Aliskiren/hydrochlorothiazide (By mouth)

Introduction:

Aliskiren (a-lis-KYE-ren), Hydrochlorothiazide (hye-droe-klor-oh-THYE-a-zide)

Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of a renin inhibitor and a diuretic ("water pill").

Brand Name(s):

Tekturna HCT

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to aliskiren, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfa drugs. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or if you are unable to urinate.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • This medicine should not be the first medicine you use to treat your condition. It is meant to be used only after you have tried other medicines that have not worked or have caused unwanted side effects.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.
  • Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using atorvastatin (Lipitor®), cholestyramine (Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®), cyclosporine (Neoral®), furosemide (Lasix®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®), norepinephrine (Levophed®), or tubocurarine. Tell your doctor if you are also using other medicine to lower blood pressure (such as atenolol, hydrochlorothiazide [HCTZ], irbesartan, lisinopril, metoprolol, quinapril, Accupril®, Avapro®, Cozaar®, Diovan®, Lotrel®, Norvasc®, Toprol®, Zestril®), a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), diabetes medicine (such as glyburide, insulin, metformin, Actos®, Glucotrol®), steroid medicine (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, Medrol®), pain or arthritis medicine (such as ibuprofen, Aleve®, Celebrex®), or medicines or supplements containing potassium.
  • Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, asthma, or lupus.
  • Tell your doctor about any allergic reaction you have ever had to any drug, especially if the reaction caused you to have swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. Dizziness may be worse if you lose too much water from your body. You can lose water by sweating, having diarrhea, or vomiting. Tell your doctor if this medicine makes you feel lightheaded or dizzy after you have been vomiting or had diarrhea.
  • If you stop using this medicine, your blood pressure may go up. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. Even if you feel well, do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Diarrhea.
  • Joint pain.
  • Weakness.
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