Uses

What is amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide used for?

Amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide is commonly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).

Amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide work (mechanism of action)?

Amlodipine and valsartan relax your blood vessels so that blood can move through them more easily.

Hydrochlorothiazide works by increasing how much you pee. This can help lower blood pressure and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

How is amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Exforge HCT

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5 mg/160 mg/12.5 mg oral tablets
  • 5 mg/160 mg/25 mg oral tablets
  • 10 mg/160 mg/12.5 mg oral tablets
  • 10 mg/160 mg/25 mg oral tablets
  • 10 mg/320 mg/25 mg oral tablets

How should I store amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide?

Amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed. Protect from light and moisture. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide?

The most common side effects of amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dizziness
  • Swelling of the legs and ankles (edema)
  • Headache
  • Upset stomach (or indigestion)
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle spasms
  • Back pain
  • Nausea
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms

There may be other side effects of amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide may cause low blood pressure in people with low levels of fluids or salt. This can happen especially in people taking a medicine that causes you to pee more often (diuretic). If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Chest Pain or Heart Attack. When you first start taking amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide or increase your dose, your chest pain (angina) may get worse or you may have a heart attack. This risk is higher if you have severe obstructive coronary artery disease, a condition where the blood vessels that deliver blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your heart get blocked. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack.

  • Severe chest pain, which may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing or aching
  • Discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw
  • Cold sweat
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Electrolyte Changes. Amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide may cause changes to the levels of certain minerals in your body, called electrolytes. For example, it may cause low potassium levels (hypokalemia), low sodium levels (hyponatremia), or low chloride levels (hypochloremia). These changes can be serious. Your healthcare provider will do bloodwork to check your electrolyte levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of electrolyte changes.

  • Weakness
  • Unusual tiredness
  • Muscle cramps or twitching
  • Constipation
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Dizziness
  • Restlessness or irritability
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Confusion or decreased alertness

Short-Sightedness and Glaucoma. Amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide may make it harder to see faraway objects (short-sightedness). It also may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. These issues may be more likely if you have a sulfa or penicillin allergy. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Trouble seeing faraway objects
  • Loss of vision
  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Severe Allergic Reactions. Amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide.

  • Exforge HCT
  • Amlodipine
  • Valsartan
  • Hydrochlorothiazide
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide products they stock.

No Urine Production. Do not take amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide if you are making very little to no pee. This condition is also called anuria.

Sulfa Allergy. Some people who have a sulfa allergy may also be allergic to amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide. A sulfa allergy is a rash or more serious reaction to sulfa, or sulfonamide, medicines. Sulfa medicines include sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine silver, or sulfasalazine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to medicines. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if it is safe for you to take amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide.

Drug Interactions. Amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide before using it?

Do not take amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide out of the reach of children.

Amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Eye problems
  • Gallstones
  • Diabetes
  • Gout
  • Persistent or severe diarrhea or vomiting, which can lead to dehydration
  • Low electrolytes, including potassium and sodium
  • Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
  • History of angioedema

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide may activate or worsen systemic lupus erythematosus. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop or have worsening rash, joint pain, fever, or unusual tiredness.

Pregnancy. Amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide right away and contact your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding. Amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide.

Interactions

Does amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide and foods or drinks. However, since amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide affects electrolytes, it is important to discuss your intake of electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, with your healthcare provider.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide. The risk of dizziness and low blood pressure may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking this medicine. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide.

  • Simvastatin, which is a medicine to lower cholesterol 
  • Aliskiren (Tekturna), which is a medicine for high blood pressure
  • A type of medicine called a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, such as sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio, and others), which is used for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others) or tacrolimus (Prograf, Astagraf, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium
  • An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
  • An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • A bile acid sequestrant, such as colestipol (Colestid), cholestyramine, or colesevelam (Welchol), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
  • A barbiturate, such as phenobarbital, butalbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • An opioid, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, or fentanyl, which is a medicine used for certain types of pain
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • A corticosteroid, such as prednisone, methylprednisolone, or dexamethasone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
  • Any medicine used for bacterial infections, such as clarithromycin
  • Any medicine used for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
  • Diltiazem (Cardizem CD and others), which is a medicine used for high blood pressure and other conditions
  • Any medicine used for HIV, AIDS, or hepatitis
  • Any kind of muscle relaxant
  • Any medicine for cancer
  • Any medicine for diabetes
  • Any medicine for high blood pressure

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Amlodipine/Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (Exforge HCT) interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide?

If you or someone else has used too much amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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