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Amlodipine-Valsartan-HCTZ

Pronounced

"am-LOE-di-peen/val-SAR-tan/HYE-droe-KLOR-oh-THYE-a-zide"

Uses

This product is used to treat high blood pressure. Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.

This product contains 3 medications: amlodipine, valsartan, and hydrochlorothiazide. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, and valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). They both work by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. Hydrochlorothiazide is called a "water pill" (diuretic) and causes your body to get rid of extra salt and water by making more urine.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you take this drug too close to bedtime, you may need to wake up to urinate. It is best to take this medication at least 4 hours before your bedtime.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It may take up to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of this product. Keep taking this product even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.

If you also take certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine, colestipol), take amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood pressure readings remain high or increase).