Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 20:58, 9 February 2025

Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide

Chemical structure of Hydrochlorothiazide

Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide is a combination medication used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It combines two active ingredients: valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist, and hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic.

Medical uses

Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide is primarily prescribed for the management of hypertension. By lowering blood pressure, it helps to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. The combination of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the amount of water and salt in the body.

Mechanism of action

Valsartan works by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten and narrow. By blocking this action, valsartan helps to relax and widen blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that helps prevent the body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention. It increases the amount of urine passed, which helps to lower blood pressure.

Side effects

Common side effects of valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide include dizziness, lightheadedness, and dehydration. Serious side effects may include fainting, muscle weakness, and changes in the amount of urine. Patients are advised to report any severe side effects to their healthcare provider.

Contraindications

Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide is contraindicated in patients with anuria or hypersensitivity to any component of the product. It should not be used during pregnancy as it can harm the fetus.

Interactions

This medication may interact with other drugs, including lithium, NSAIDs, and other blood pressure medications. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Related pages

References

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-'''Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide''' is a medication used to treat [[high blood pressure]]. It is a combination of two drugs, [[valsartan]] and [[hydrochlorothiazide]], which work together to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of [[stroke]] and [[heart attack]].
+== Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide ==
-==Etymology==
+[[File:Valsartan.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Valsartan]]
-The name "valsartan" is derived from the Latin "valere", meaning "to be strong", and "sartan", a suffix used in the names of [[angiotensin II receptor antagonist]]s. "Hydrochlorothiazide" is derived from the Greek "hydro-", meaning "water", "chloro-", meaning "green", and "thiazide", a class of diuretics.
+[[File:Hydrochlorothiazide.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Hydrochlorothiazide]]
-==Mechanism of action==
+'''Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide''' is a combination medication used to treat [[hypertension]] (high blood pressure). It combines two active ingredients: [[valsartan]], an [[angiotensin II receptor antagonist]], and [[hydrochlorothiazide]], a [[thiazide diuretic]].
-Valsartan is an [[angiotensin II receptor antagonist]], which means it blocks the action of a hormone in the body called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II causes blood vessels to constrict and promotes the release of another hormone called aldosterone, which increases the amount of sodium and water in the body. By blocking the action of angiotensin II, valsartan helps to relax and widen blood vessels and reduce the amount of water in the body.
-Hydrochlorothiazide is a [[thiazide diuretic]], which works by increasing the amount of urine produced by the kidneys. This helps to lower blood pressure by reducing the amount of fluid in the blood vessels.
+== Medical uses ==
+Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide is primarily prescribed for the management of hypertension. By lowering blood pressure, it helps to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems. The combination of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the amount of water and salt in the body.
-==Side effects==
+== Mechanism of action ==
-Common side effects of valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide include [[dizziness]], [[headache]], and [[fatigue]]. Less common but more serious side effects can include [[kidney failure]], [[liver damage]], and [[low blood pressure]].
+Valsartan works by blocking the effects of [[angiotensin II]], a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten and narrow. By blocking this action, valsartan helps to relax and widen blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.
-==Related terms==
+Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that helps prevent the body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention. It increases the amount of urine passed, which helps to lower blood pressure.
+== Side effects ==
+Common side effects of valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide include dizziness, lightheadedness, and dehydration. Serious side effects may include fainting, muscle weakness, and changes in the amount of urine. Patients are advised to report any severe side effects to their healthcare provider.
+== Contraindications ==
+Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide is contraindicated in patients with anuria or hypersensitivity to any component of the product. It should not be used during pregnancy as it can harm the fetus.
+== Interactions ==
+This medication may interact with other drugs, including [[lithium]], [[NSAIDs]], and other blood pressure medications. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking to avoid potential interactions.
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Valsartan]]
+* [[Hydrochlorothiazide]]
+* [[Hypertension]]
 * [[Angiotensin II receptor antagonist]]
 * [[Thiazide diuretic]]
-* [[High blood pressure]]
-* [[Stroke]]
-* [[Heart attack]]
-[[Category:Medication]]
+== References ==
-[[Category:High blood pressure]]
+{{Reflist}}
-[[Category:Stroke]]
-[[Category:Heart attack]]
-{{stub}}
+[[Category:Antihypertensive agents]]
+[[Category:Combination drugs]]