Co Diovan-160

Co-Diovan 160 is a combination medication manufactured by Novartis India Ltd, primarily used for the management of high blood pressure. It combines two active ingredients to effectively lower blood pressure when a single medication is not sufficient.

Name

• Common Name: Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide combination
• Brand Name: Co-Diovan 160

Composition

Co-Diovan 160 typically contains two active ingredients:

• Valsartan: 160 mg
• Hydrochlorothiazide: Available in strengths of 12.5 mg or 25 mg, resulting in formulations like Co-Diovan 160/12.5 mg or Co-Diovan 160/25 mg.

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that relaxes blood vessels, while hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that increases urine output to remove excess water and salt from the body, both contributing to blood pressure reduction.

Uses

Co-Diovan 160 is prescribed for:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): It is used to control essential hypertension in adults whose blood pressure is not adequately managed with either valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide monotherapy.
• Prevention of Cardiovascular Events: By effectively managing blood pressure, it helps reduce the risk of serious complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.

Dosage and Administration

• Typical Dosage: The usual dose is one tablet once daily.
• Administration: Co-Diovan can be taken with or without food, swallowed whole with a glass of water. It is recommended to take it at the same time each day, preferably avoiding doses within four hours of bedtime due to the diuretic component.
• Dose Adjustment: If blood pressure remains uncontrolled, the dose may be increased, or the components titrated, up to a maximum dose of Co-Diovan 320 mg/25 mg. Significant blood pressure reduction is typically seen within two weeks, with maximal effects often observed within four weeks.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or spinning sensation
• Fatigue, tiredness, or weakness
• Nausea, upset stomach, or abdominal pain
• Taste change
• Dry mouth
• Joint pain or back pain

Serious Side Effects (seek medical attention immediately):

• Symptoms of an allergic reaction, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema), difficulty breathing, wheezing, rash, or itching.
• Severe renal or hepatic impairment symptoms.
• Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., low potassium, low sodium, high calcium).
• Fainting or severe decrease in blood pressure.

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Co-Diovan is not recommended during pregnancy and must not be taken after the third month of pregnancy due to serious risks to the unborn baby. It is also not recommended while breastfeeding.
• Kidney and Liver Impairment: Not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min), anuria, severe hepatic impairment, biliary cirrhosis, or cholestasis. Caution is advised in mild to moderate impairment.
• Allergies: Do not take if allergic to valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, sulfonamide-derived medicines, or any other ingredients.
• Drug Interactions:
  • Avoid concomitant use with other blood pressure-lowering medicines containing aliskiren, especially in patients with diabetes or kidney impairment.
  • Use with caution or avoid with potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, or other agents that may increase potassium levels.
  • May interact with lithium, NSAIDs, certain heart medications (e.g., digoxin), and some cholesterol-lowering medications.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid consuming alcohol as it can further lower blood pressure and increase the risk of dizziness.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: May cause dizziness or tiredness; caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness until you know how the medicine affects you.

Storage

• Store the tablets in their original container in a cool, dry place below 30°C (room temperature).
• Keep out of reach and sight of children and pets.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on windowsills, as heat and dampness can damage the medicine.

Here are frequently asked questions about CO DIOVAN-160:

What is CO DIOVAN-160 used for?

CO DIOVAN-160 is primarily used to treat high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, in adults. It is typically prescribed when blood pressure is not adequately controlled with a single medication (monotherapy). By lowering blood pressure, it helps reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Some sources also indicate its use for managing the risk of hospitalization for heart failure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular death after a heart attack.

How does CO DIOVAN-160 work?

CO DIOVAN-160 is a combination medicine containing two active ingredients: Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that works by blocking the effect of angiotensin II, a natural substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten and blood pressure to rise. By blocking this, Valsartan helps to relax and widen blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic, often called a "water pill." It works by increasing the excretion of excess salt and water from the body through urine, which also contributes to lowering blood pressure. The combined action of these two components helps to effectively control high blood pressure.

What are the active ingredients in CO DIOVAN-160?

CO DIOVAN-160 contains two active ingredients: Valsartan (160 mg) and Hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg or 25 mg, depending on the specific strength).

What is the usual dosage for CO DIOVAN-160?

The recommended dose of Co-Diovan is typically one film-coated tablet once daily. For CO DIOVAN-160/12.5 mg, it may be administered to patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled after 4 weeks of valsartan 160 mg monotherapy. If further reduction is needed, a higher strength like CO DIOVAN-160/25 mg might be used after at least 4 weeks of treatment with 160/12.5 mg. The maximum daily dose for Co-Diovan is 320 mg/25 mg. The tablets can be taken with or without food, but it's best to take them at the same time each day.

What are the possible side effects of CO DIOVAN-160?

Common side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, taste change, upset stomach, back or joint pain, and a dry cough. Some individuals may also experience sleepiness, blurred vision, runny or bleeding nose, or dry mouth. More serious, but less common, side effects can include low blood pressure (causing dizziness or faintness), increased blood lipid levels, electrolyte imbalances (such as low potassium or sodium, or high uric acid), and glucose intolerance. Rarely, it can cause angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), which requires immediate medical attention.

Is CO DIOVAN-160 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

CO DIOVAN-160 is generally not recommended during pregnancy and must not be taken if you are more than 3 months pregnant, as it can cause serious harm or even death to the unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, you should inform your doctor immediately. During breastfeeding, Co-Diovan is also not recommended because hydrochlorothiazide is known to pass into breast milk, and it is unknown if valsartan does. Alternative treatments with better established safety profiles are preferred for nursing mothers.

Can CO DIOVAN-160 be taken with other medications?

CO DIOVAN-160 can interact with several medications. It is not recommended to take it with other blood pressure-lowering medicines containing aliskiren, especially if you have type 2 diabetes or kidney impairment. Concomitant use with potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, amiloride), or salt substitutes containing potassium can increase the risk of elevated potassium levels. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce its blood pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney problems. Lithium levels should be carefully monitored if taken concurrently due to increased toxicity risk. Other medications that may interact include certain antibiotics, anti-rejection drugs, antiretrovirals, and drugs that affect blood sugar levels. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while using CO DIOVAN-160?

Precautions include monitoring kidney and liver function regularly. Patients with severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), severe hepatic impairment, biliary cirrhosis, cholestasis, or anuria should not take CO DIOVAN-160. Caution is advised for patients with mild to moderate kidney or liver impairment. It may cause dizziness or sleepiness, so caution is needed when driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can increase the risk of dizziness and dangerously low blood pressure. Patients should also be monitored for electrolyte imbalances and potential increases in blood uric acid or glucose levels. There's also an increased risk of skin cancer (non-melanoma) with long-term use of hydrochlorothiazide at high dosages.

What should I do if I miss a dose of CO DIOVAN-160?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this may increase the chance of side effects.

How should CO DIOVAN-160 be stored?

CO DIOVAN-160 tablets should be kept in their original container in a cool, dry place below 30°C (room temperature), away from moisture and heat. Do not store them in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep all medicines out of reach and sight of children.