Valsartan hydrochlorothiazide

Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) combines an angiotensin II ATI recepto r blocker with a thiazide diuretic to produce additive blood pressure reduc tions without major effects on heart rate. HCTZ did not significantly alter valsartan pharmacokinetics; during combina tion therapy, HCTZ pharmacokinetics differed from those seen with HCTZ mono therapy. In clinical trials in patients with essential hypertension. adding HCTZ 12. 5 or 25 mg/day to valsartan 80 mg/day resulted in a greater blood pressure reduction than increasing the valsartan dosage from 80 to 160 mg/day. The valsartan/HCTZ combination was generally more effective than either dru g given alone. Efficacy of the combination was maintained during up to 3 ye ars of treatment. Valsartan/HCTZ was well tolerated in both short and long term trials. The m ost common adverse events were dizziness, headache and fatigue. The overall incidence of adverse events with the combination was similar to that with placebo, HCTZ-induced hypokalaemia was less common during combination thera py.