Can Valsartan Hydrochlorothiazide Be Taken Safely By Someone With Hypertension?

Posted on Thu, 15 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 Answered on

Wed, 11 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My Physician recently prescribed a blood pressure medication called Valsartn HCT 160/25 for me. I read of possible eyesight side effects. Do you happen to know if this drug has a relatively safe history and what are the chances of developing eye/vision issues? Common, uncommon, rare etc. Should I cut them in half to start? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that eye problems are a very rare adverse effect of this drug.

More common adverse effects are low blood pressure, hyperkalemia, headache, nausea, dizziness and allergic reactions.

Anyway, I would recommend starting in a lower dose( half a tablet) for one week and then increase the dose to one tablet in order to avoid possible adverse effects and have a better toleration.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr.Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar