Dosage of Co-Diovan 160mg/12.5mg

Co-Diovan 160mg/12.5mg is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM). Take as directed by the pharmacist or physician.

• Standard Dose: One film-coated tablet (160 mg Valsartan and 12.5 mg HCTZ) taken once daily.
• Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with water.
• Best Time to Take It: Co-Diovan can be taken with or without food; however, taking it at the same time each day (e.g., in the morning) improves consistency.

Contraindications of Co-Diovan

Do NOT take Co-Diovan if you:

• Drug Allergies: Are allergic to Valsartan, Hydrochlorothiazide, or any substance chemically related to hydrochlorothiazide (sulphonamide derivatives).
• Pregnancy: Are more than 3 months pregnant (use in early pregnancy is also discouraged).
• Severe Organ Impairment: Have severe liver disease, destruction of the small bile ducts (biliary cirrhosis) leading to cholestasis, or severe kidney disease (anuria or creatinine clearance <30 mL/min.
• Specific Conditions: Have high calcium levels (hypercalcemia) or high uric acid levels (which may cause gout).
• Dual RAAS Blockade: Are taking another Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB), an ACE inhibitor, or Aliskiren, especially if you have diabetes or kidney impairment.

Side Effects of Co-Diovan

• Common Side Effects (Mild and Expected): Dizziness, fatigue, headache, upper respiratory tract infection, and symptoms related to electrolyte imbalance (e.g., low potassium).
• Serious but Rare Side Effects (Requires Immediate Medical Attention):
  • Angioedema: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
  • Acute Eye Problems: Sudden decrease in vision or eye pain (possible signs of acute angle-closure glaucoma or choroidal effusion).
  • Electrolyte Imbalance: Signs of severe low potassium (muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat).
  • Severe Respiratory Issues: Severe shortness of breath, fever, weakness (possible signs of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, ARDS).
• What to do if side effects occur: Stop taking Co-Diovan immediately and seek emergency medical attention for angioedema, severe respiratory issues, or sudden changes in vision.

Precautions and Warnings of Co-Diovan

• Before Starting Co-Diovan: Your doctor should check your potassium, sodium, and kidney function, especially if you have heart failure, a narrowing of the kidney artery (renal artery stenosis), or are taking high doses of other diuretics.
• During Use: Avoid using NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) as they can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of worsening kidney function. Avoid salt substitutes, as they are typically high in potassium.
• Skin Cancer Risk: Long-term use of Hydrochlorothiazide may increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Protect your skin from sun exposure and UV rays during treatment.

Pack Size: Co-Diovan 160mg/12.5mg film-coated tablets are dark red, ovaloid tablets typically supplied in blister packs of 28 tablets.