CoDiovan

Active ingredient

Codiovan as a blood pressure lowering drug

Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan

definition

CoDiovan® is a blood pressure lowering drug.

effect

CoDiovan® is used when one of its active ingredients does not lower blood pressure sufficiently, either due to insufficient strength or excessive side effects at low doses.
Since these 2 substances are in different ways in the Regulation of blood pressure intervene, the dose in the combination can be kept lower than with individual therapy with one of the drugs.
In this way, unwanted side effects can be reduced or avoided.

About Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide, one of the 2 components of CoDiovan®, is a so-called "Diuretic“That the in the Kidneys The amount of urine produced increases and the body is partially drained.
It is the means of choice

  • at high blood pressure
  • and Heart failure (as long as the side effects allow)
  • with water retention in the body (Edema called)

It is particularly effective when this edema is caused by a damaged kidney or deteriorated heart function.

Side effect of hydrochlorothiazide

At correct dosage is hydrochlorothiazide typically very well tolerated.

Typical is after taking the increased urinationwhich is due to the way hydrochlorothiazide works.
The greatest danger when using this drug consists in one Disturbance of the salt balance.
In particular, one must Reduction of the potassium content with possible

  • Cardiac arrhythmias
  • Paralysis
  • and constipation be respected.

Hydrochlorothiazide can cause too

  • Failurel
  • lighter nausea
  • and Vomit to lead.

It rarely leads to an increase in the level of urea in the blood.

It shouldn't be for one already disturbed salt balance be taken. Also at Kidney or liver problems This drug is not recommended as it will build up in the body and cause more severe side effects.
At high doses it can

  • strong thirst
  • Dry mouth
  • and by the thickening of the blood too Thrombosis cause.

Interesting facts about valsartan

Valsartan is a drug that partially reverses the effects of a kidney transmitter, angiotensin II.
This dilates blood vessels and thus lowers the pressure in the vascular system.
Because low blood pressure makes it easier for a weak heart to pump, valsartan can also help bimpaired heart function can be used. In general, valsartan also works protective on the kidneys, which is why it is additionally at various kidney diseases can be taken.

In contrast to hydrochlorothiazide, valsartan can Increase the level of potassium in the bloodwhich can lead to symptoms similar to those of the low potassium level described above.
Besides that, it can

  • Gastrointestinal complaints
  • dizziness
  • and cause fatigue.

Valsartan is allowed during pregnancy due to the risk of harm to the child from the 3rd month of pregnancy not be taken.

General use of CoDiovan®

In addition to the benefits in the case of high blood pressure, CoDiovan® can also have a positive effect on other diseases. These are also mentioned below.

Are considered high blood pressure Blood pressures over 140/90 mmHg. High blood pressure is dangerous because, although it rarely leads to direct symptoms, if the illness lasts for a long time, the risk for Damage to the cardiovascular system greatly increased.
People with high blood pressure suffer far more often

  • Strokes
  • Heart attacks
  • Kidney failure
  • and other Vascular diseases.

dosage

CoDiovan® is swallowed once a day as a tablet.
Most of these tablets contain 80 mg, 160 mg or 320 mg valsartan and 12.5 or 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide.
Depending on the reason for taking and Strength of symptoms the required dose may vary, higher doses than 320mg / 25mg will however not recommended.

Side effects of CoDiovan®

In addition to the above-mentioned side effects of the components, CoDiovan®, like most drugs, can also have a allergic reaction triggering a wide range of changes - from itching up to large areas Swelling and Faint - can show.
If such symptoms occur, CoDiovan® discontinued become.

If the blood pressure is lowered too quickly by CoDiovan® or if it reaches a level that is too low as a result of the therapy, it can especially increase when standing up Dwindlingl and other symptoms such as fatigue and Slackness come.

Interactions

CoDiovan® can interact with numerous other drugs. For example, anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen can weaken the blood pressure lowering effect of CoDiovan®, while alcohol can increase the effect.

Since Valsartan must not be taken during the last two thirds of pregnancy, the therapy of CoDiovan® should be switched to other antihypertensive drugs in women who wish to have children. It is also not advisable to take CoDiovan® during breastfeeding, as it can get into breast milk and thus into the child's circulation.