Diovan HCT Dosages for High Blood Pressure: Your GoodRx Guide
Diovan HCT is a combination medication for hypertension. A typical Diovan HCT dosage starts at 160/12.5 mg once daily and increases over the course of treatment.
valsartan / HCTZ
Used for Hypertension
Used for Hypertension
Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is a combination of two blood pressure medications. It's typically used when one medication alone doesn't lower your blood pressure enough. Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is taken by mouth, usually once daily. Keep in mind that it can take 1 to 2 weeks before you start to notice the effects of this medication on you blood pressure. The most common side effect of Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is dizziness, especially when you first start taking this medication or when your provider adjusts your dose.
What is Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide)?
What is Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) used for?
- High blood pressure
How Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) works
Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is a combination of two medications that help lower blood pressure.
- Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It blocks a hormone called angiotensin II that raises blood pressure by tightening your blood vessels and causing your body to hold on to more fluid. Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) helps relax your blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.
- Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It works in your kidneys to remove extra water and certain electrolytes (like sodium and potassium), which helps lower your blood pressure. As a result, it makes you urinate more.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Diovan HCT |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | ARB / Diuretic (water pill) |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness (6%)
- Common cold (2%)
- Feeling lightheaded when standing up from a seated or lying down position (1%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Muscle cramps
- Stomach upset
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Headache
- Rash
Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: rash, swelling of the face, lips, throat, difficulty breathing
- Severe low blood pressure: feeling faint, dizziness
- Kidney problems: urinating less often than usual, swelling, unexplained weight gain
- Changes in your electrolytes (potassium, sodium, magnesium): nausea, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, thirst, muscle cramps
The following Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
difficulty with swallowing
tender or swollen lymph nodes in the neck
unusual tiredness or weakness
Rare
blurred vision
chills
fainting
flushing
itching, pain, redness, or swelling of the eye or eyelid
joint stiffness or swelling, especially if sudden
skin rash or hives
trouble breathing
vomiting
watering of the eyes
yellow eyes or skin
Incidence not known
Confusion
dark urine
decreased urine output
dizziness
drowsiness
fast or irregular heartbeat
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
light-colored stools
lightheadedness
muscle cramps, spasms, pain, or stiffness
nervousness
numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips
persistent non-healing sore
pink growth
reddish patch or irritated area
seizures
shiny bump
thirst
weakness or heaviness of the legs
white, yellow or waxy scar-like area
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Rare
increased sensitivity to sunlight
increased sweating
redness of the face or neck
reduced sexual performance or drive
Incidence not known
Hair loss or thinning of the hair
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$94.77
GoodRx discount
$18.91
Pros and cons of Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
Pros
- Contains two first-choice medications to lower blood pressure
- Conveniently combines two medications into one tablet
- Only taken once a day
- Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
- Comes in fixed dosage strengths, so it might be harder for your provider to adjust the doses of the individual medications
- Might require regular blood tests to see how it's affecting your electrolytes and kidneys
- Not safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding
- Makes you urinate more
Pharmacist tips for Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
- You can take Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) with or without food.
- Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can make you urinate more often. Try taking the medication in the morning or afternoon so you're not waking up in the middle of the night to use the restroom.
- Like many blood pressure medications, Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause dizziness the first few days because your body isn't used to having lower blood pressure. Be careful when getting up from a lying down or seated position so you don't get too dizzy or fall.
- Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can raise your potassium levels. Don't use potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium without asking your provider.
- Make sure to get any lab work ordered by your provider done on time. Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause changes to your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
- If you're taking cholestyramine (Prevalite), take Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) at least 4 hours before or 4-6 hours after it. This is because the two medications interact with each other, causing Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) to not get absorbed as well into your body.
- If you become pregnant or would like to become pregnant, tell your provider right away as Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can harm your unborn baby.
Risks and warnings for Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Not for use during pregnancy
Pregnant females shouldn't take Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) because it can cause severe, and sometimes life-threatening, harm to unborn babies. Some problems include low blood pressure, kidney problems, low platelets, jaundice, and death. Speak to your provider about safer options to lower your blood pressure if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. If you find out that you're pregnant while taking Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide), stop the medication and call your provider right away.
Low blood pressure
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that lower blood pressure | Not enough fluids in the body
Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can lower your blood pressure, which can make you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Be careful when getting up from either a seated or lying down position to prevent falls. This is more likely to happen if you're also taking other medications that lower your blood pressure. If you feel dizzy, talk to your provider. They can make sure your dose is appropriate or prescribe a different blood pressure medication.
