Co-diovan
How does it work?
Co-diovan tablets contain two active ingredients, valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a type of medicine called a thiazide diuretic. Thiazide diuretics act in the kidneys, where they increase the production of urine.
They work by causing the kidneys to increase the amount of salts, such as potassium and sodium, that are filtered out of the blood and into the urine. When these salts are filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, water is also drawn alongside. As hydrochlorothiazide increases the removal of salts from the blood, it also causes more water to be drawn out of the blood and into the urine.
Removing water from the blood decreases the volume of fluid circulating through the blood vessels. The drop in fluid volume results in a drop in the pressure of the fluid within the blood vessels, which helps to lower high blood pressure. It also decreases the effort required by the heart to pump blood around the body.
Valsartan is a type of medicine called an angiotensin II antagonist. It works by blocking receptors in the body known as angiotensin II receptors. This prevents the action of a hormone called angiotensin II.
Angiotensin II is produced naturally by the body and plays an important part in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. It has two main actions. It causes the blood vessels to narrow and the kidneys to retain salt and water.
As valsartan blocks angiotensin II receptors, it prevents the actions of angiotensin II, causing its effects to be reversed. As a result, the blood vessels widen and the amount of fluid removed from the blood by the kidneys is increased. This decreases the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, which lessens the resistance and pressure in the blood vessels. The overall effect of this is a reduction in blood pressure.
Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide have an additive effect on lowering blood pressure. This combination medicine is used to treat high blood pressure in people whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on valsartan alone.
What is it used for?
Warning!
Use with caution in
Not to be used in
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
Side effects
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.
For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.
How can this medicine affect other medicines?
It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.
If this medicine is taken with other medicines that lower blood pressure, the effect on blood pressure may be enhanced. This may cause dizziness and rarely fainting when moving from sitting or lying to a sitting or standing position. Other medicines that reduce blood pressure include the following:
Hydrochlorothiazide can decrease blood potassium levels. If this medicine is taken with other medicines which can lower blood potassium this effect may be enhanced. Such medicines include the following:
If hypokalaemia occurs while taking this medicine, it may increase the risk of side effects from the following medicines:
Valsartan may increase blood potassium levels. If this medicine is taken with other medicines which can increase blood potassium, this effect may be enhanced. Such medicines include the following:
Your blood potassium level should be monitored if you take any medicines that can affect potassium in combination with this one.
Both valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide may increase blood levels of the medicine lithium, and this medicine is therefore not recommended for people taking lithium. If it is necessary to take both, your doctor should carefully monitor your blood levels of lithium and you should let your doctor know if you experience any signs that your lithium level is increasing, for example, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, vomiting, blurred vision, muscle weakness, lack of co-ordination, drowsiness, tremor, unsteadiness, muscle twitching, ringing in the ears or confusion.
Hydrochlorothiazide may raise blood glucose levels. People with diabetes should therefore carefully monitor their blood sugar while taking this medicine, as the effectiveness of antidiabetic medicines may be reduced. This effect may be enhanced if you are also taking diazoxide. Dose adjustments of your antidiabetic medicine may be required. Discuss this with your doctor.
Hydrochlorothiazide can increase blood calcium levels. If you are also taking calcium or vitamin D supplements your blood calcium level should be monitored.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), such as indometacin, diclofenac or ibuprofen, may oppose the blood pressure lowering effect of this medicine and may increase the risk of side effects on the kidneys.
This medicine should not be taken within four hours of the following medicines, as if they are taken at the same time they may reduce the absorption of hydrochlorothiazide from the gut:
Other medicines containing the same active ingredients
There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain both valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide as the active ingredients.
Diovan contains valsartan alone.
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use
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