Co-Valtec 160mg/12.5mg tablet 2x14's

Introduction

Expert Advice

• Take the medicine at the same time each day, with or without meals.
• Contact prescriber if there is chest pain, palpitations, swelling of face/ankle/tongue, unrelieved headache, weakness, difficulty in breathing, or unusual cough.
• Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes.
• Change body position slowly.

Primary Uses

Indications

This medicine is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), heart failure, myocardial infarction (Heart attack) with left ventricular failure or left ventricular diastolic failure.

Side Effects

Patients using this medicine may rarely experience syncope (fainting), thrombocytopenia (low levels of platelets), renal (kidney) dysfunction, angioedema (swelling under skin or mucous membrane), dizziness (lightheadedness), and hypotension.

Contraindications

This medicine is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic (liver) impairment, cirrhosis (irreversible scarring of liver), biliary (bile duct) obstruction, cholestasis (decrease in bile flow), and primary hyperaldosteronism (excessive aldosterone production).

FAQS

How does this medication work?

This medication works by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow easily.

Should I take this medication same time everyday?

Try to take this medication same time everyday?

Is this medication hard on the kidneys?

If this medication continues for a long time, it may damage the blood vessels of heart and kidneys.

Can I eat bananas while taking this medicine?

Avoid potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, and green leafy vegetables as this medicine already raises potassium concentrations in the body.

Will this medicine make me sleepy?

Yes, this medicine might make you sleepy. Using alcohol along with this medicine will worsen the symptom. Avoid driving.

Can children take this medicine?

This medicine should not be given to a child younger than 6 years.

What are the most common side effects of this medicine?

The more common side effects that can occur with hydrochlorothiazide include blood pressure that is lower than normal (especially when standing up after sitting or lying down), dizziness (feeling like sleeping), headache, and weakness.

What is the best time of day to take this medicine?

If you are to take a single dose a day, take it in the morning after breakfast. If you are to take more than one dose a day, take the last dose no later than 6 p.m., unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Does hydrochlorothiazide make you urinate a lot?

Hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a class of medicine known as diuretics/water pills. It works by causing you to make more urine. This helps your body get rid of extra salt and water. This medicine also reduces extra fluid in the body (edema) caused by conditions such as heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Can I drink any alcohol at all while taking this medicine?

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

How long does it take for this medicine to start working?

Pharmacological effects begin in about 2 hours after an oral dose, peaks in 4 hours, and lasts for about 6 to 12 hours.