Valsartan Hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT) Uses

Valsartan hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Hypertension is a risk factor for coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular mortality, kidney failure, and damage to other organs in the body.

These two blood pressure medicines, valsartan, and hydrochlorothiazide, have an additive antihypertensive effect. They are used to lower blood pressure when one medication alone is not successful in doing so. The combination is also used when either medication causes dose-limiting side effects. For example, if you have bothersome side effects on hydrochlorothiazide alone, your doctor may prescribe the combination of valsartan hydrochlorothiazide with a lower dose of hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan added on to achieve an adequate reduction in blood pressure.

There may be other uses of valsartan hydrochlorothiazide—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.

Valsartan Hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT) Mechanism of Action

Valsartan belongs to a group of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers or ARBs. It blocks the action of a natural substance in the body that causes tightening or narrowing of the blood vessels. This medicine, therefore, lowers blood pressure by causing relaxation or widening of blood vessels. 

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic or water pill. It lowers blood pressure by helping the kidneys remove excess salt and water from the body.

Valsartan Hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT) Doses

Valsartan hydrochlorothiazide is available in oral tablet form in the following fixed dose combinations:

• Valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide 80 mg / 12.5 mg
• Valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide 160 mg /12.5 mg
• Valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide 160 mg / 25 mg
• Valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide 320 mg / 12.5 mg
• Valsartan / hydrochlorothiazide 320 mg / 25 mg

Diovan HCT is a fixed dose combination of two antihypertensive agents (valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide). It is not used for the initial treatment of hypertension. This combination is reserved for people who do not respond to either medication alone or to other blood pressure medications.

The usual starting dose of valsartan hydrochlorothiazide is 160/12.5 mg once daily. This can be increased after 1-2 weeks if needed to control blood pressure. The maximum dose is 320/25 mg once daily. The maximum antihypertensive effects of this combination blood pressure medication are seen 2-4 weeks after starting treatment or following dosage adjustment.