Antihypertensive (blood pressure-lowering combination — Angiotensin II receptor blocker + Thiazide diuretic)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination of two blood pressure-lowering medicines — Valsartan (which relaxes your blood vessels) and Hydrochlorothiazide (a water tablet that helps your body get rid of extra salt and water through urine). Together, they work to bring your blood pressure down more effectively than either one alone.
Blocks angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, preventing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release, while inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule through carbonic anhydrase inhibition, resulting in increased urinary sodium and water excretion and reduced blood volume.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Take one tablet once daily, with or without food. Your doctor will decide the right strength for you — common doses are 80/12.5 mg or 160/12.5 mg or 160/25 mg. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. It is best to take it at the same time every day, preferably in the morning, since the water tablet part will make you urinate more. Popular brands in Nigeria include Co-Diovan, Carvals-H, Joltan Plus, and Valsartil.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Never take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose.
Do not buy this medicine without a doctor's prescription — your doctor needs to check your kidney function and body salts regularly while you are on it. Do not stop taking it because you feel fine — high blood pressure often has no symptoms, but stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Buy only from licensed pharmacies and avoid roadside sellers, as fake blood pressure drugs are common in Nigeria.
Avoid taking this drug with potassium supplements or potassium-rich salt substitutes, as the combination can cause dangerously high potassium levels. Be careful with painkillers like ibuprofen and diclofenac (very common in Nigeria), as they can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect and harm your kidneys. Alcohol can increase dizziness and make your blood pressure drop too much, so limit or avoid it.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Valsartan; with your other drugs?
This medicine is NOT safe during pregnancy — it can seriously harm or even kill your unborn baby, especially in the second and third trimesters. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, do not take this drug and talk to your doctor immediately.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near windows. Keep the pack tightly closed to protect from humidity. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Valsartan; Hydrochlorothiazide?
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