Co-Diovan (valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide) is a treatment for high blood pressure usually prescribed for those patients who did not respond well to treatment with valsartan alone. 

The two active ingredients in Co-Diovan complement each other, resulting in a more powerful medication: 

• Valsartan blocks a hormone called angiotensin II, which regulates blood pressure and fluid balances. When the hormone is blocked, blood vessels naturally widen and urine production increases, both actions which help lower blood pressure.
• Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic which further increases urine output by filtering salts out of the bloodstream, an action which also removes water from the blood. The end result is a lower overall volume of blood, which reduces blood pressure.

Lowering blood pressure reduces the workload of the heart and decreases the risk of risk of stroke and blood vessel damage. 

Using Co-Diovan to Lower Blood Pressure 

Co-Diovan tablets range in strength from 80 to 320 mg of valsartan and 12.5 to 25 mg of hydrochlorothiazide. Dosage strength will depend on the patient and the severity of the high blood pressure and should only be determined by a doctor. The lowest possible dose is desirable to prevent adverse effects. 

Following a few simple guidelines, treatment with Co-Diovan is easy: 

• Take once daily with fluids, preferably in morning as the medication will increase urine production.
• Don't crush, dissolve, chew or otherwise damage tablets; swallow whole.
• The medication stays in the body for around 24 hours, so taking it at the same time each day is ideal.
• It may be taken with or without food, but whichever route is chosen should remain consistent.
• Full effects are felt after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.

Duration of treatment is highly variable. This medication is often given when valsartan alone is not effective, when the cause of the high blood pressure is unknown, and when efforts to lower blood pressure through lifestyle changes are ineffective; all situations which generally call for long-term treatment. 

Never take more of this medication than prescribed, or combine it with other blood pressure reducing treatments unless specifically approved by a doctor. Severely low blood pressure is every bit as dangerous as high blood pressure and can be fatal. Warning signs include extreme dizziness and fainting. If this occurs, call for medical help and, if possible, lie down until it arrives. 

Precautions & Side Effects 

While this medication may sound like a simple diuretic, the alteration of salts and fluids in the blood can impact every bodily system. In the interest of maximizing effectiveness and safety, be aware of potential complications: 

• Check with a doctor or pharmacist before using other medications with Co-Diovan; it is known to interact with many prescription and non-prescription drugs.
• Alcohol should be used with caution during treatment; it may further reduce blood pressure.
• This medication should not be used while pregnant or breast feeding except in rare cases where benefits outweigh risks.
• Patients with severe liver or kidney disease, gout, difficulty urinating, low salt levels, diabetes, immune system disorders, and certain heart problems are at greater risk of serious side effects.
• Co-Diovan may cause dizziness or drowsiness; use with caution while driving or performing other complex tasks until you know how the medication effects you. 
  

Side effects are rarely dangerous when other major health issues are not present, including light-headedness, coughing, muscle pain and tinnitus. Often these symptoms will disappear as the body adjusts to treatment. Dehydration is also common during treatment. due to increased urine production. 

See the insert included with the product for a full list of side effects.