Exforge HCT 5/160/25mg tablet

Introduction

Expert Advice

• This medicine should be taken by mouth. And it can be taken with or without food as directed by the doctor.
• Take it at least 4 hours before bedtime so that you don’t have to wake up for urination.
• It should be taken for up to 2 weeks before you get full benefit of it. Most patients with high blood pressure, don’t feel sick.
• If you are taking medications like bile-acid bindings resins such as cholestyramine & colestipol, then you must take this medicine at least 4 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after taking above medicines.
• Consult doctor immediately if blood pressure readings remain high or increased.

Primary Uses

Indications

This medicine is indicated in high blood pressure. Decreasing blood pressure will help prevent strokes, heart attacks & kidney problems. This combination contains Amlodipine (calcium channel blocker), Valsartan (angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)) & Hydrochlorothiazide (water pill or a diuretic).

Side Effects

Its side effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache. It may cause dehydration and symptoms of mineral loss like extreme thirst, very dry mouth, muscle cramps/weakness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, confusion may appear. Serious side effects like fainting, severe tiredness, big toe/joint pain, swelling in hands/ankles/feet, signs of infection & kidney problems (change in amount of urine), decrease in vision or eye pain.

Contraindications

Its contraindications include sympathectomy (one sympathetic ganglion is removed), diabetes, increased activity of parathyroid gland, high cholesterol, gout (excess uric acid), low magnesium amount in blood, high calcium in blood, low sodium in blood, dehydration, low potassium in blood, liver failure, acute inflammation of pancreas, systemic lupus erythematosus (autoimmune disease), autoimmune disease, yellowing of skin in newborn child, high amount of uric acid, abnormally high levels of nitrogen-containing compounds, secondary angle-closure glaucoma (caused by underlying identifiable pathologic etiology), eye disorder, decreased blood volume, basal cell carcinoma of skin, renal artery stenosis (narrowing of arteries that carry blood to one or both of the kidneys), liver problems.

FAQS

Is Valsartan dose of 160 mg too much?

Its recommended starting dose is 80 mg once a day. But in patients whose BP is not adequately controlled, dose can be increased to 160 mg and maximum to 320 mg.

Which are bad blood pressure medicines?

High blood pressure medications that must be upgraded are atenolol, furosemide (Lasix), nifedipine, terazosin, hydralazine, and clonidine.

Which are the safest BP medicines?

Safest BP medications include methyldopa, some potential diuretics & beta blockers including labetalol.

Best drinks for high BP are which ones?

7 best drinks for high blood pressure can be: tomato juice, beet juice, prune juice, pomegranate juice, berry juice, skim milk & tea.

Can you eat bananas while administering valsartan?

Eating foods rich in potassium like bananas, oranges & green leafy vegetables may prove problematic if you are taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs.