Valsartan-Hydrochlorothiazide

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Apr 10, 2024

Directions

How To Use Valsartan Hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT)

Valsartan hydrochlorothiazide comes in the form of an oral tablet to be taken by mouth once daily. You can take this medicine with or without food. Try to take your medicine at around the same time every day—this will make it easier to remember.

Read the prescription label carefully and take the medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not change the dose or dosing frequency without talking to your healthcare provider.

Your provider will probably start you on a lower dose of valsartan hydrochlorothiazide, and they may increase the dose after 1-2 weeks if needed. Follow the dosing instructions carefully. Tell your doctor if you do not see an improvement in your blood pressure readings after you have taken valsartan hydrochlorothiazide regularly for 2-4 weeks.

Valsartan hydrochlorothiazide can help to control hypertension as long as you continue taking it. But it will not cure your condition. Continue taking this and your other blood pressure medicines every day even if you don’t have any symptoms and your blood pressure readings at home are in the normal range. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your healthcare provider.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of valsartan hydrochlorothiazide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store valsartan hydrochlorothiazide at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused valsartan hydrochlorothiazide should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw valsartan hydrochlorothiazide in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded valsartan hydrochlorothiazide is through a drug take-back program or your local waste disposal company. Learn more about proper medication disposal.

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on valsartan hydrochlorothiazide. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about valsartan hydrochlorothiazide, talk to your doctor for medical advice.