Worsening kidney problems
- Risk factors: Certain kidney problems | Heart failure | Not enough fluid in the body
In some people, Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can affect the kidneys and cause them to not work as well. Your risk is higher if you have very severe heart failure, serious kidney problems, or if you're taking medications that can worsen kidney function. Your provider might order lab work to make sure your kidneys are working properly. If you're urinating less often than usual or if you notice swelling, call your provider. These could be signs that your kidneys aren't working as well as they should be.
Severe allergic reaction
In some rare cases, Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can cause a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction. If you experience swelling in your lips, tongue, face, or throat or have trouble breathing, get medical help right away.
Changes in electrolytes
- Risk factors: Heart failure | Kidney problems | Taking other medications that affect electrolytes
Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can change the levels of your electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Your provider might have you get blood work done so they can check these electrolytes before you start the medication, and regularly while you're taking it. If you feel any nausea, irregular heartbeats, cramps, or excessive thirst while taking this medication, call your provider. These can be signs that your electrolytes are too high or too low.
Vision problems
- Risk factors: History of sulfa or penicillin allergy
Vision changes and/or eye pain can occur within hours to weeks of starting Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide). If you experience any vision changes or eye pain, stop the medication right away and contact your provider. In some cases, this can lead to permanent blindness if not treated away.
Lupus
- Risk factors: History of lupus
Hydrochlorothiazide, an ingredient in Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide), might cause lupus to flare up. If you have a history of lupus, speak with your provider about the risks and benefits of taking Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide).
Interactions with other medications
Some medications interact with Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide), which could change the way it works. On the other hand, Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) can change the way certain medications work in your body. Tell your provider all of the prescription and over-the-counter medications you're taking, especially if you're taking medications such as, lithium (Lithobid), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or carbamazepine (Tegretol).
Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 320mg/25mg of Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) is $18.91 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 80.05% off the average retail price of $94.77. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80mg/12.5mg | 90 tablets | $26.88 | $0.30 |
| 160mg/12.5mg | 90 tablets | $25.94 | $0.29 |
| 160mg/25mg | 90 tablets | $27.30 | $0.30 |
| 320mg/12.5mg | 90 tablets | $33.47 | $0.37 |
| 320mg/25mg | 30 tablets | $18.91 | $0.63 |
Typical dosage for Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
The usual starting dose is 160 mg/12.5 mg (valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide) by mouth once daily. If needed, your provider might raise your dose over time to a maximum dose of 320 mg/25 mg (valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide) once daily.
Interactions between Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) and other drugs
Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acetyldigoxin
- Amphetamine
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Aspirin
- Benazepril
- Benzphetamine
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Captopril
- Celecoxib
- Choline Salicylate
- Clonixin
- Deslanoside
- Desmopressin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Dextroamphetamine
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Digitalis
- Digitoxin
- Digoxin
- Dipyrone
- Droperidol
- Droxicam
- Enalapril
- Enalaprilat
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Flecainide
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Fosinopril
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Ketanserin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Levomethadyl
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Lisinopril
- Lithium
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Methamphetamine
- Methotrexate
- Metildigoxin
- Moexipril
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Ouabain
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Perindopril
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Porfimer
- Potassium Phosphate
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Proscillaridin
- Quinapril
- Ramipril
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Simeprevir
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sotalol
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Trandolapril
- Trimethoprim
- Valdecoxib
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Aminolevulinic Acid
- Bepridil
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Carbamazepine
- Celecoxib
- Cholestyramine
- Choline Salicylate
- Clonixin
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Dipyrone
- Droxicam
- Eltrombopag
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Flurbiprofen
- Ginkgo
- Gossypol
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Licorice
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Morniflumate
- Nabumetone
- Naproxen
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parecoxib
- Phenylbutazone
- Piketoprofen
- Piroxicam
- Proglumetacin
- Propionic Acid
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Rofecoxib
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sodium Salicylate
- Sulindac
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Topiramate
- Valdecoxib
How much does Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide) will not be safe for you to take.
- Not producing urine
- Allergic to sulfa-containing medications
- Taking at the same time as aliskiren (Tekturna) if you have diabetes
What are alternatives to Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Diovan HCT (valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide)
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