Valzide
Valzide Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Valzide is a brand name. Its generic name is Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide.
Introduction
Valzide is a combination drug that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It is used when alone treatment with either drug has not been effective or if the patient's doctor decides that a combination drug is best for them.Uses
Valzide is an antihypertensive medicine, used for the treatment of essential hypertension. The drug is also used for the treatment of edema (fluid retention).Mechanism of action
Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and works by blocking the effects of angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a hormone that narrows blood vessels and increases blood pressure. By blocking the action of angiotensin II, Valsartan causes the blood vessels to relax which decreases blood pressure and improves blood flow. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill) and works by increasing the amount of water and sodium that is excreted in the urine. This increased urine output decreases the amount of water in the body, which reduces blood volume, which causes a decrease in blood pressure.How long does it take to work?
Although individual patient response will vary, it usually takes 2-4 weeks for Valzide to reach a therapeutic effect on blood pressure.Absorption
No information available.Route of elimination
Valzide is primarily eliminated through the kidneys, with approximately 66% of its metabolites excreted via the urine.Dosage
Valzide is available in tablets containing 80 mg of valsartan and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide, and 160 mg of valsartan and 12.5 mg of hydrochlorothiazide. Patients should take Valzide exactly as their doctor has prescribed.Administration
Valzide should be taken orally once daily with or without food.Side effects
Common side effects of Valzide include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, and rash. These side effects are usually mild and will go away with time. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as fainting, severe low blood pressure, and difficulty breathing. If these side effects occur, the patient should seek medical attention immediately.Toxicity
Valzide is not typically toxic if taken as prescribed by the doctor. However, if the drug is taken in large doses, it can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, including low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney damage.Precautions
Patients on Valzide should not stop taking the drug without consulting with their doctor. The drug can cause a sudden worsening of blood pressure if stopped abruptly.Interactions
Valzide can interact with other medicines and supplements, so patients should always let their doctor know of any other medicines or supplements they are taking.Disease Interactions
Patients with kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or diabetes should discuss with their doctor whether Valzide is safe for them to take.Drug Interactions
Valzide can interact with other drugs and should be used with caution in patients taking ACE inhibitors, ARBs, lithium, probenecid, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).Food Interactions
No information available.Pregnancy Use
Valzide should not be taken by pregnant women. This drug can cause birth defects and harm an unborn baby.Lactation Use
Valzide is excreted in breast milk and should not be used by nursing mothers.Acute Overdose
Signs of an acute overdose may include low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and fainting. If an overdose is suspected, seek medical help immediately.Contraindication
Valzide should not be used by patients who are hypersensitive to either valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide.Use Direction
Valzide should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Patients should not adjust their dose or cease taking the drug without consulting with their doctor.Storage Condition
Valzide should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.Volume of Distribution
No information available.Half Life
Valsartan has a half-life of approximately 6 hours, with a range of 2.3 to 8 hours. Hydrochlorothiazide has a half-life of approximately 6.3 hours, with a range of 1.5 to 25.6 hours.Clearance
No information available.Here you find in details version of Valzide
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Valzide
.What is Valzide?
Valzide is a combination medication, containing the drugs valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide. Valsartan is an angiotensin-receptor blocker, which works to relax the muscles of the blood vessels. Hydrochlorothiazide is a type of diuretic, which helps to reduce the amount of fluid in the body.
What is the purpose of taking Valzide?
Valzide is used to treat high blood pressure. This combination medication works to relax the muscles of the blood vessels and reduce the amount of fluid in the body to help lower blood pressure.
How do I take Valzide?
Valzide should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Generally, the medication is taken once a day. It is important to take the medication at approximately the same time each day and to not miss any doses.
What are the possible side effects of taking Valzide?
Common side effects of taking Valzide include headache, tired feeling, weakness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, increased urination, muscle cramps, itching, joint pain, and blurred vision. If these side effects become severe, contact your doctor.
Who should not take Valzide?
Valzide is not suitable for everyone. People who are allergic to either valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide should not take Valzide. It is important to inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, as some medications can interact negatively with Valzide.
Is Valzide safe during pregnancy?
There is not enough research to determine whether Valzide is safe during pregnancy. It is important to speak with your doctor before taking Valzide if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Valzide?
If you miss a dose of Valzide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. It is important not to double the dose.
Can I take Valzide with other medications?
