Co-Diovan (Valsartan And Hydrochlorothiazide)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Co-Diovan Used For?
Co-Diovan is a combination medication that contains two active ingredients: Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide. It is specifically designed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Primary Uses
Co-Diovan is used to treat high blood pressure. Symptoms of high blood pressure may include headache, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, and vision problems.
How It Works
Co-Diovan works in two ways to reduce blood pressure: Valsartan blocks the effect of angiotensin II, a substance that makes blood vessels tighten and raises blood pressure. When blocked, blood vessels relax, making it easier for blood to flow. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill) that helps reduce excess fluid in the body by increasing urine production, which also helps lower blood pressure.
How to Take Co-Diovan
Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose for you. Follow the instructions provided and continue taking Co-Diovan until your doctor tells you to stop.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one tablet per day as advised by your doctor. Take Co-Diovan at the same time each day. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water. You can take it with or without food, but if your stomach gets upset, always take it after a meal. When starting a new pack, take the tablet marked with the correct day of the week.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember and then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Tiredness
- Hair loss or thinning
- Anxiety
- Muscle weakness
- Dry mouth and skin
- Excessive sweating
- Sleep problems
- Muscle spasms
- Fever
- Blurred vision
- Sore throat and stuffy nose
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Feeling sick
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness
- Severe breathing problems with fever
- Muscle weakness or cramps (may indicate low potassium)
- Swelling in legs or around eyes (may indicate kidney problems)
- Fever, tiredness, sore throat, mouth ulcers (may indicate low white blood cells)
- Severe nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of energy (may indicate low sodium)
- Severe eye pain, vision changes, decreased vision
- Decreased urine output, dark colored urine
- Signs of allergic reaction (shortness of breath, swelling, rash, hives)
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking Co-Diovan.
Who Should Not Take Co-Diovan
Do not use Co-Diovan if you are allergic to Valsartan, Hydrochlorothiazide, or other sulfonamide-derived medicines. Do not use during pregnancy or in children. Do not use if you have severe liver disease, severe kidney problems, or if you take a medicine called aliskiren. Do not use if you have certain electrolyte imbalances including muscle weakness, muscle cramps, or irregular heartbeat.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have severe heart failure, kidney problems, liver disease, heart problems, eye problems, breathing problems, high cholesterol or triglycerides, skin problems, allergies, or if you’re taking similar medications like diuretics.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use Co-Diovan during pregnancy or if you are planning to become pregnant, as it may affect your unborn baby. Do not use during breastfeeding. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Skin Cancer Risk: There may be a risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer while taking Co-Diovan. Check your skin regularly for new lesions and report any suspicious skin changes to your doctor immediately. Avoid direct sunlight and UV rays, and use adequate protection.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with Co-Diovan and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.
- Pain and anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs, salicylic acid derivatives, COX-2 inhibitors)
- Blood pressure medications (diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, aliskiren, beta blockers)
- Potassium supplements and potassium-sparing diuretics
- Antibiotics (rifamycins, penicillin G, tetracycline)
- Heart medications (antiarrhythmics, digitalis glycosides)
- Diabetes medications (insulin, antidiabetic medicines)
- Antidepressants and antipsychotics (lithium)
- Anti-seizure medications (carbamazepine)
- Cholesterol-lowering medications (cholestyramine, colestipol)
- Cancer medications (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate)
- Steroid medicines (cortisone, prednisone, ACTH)
- Gout medications (allopurinol, probenecid)
- Organ transplant medications (cyclosporin)
- Calcium supplements and Vitamin D
- Alcohol, anesthetics, and sedatives
Alcohol & Driving
Co-Diovan may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery and can interact with alcohol.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol can interact with Co-Diovan and may increase the risk of side effects.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Co-Diovan may cause dizziness in some people. Be careful before driving or using any machines or tools until you know how Co-Diovan affects you.
Storage
Store Co-Diovan below 30°C in the original package. Protect from moisture. Keep in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Co-Diovan, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication information doesn’t specify exact timing, but Co-Diovan should be taken consistently at the same time each day as prescribed by your doctor for optimal blood pressure control.
Yes, you can take Co-Diovan with or without food. However, if your stomach gets upset after taking it, always take it after a meal.
Do not stop using Co-Diovan suddenly. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol, as alcohol can interact with Co-Diovan and may increase the risk of side effects.
If you miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember and then return to your normal schedule. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Yes, dizziness is a common side effect of Co-Diovan. Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how the medication affects you.
Yes, your doctor may do routine blood tests and ECG monitoring during treatment with Co-Diovan to check how your body is responding to the medication.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.