What Is Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Used For?

Some people may wonder, "What is valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide used for?" Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide is used to lower blood pressure in adults by relaxing the blood vessels and lowering blood volume. By combining the effects of the blood pressure medicine valsartan and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide can cause a greater drop in blood pressure than when either drug is used by itself. Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide is not approved for use in children and, at this time, there are no universally accepted off-label valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide uses.

 

Uses for Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide -- An Overview

 Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to control high blood pressure (hypertension).
 
Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide for High Blood Pressure
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example: 120/80. The top number is known as the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is defined as an average blood pressure higher than 140/90, with multiple blood pressure readings.
 
Based on clinical studies, valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide has been shown to significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The higher the dose of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide, the greater the drop in blood pressure tended to be. By lowering blood pressure, valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide can decrease the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure (see Effects of High Blood Pressure). However, valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide is not a cure for high blood pressure.
 
(What Is Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;