT
The generic name of Diovan, the high blood pressure treating medication is Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill) that prevents the body from absorbing excess salt, which can cause retention of fluids. Valsartan is an important constituent in a group of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Valsartan keeps bloods vessels from narrowing which results in the lowering of blood pressure and a steady, improved blood flow in the body.
You should take Diovan HCT in the exact manner as is prescribed to you. Do not take the medication in quantities larger or time more than what is suggested to you by the doctor. You should take this medication with a full glass of water. Your doctor may change the dose in future if she feels that you can get better results from doing so. Your doctor may also call you to meet her for regular medical checkup so that your blood pressure could be checked. There are some patients who stop taking this medicine once they feel that they are feeling. Again, you should follow the advice of the doctor and stop only when he/she says so. In any case, high blood pressure at times does not show symptoms.
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to hydrochlorothiazide or Valsartan. People with urinary problems and thyroid problems are also refrained from taking Diovan HCT. Since Valsartan can cause harm or even death to the unborn child, you should not take it during the second and third semester of pregnancy. Also make sure that you tell your doctor that you are pregnant in case the doctor advises you to take Diovan HCT. If you are taking the medication already and are indulging in sexual activity, then you should use birth control so that you do not become pregnant. Do not take the medicine if you have consumed alcohol because it can increase the side effects of the medicine. Tell your doctor about any major health problem you have- kidney disease, liver disease, gout, diabetes or asthma etc; so that the doctor can look for other alternatives or alter the dose.