Valzaar-H is an angiotensin II antagonist and thiazide diuretic combination used to treat high blood pressure. It may also be used to treat congestive heart failure and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Valzaar-H works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. In addition to the use of the medicine your doctor has prescribed, treatment for your high blood pressure may include weight control and care in the types of foods you eat, especially foods high in sodium. Your doctor will tell you which of these is most important for you. You should check with your doctor before changing your diet.

Many patients who have high blood pressure will not notice any signs of the problem. In fact, many may feel normal. It is very important that you take your medicine exactly as directed and that you keep your appointments with your doctor even if you feel well.

Remember that this medicine will not cure your high blood pressure but it does help control it. Therefore, you must continue to take it as directed if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take high blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life . If high blood pressure is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke, or kidney disease.

Dosing

The dose of these medicines will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide.

For high blood pressure

Adults-1 tablet once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.

Children-Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Note

Taking Valzaar-H will increase urination. If you are taking 1 dose of Valzaar-H daily, take it in the morning to prevent this from affecting your sleep. If you are taking more than 1 dose daily, take the last dose no later than 6 pm.

Cautions

If you have had a severe allergic reaction to Valsartan or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor.

Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine.

Drinking adequate fluids while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Inadequate fluid intake, excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to lightheadedness and fainting.

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Valzaar-H may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.

Do not use a salt substituute or potassium supplement without checking with your doctor.

Before you begin taking ant new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your diabetes medicine.

For Women

Use of this medicine during pregnancy has resulted in fetal and newborn death. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately.

Valzaar-H is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

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:

• itching, pain, redness, or swelling of eye or eyelid
• watering of eyes
• troubled breathing or wheezing
• severe skin rash or hives
• flushing
• chills, fever, and sore throat
• bloating or pain of the stomach
• fever, nausea, and vomiting
• fainting
• yellow eyes or skin
• fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Symptoms may include
  • confusion
  • convulsions (seizures)
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • diminished urine output
  • drowsiness or sluggishness
  • dry mouth
  • fast heartbeat
  • muscle cramps or pain
  • muscle fatigue
  • nausea and vomiting
  • restlessness
  • thirst
  • weakness

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• cold or flu-like symptoms
• dizziness
• fatigue
• sore throat, difficulty swallowing, tender or swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• abdominal pain
• rash
• sudden occurrence of joint pain, usually in the ankle, knee, or great toe
• joint stiffness, or swelling

Other 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. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• cough
• diarrhea (mild)
• headache
• anxiety
• heartbeat sensations
• redness of face or neck
• increased sensitivity to sunlight
• reduced sexual performance or drive
• increased sweating

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Storage

Store Valzaar-H at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light.