It is important to speak with your doctor before taking Valzide with other medications, as some medications can interact negatively with Valzide. These include other blood pressure medications, NSAIDs, antivirals, antifungals, lithium, and digoxin.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Valzide?
Drinking alcohol while taking Valzide is not recommended, as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as lightheadedness and fainting. It is important to consult with your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking Valzide.
When should I stop taking Valzide?
Valzide should generally be taken as prescribed by your doctor. If you experience severe side effects, it is important to contact your doctor, who may advise to stop taking the medication. You should never stop taking Valzide without first speaking to your doctor.
What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction while taking Valzide?
If you experience an allergic reaction while taking Valzide, stop taking the medication right away and seek medical help. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, tongue, and throat.
What should I do if I experience chest pain while taking Valzide?
If you experience chest pain while taking Valzide, stop taking the medication right away and seek medical help. Chest pain is a potential side effect of taking Valzide.
Can I take Valzide to treat a cough?
No, Valzide should not be taken to treat a cough. Valzide is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, not a cough.
Can children take Valzide?
No, Valzide is not suitable for children. Valzide is only approved for use in adults.
Can I take Valzide if I have diabetes?
Yes, you can take Valzide if you have diabetes. However, it is important to let your doctor know that you have diabetes, as some medications can interact negatively with Valzide.
What happens if I take an overdose of Valzide?
If you take an overdose of Valzide, it is important to seek medical help right away. Symptoms of an overdose can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fainting.
What should I do if I forget to take my dose of Valzide?
If you forget to take a dose of Valzide, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. It is important not to double the dose.
Can I take Valzide if I have a kidney condition?
Yes, you can take Valzide if you have a kidney condition. However, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking the medication. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor your kidney condition more closely.
Can Valzide cause weight gain?
Valzide has not been proven to cause weight gain. However, if you are experiencing abnormal weight gain while taking Valzide, it is important to consult with your doctor.
Can Valzide cause dry mouth?
Yes, Valzide can cause dry mouth. If you experience dry mouth while taking Valzide, it is important to speak with your doctor.
Can I take Valzide if I am breastfeeding?
No, Valzide is not suitable for breastfeeding women. It is important to consult with your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking Valzide.
What should I do if I experience dizziness while taking Valzide?
If you experience dizziness while taking Valzide, it is important to speak with your doctor. You may need to have your dose adjusted or you may need to stop taking the medication.
Are there any dietary restrictions while taking Valzide?
No, there are no dietary restrictions while taking Valzide. However, it is important to speak with your doctor before making any major changes to your diet, as some dietary factors may affect the effectiveness of the medication.
What should I do if I experience diarrhea while taking Valzide?
If you experience diarrhea while taking Valzide, it is important to contact your doctor. Diarrhea is a potential side effect of taking this medication.
What should I do if I experience joint pain while taking Valzide?
If you experience joint pain while taking Valzide, it is important to contact your doctor. Joint pain is a potential side effect of taking this medication.
Can I take Valzide while pregnant?
There is not enough research to determine whether Valzide is safe during pregnancy. It is important to speak with your doctor before taking Valzide if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
How quickly does Valzide work?
Valzide begins working right away. However, it may take several weeks for the full effects of the medication to be reached.
Can Valzide cause hair loss?
Valzide has not been proven to cause hair loss. However, if you are experiencing abnormal hair loss while taking Valzide, it is important to consult with your doctor.
Is it safe to take Valzide with other blood pressure medications?
No, it is not safe to take Valzide with other blood pressure medications. It is important to speak with your doctor before taking Valzide with other medications, as some medications can interact negatively with Valzide.
Can I take Valzide if I have liver disease?
Yes, you can take Valzide if you have liver disease. However, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking the medication. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor your liver condition more closely.
What should I do if my blood pressure does not improve while taking Valzide?
If your blood pressure does not improve while taking Valzide, it is important to contact your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or try a different medication to help lower your blood pressure.
Does Valzide interact with any other medications?
Yes, Valzide can interact with other medications. It is important to speak with your doctor before taking Valzide with other medications, as some medications can interact negatively with Valzide. These include other blood pressure medications, NSAIDs, antivirals, antifungals, lithium, and digoxin.
Can Valzide be used to treat heart failure?
No, Valzide should not be used to treat heart failure. Valzide is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, not heart failure.
Does Valzide cause fatigue?
Yes, Valzide can cause fatigue. If you experience fatigue while taking Valzide, it is important to contact your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or switch you to a different medication.