Co-Diovan Tablet 160 mg + 12.5 mg

Co-Diovan Tablet is a potent combination antihypertensive medication containing Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide (160 mg+12.5 mg). Manufactured by Novartis (Bangladesh) Ltd, this tablet effectively treats hypertension through dual-action pharmacology. Priced at ৳66.20 per unit, it offers cost-effective blood pressure management with a strip price of ৳926.80 and pack size options of 2×14 tablets.

The valsartan component blocks angiotensin II receptors, preventing blood vessel constriction, while hydrochlorothiazide enhances sodium-water excretion. This synergy reduces blood pressure without significantly affecting heart rate. Patients switching from monotherapy should follow prescribed dosages, not exceeding 320 mg valsartan with 25 mg hydrochlorothiazide daily.

Key considerations include potential drug interactions with lithium, diuretics, and potassium supplements. Common side effects like dizziness (মাথা ঘোরা) or fatigue are usually mild. Strictly avoid during pregnancy due to fetal risk. Store at 15-30°C for optimal efficacy.

Alternative strengths include Co-Diovan 80 mg+12.5 mg and 160 mg+25 mg. Consult doctors before combining with warfarin or diabetes medications. The Novartis-manufactured tablet maintains quality standards, making it a reliable choice for long-term hypertension management in Bangladesh.

Standard dose: 1 tablet (valsartan 160 mg + hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg) once daily. Maximum dose: valsartan 320 mg + hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily. No dosage adjustment needed for elderly. Contraindicated in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min). May be taken with/without food.

The combination of Valsartan and Hydrochlorothiazide is generally well tolerated and side effects are rare. The most common side effects include headache, dizziness, fatigue, abdominal pain, cough, diarrhea and nausea. Patient may also experience hyperkalemia, impotency, reduced renal function, allergic reactions, dyspnea, constipation, back pain, muscle cramps, rash, anxiety, insomnia and vertigo. Hypotension may also occur.

Pregnancy Category D. Contraindicated in 2nd/3rd trimesters. Hydrochlorothiazide excreted in breast milk. Discontinue immediately if pregnancy detected.

Monitor renal function and electrolytes periodically. Avoid dehydration. Caution in heart failure patients. Photosensitivity reactions possible. Orthostatic hypotension risk requires slow position changes.

No pediatric data. Geriatric patients require no dose adjustment. Avoid in severe renal/hepatic impairment. Dose reduction needed for biliary cirrhosis.

Valsartan: Limited data are available related to overdosage in humans. The most likely manifestations of overdosage would be hypotension and tachycardia; bradycardia could occur from parasympathetic (vagal) stimulation. If excessive hypotension occurs, the patient should be placed in the supine position and if necessary, has to be given an intravenous infusion of normal saline. 

Hydrochlorothiazide: The most common signs and symptoms observed are those caused by electrolyte depletion (hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and dehydration) resulting from excessive diuresis. if digitalis has also been administered with it, hypokalemia, may accentuate cardiac arrhythmias. The degree to which Hydrochlorothiazide is removed by hemodialysis has not been established.