Exforge HCT contains a combination of amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes (widens) blood vessels and improves blood flow.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill) that helps prevent your body from absorbing too much salt, which can cause fluid retention.
Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Exforge HCT is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
ThExforge HCT is usually given after other blood pressure medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.
Exforge HCT may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not take Exforge HCT if you are allergic to sulfa drugs, or if you are unable to urinate.
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, do not use Exforge HCT together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Exforge HCT if you are allergic to amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, or valsartan, or:
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if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to another blood pressure medication;
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if you are allergic to any sulfa drug; or
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if you are unable to urinate.
If you have diabetes, do not use Exforge HCT together with any medication that contains aliskiren (Amturnide, Tekturna, Tekamlo, Valturna).
You may also need to avoid taking Exforge HCT with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
To make sure Exforge HCT is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
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liver disease;
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congestive heart failure;
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an electrolyte imbalance (such as high levels of calcium, or low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood);
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low blood pressure;
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glaucoma;
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lupus;
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a history of gallstones;
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gout;
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diabetes; or
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a penicillin allergy.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Exforge HCT can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, and valsartan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using Exforge HCT.
Exforge HCT side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Exforge HCT: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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swelling in your hands or feet;
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joint pain or swelling with fever, headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath;
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skin sores, butterfly-shaped skin rash on your cheeks and nose (worsens in sunlight);
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numbness, cold feeling, or pale appearance of your fingers or toes;
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blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
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low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling); or
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high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling).
Common Exforge HCT side effects may include:
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mild dizziness;
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headache, tired feeling;
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nausea, upset stomach;
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back pain, muscle spasms; or
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swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Exforge HCT?
Many drugs can interact with this medicine. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using during treatment with Exforge HCT, especially:
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any other blood pressure medicines;
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cyclosporine;
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a diuretic or "water pill";
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lithium;
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ritonavir;
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vitamin or mineral supplements that contain potassium;
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an antibiotic - clarithromycin, telithromycin;
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antifungal medicine - itraconazole, ketoconazole;
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a barbiturate - butabarbital, phenobarbital, secobarbital;
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cancer medicine - cyclophosphamide, methotrexate;
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cholesterol-lowering medicines - simvastatin, Zocor, and others;
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heart medication - digoxin (digitalis), and others;
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narcotic pain medicine - OxyContin, Vicodin, and others;
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NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and others; or
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tuberculosis medication - rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine.
This list is not complete and other drugs can interact with Exforge HCT. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Give a list of all medicines you are taking to any healthcare provider who treats you.
