Key takeaways:
Diovan HCT contains two first-choice medications for high blood pressure: valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). It comes as an oral tablet that’s usually taken in the morning, shortly after waking up.
The typical Diovan HCT dosage starts at 160 mg valsartan/12.5 mg HCTZ once daily. From there, the dosage may be increased to a maximum of 320 mg valsartan/25 mg HCTZ once daily.
There are ways to save on Diovan HCT, which is available as both a brand-name and a generic medication. With a free GoodRx discount, you could save over 60% off the average retail price of generic Diovan HCT at certain pharmacies.
An estimated 60% of people living with high blood pressure take more than one medication to reach their blood pressure goals. And if you do need more than one medication, Diovan HCT is a convenient option. It’s a once-daily oral tablet containing two first-choice blood pressure medications — valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
Here, we’ll look at typical Diovan HCT dosages. We’ll also look at what to do if you miss a dose. Remember, these dosages are recommended by the manufacturer. However, you should always follow your prescriber’s instructions when taking Diovan HCT.
Diovan HCT is approved to treat high blood pressure in adults. It contains valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), and HCTZ, a diuretic (water pill). You may be prescribed this medication in a few different situations, including:
Your blood pressure isn’t managed with just one medication.
You’ve been taking valsartan and HCTZ separately.
You could benefit from taking two blood pressure medications initially.
The typical Diovan HCT starting dosage for adults with high blood pressure is 160 mg of valsartan and 12.5 mg of HCTZ by mouth once daily. From there, the dosage may be increased after 1 to 2 weeks, if needed. The maximum dosage is 320 mg of valsartan and 25 mg of HCTZ once daily.
It’s best to take Diovan HCT soon after waking up, usually in the morning. That’s because hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and makes you urinate more. If you take it too late in the afternoon or evening, you may need to wake up in the middle of the night to pee.
You can take Diovan HCT with or without food. But valsartan increases potassium levels in your body. So to prevent high potassium levels, it’s best to avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes.
The manufacturer doesn’t recommend specific dosage adjustments for certain health conditions, including kidney or liver problems. But its safety and effectiveness haven’t been established in people with severe kidney disease. There also isn’t a recommended dosage for people with severe liver disease.
The valsartan in Diovan HCT can help protect the kidneys. But it can also cause acute kidney damage in some people. Your healthcare team will keep an eye on your kidney function while you take Diovan HCT. If needed, they may adjust your dose or have you stop taking it (temporarily or permanently).
Symptoms of acute kidney injury include:
Reduced need to urinate
Swollen legs, ankles, or feet
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea and vomiting
How they compare: Valsartan (Diovan) is one of several angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) on the market. Here’s how it compares to olmesartan, losartan, and others.
ARB side effects: Do you feel dizzy after taking valsartan? Here’s a list of common ARB side effects and tips for how to manage them.
Thiazide side effects: Hydrochlorothiazide is a common thiazide diuretic. It’s a helpful medication for some people, but it has possible side effects to be aware of.
Seek medical attention immediately if you think you’re experiencing acute kidney injury.
No. Since it contains an ARB, Diovan HCT is not recommended if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. That’s because it may affect the growing fetus’ kidneys, among other effects. This risk seems to be higher in the second and third trimesters.
Maintaining a healthy blood pressure during pregnancy protects both you and your fetus. Alternative medications that are generally considered safe during pregnancy include methyldopa, labetalol, and nifedipine (Procardia).
If you forget to take your Diovan HCT dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s too close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
As mentioned above, HCTZ is a water pill and makes you urinate. If you take your missed dose in the afternoon or evening, it’s possible you’ll need to wake up at night to go to the bathroom.
If you accidentally take an extra dose of Diovan HCT, it’s unlikely to cause serious problems. But it may cause more side effects, especially if it drops your blood pressure too much. Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, lightheadedness, and weakness. You may also have blurry vision.
Both medications in Diovan HCT can affect electrolyte levels in your body, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. Large doses can cause an electrolyte imbalance, putting you at risk for life-threatening problems such as arrhythmia, seizures, and coma.
If you or a loved one have taken a large dose of Diovan HCT, contact your prescriber right away or reach out to Poison Control for guidance online or by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Go to the nearest ER if your symptoms feel life-threatening.
There are ways to save on Diovan HCT, which is available as both a brand-name and a generic medication. With a free GoodRx discount, you could save over 60% off the average retail price of the generic version. At certain pharmacies, the price is as low as $15.83.
Diovan HCT is a combination pill that contains two first-choice blood pressure medications: valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). The starting dosage is 160 mg of valsartan and 12.5 mg of HCTZ once daily, preferably taken in the morning. The maximum recommended dosage is 320 mg of valsartan and 25 mg of HCTZ per day.
It’s best to take Diovan HCT in the morning, soon after you wake up. You can take it with or without food, but it’s best to avoid using potassium-containing salt substitutes while taking it. Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist if you have questions about your Diovan HCT dosage.
Derington, C. G., et al. (2020). Trends in antihypertensive medication monotherapy and combination use among US adults, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2016. Hypertension.
MedlinePlus. (2024). Fluid and electrolyte balance.
National Kidney Foundation. (2023). ACE inhibitors and ARBs.
National Kidney Foundation. (2024). Acute kidney injury (AKI).
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2024). Diovan HCT- valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide tablet, film coated [package insert].
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Whelton, P. K., et al. (2017). 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on clinical practice guidelines. Hypertension.
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