Hydrochlorothiazide / Amlodipine Besylate / Valsartan Information

AMLODIPINE; HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE, HCTZ; VALSARTAN is a combination of a calcium channel blocker, a diuretic, and an angiotensin II antagonist. This medicine is used to treat high blood pressure.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -decreased urine -heart failure, recent heart attack, or other heart problems -if you are on a special diet, like a low salt diet -immune system problems, like lupus -kidney disease -liver disease -an unusual or allergic reaction to amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfa drugs, valsartan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What may interact with this medicine?

-alcohol -barbiturates like phenobarbital -carbamazepine -diuretics like triamterene, spironolactone, or amiloride -lithium -medicines for blood pressure -medicines for diabetes -NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen -potassium salts or potassium supplements -prescription pain medicines -skeletal muscle relaxants like tubocurarine -some cholesterol lowering medicines like cholestyramine or colestipol -steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check your blood pressure as directed. Ask your doctor or health care professional what your blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. You must not get dehydrated. Ask your doctor or health care professional how much fluid you need to drink a day. Check with him or her if you get an attack of severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, or if you sweat a lot. The loss of too much body fluid can make it dangerous for you to take this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks. This medicine may affect your blood sugar level. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before changing the dose of your diabetic medicine. Avoid salt substitutes unless you are told otherwise by your doctor or health care professional. This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths. Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or pain while you are taking this medicine without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase your blood pressure. If you are going to have surgery or dialysis, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue -breathing problems -changes in vision -chest pain -confusion -dark urine -eye pain -fast, irregular heartbeat -feeling faint or lightheaded, falls -low blood pressure -muscle cramps -redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth -stomach pain -swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet -trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine -worsened gout pain -yellowing of the eyes or skin Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -change in sex drive or performance -cough -diarrhea -flushing of face, skin -headache -nausea, vomiting -stomach gas, pain -weak or tired.