Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide
About Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide
Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It combines two blood pressure-lowering medicines in a single pill to help lower blood pressure more effectively than either medicine alone. By keeping your blood pressure under control, it helps prevent serious cardiovascular complications.
To get the best results, you must take Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide consistently every single day, preferably at the same time each day. You can take this tablet with or without food, but you should choose one way and stick to it with every dose because food can affect how your body absorbs it. Combining this treatment with a low-salt diet and regular light exercise will significantly improve your blood pressure readings.
While taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide, you might experience mild side effects like dizziness, diarrhoea, or a mild cough. Most of these symptoms are temporary, but you must contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or severe skin rashes.
Do not take this if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have severe kidney problems. It is also important to tell your doctor if you have diabetes, gout, or liver damage before starting this medication, as it may not be suitable for you.
This medication can interact with other blood pressure drugs, potassium supplements, and alcohol, which can cause your blood pressure to drop too low or affect your kidney function. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, you must consult your healthcare provider to discuss special safety precautions.
Uses of Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide
Medicinal Benefits
Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide helps manage high blood pressure by combining two medicines that work through different mechanisms to provide effective blood pressure control. With regular use as prescribed, it helps protect your heart and blood vessels while simplifying your treatment routine.
- Provides Effective Blood Pressure Control: By lowering and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels, this medicine helps reduce the strain on your heart and blood vessels throughout the day.
- Reduces the Risk of Cardiovascular Complications: Consistent blood pressure control helps lower the long-term risk of serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage.
- Simplifies Daily Treatment: By combining two blood pressure-lowering medicines into a single tablet, this medicine reduces the number of pills you need to take, making it easier to follow your prescribed treatment plan consistently.
Directions for Use
- Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide can be taken with or without food. However, avoid high-fat meals, as they may decrease the absorption of this medicine.
- Take Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide once daily at the same time each day for effective results or as advised by your doctor.
- Swallow Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, chew, or crush Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide.
Storage
Side Effects of Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly
- Mild diarrhoea or upset stomach
- A dry, mild cough
- Flu-like symptoms or a runny nose
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing
- Severe, persistent diarrhoea leading to dehydration
- Signs of electrolyte imbalance, such as extreme thirst, severe muscle weakness, or an irregular heartbeat
- Signs of severe skin reactions, like a painful, peeling rash or blistering
- A sudden decrease in vision or eye pain
Drug Warnings
- Check for dizziness: Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to minimise the risk of lightheadedness or fainting.
- Avoid during pregnancy: Stop taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide immediately and call your doctor if you find out you are pregnant, as this medicine can cause serious harm or death to an unborn baby.
- Monitor kidney function and electrolytes: Your doctor will likely order regular blood tests to check your kidney function and electrolyte levels (like potassium and sodium) while you are on this medicine.
- Be careful in the sun: This medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing your risk of sunburn. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
- Do not combine with similar blood pressure drugs: If you have diabetes or kidney problems, make sure you are not taking another direct renin inhibitor alongside Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide.
Drug Interactions
- Lithium: Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide can increase the level of lithium in your blood to dangerous levels.
- Potassium supplements or potassium-sparing water pills: Combining these with Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide can lead to dangerously high potassium levels in your blood.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Painkillers like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce the blood pressure-lowering effectiveness of Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide and increase the risk of kidney damage.
- Other blood pressure medications: Taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide with other blood pressure drugs can cause your blood pressure to drop too low.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide as it may worsen low blood pressure.
Pregnancy
unsafeAliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, as it may cause injury and death to the developing fetus. So when pregnancy is detected, Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide should be discontinued as soon as possible.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide contains Hydrochlorothiazide which passes into breast milk. You are recommended to avoid breastfeeding while taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide.
Driving
cautionAliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. So, avoid driving or operating machinery until you are fully alert after taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a pre-existing liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeAliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended for children under 18 years of age, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Reduce your salt intake: Limit high-sodium foods, processed meats, and canned items, as excess sodium directly counteracts the effects of Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide.
- Monitor your potassium: Since this medicine can affect your potassium levels, talk to your doctor before using salt substitutes or eating large amounts of high-potassium foods like bananas.
- Stay well-hydrated: Drink adequate water daily, especially in hot weather or during exercise, to prevent dehydration, but follow your doctor's advice if you are on fluid restrictions.
- Keep a blood pressure log: Measure your blood pressure at home regularly and share the results with your doctor to track your progress.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol while taking this medicine can cause your blood pressure to drop too low, increasing the risk of dizziness and fainting.
Special Advise
- Regular monitoring of electrolyte levels (such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium), blood pressure, kidney function, serum creatinine and uric acid levels, and liver enzyme levels is recommended while taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide.
- Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide may affect blood test results. Be sure to inform the person conducting the tests if you are taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide before the procedure.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): It is a chronic condition in which blood exerts increased pressure on the walls of the arteries (blood vessels). This condition can lead to hardened blood vessels, reducing blood and oxygen flow to the heart. High blood pressure (BP) can cause angina (chest pain) and a heart attack (when the blood supply to the heart is blocked). Additionally, high blood pressure can lead to kidney or heart failure and brain damage (stroke). It can be diagnosed using a sphygmomanometer or BP monitor. High BP is expressed as systolic/diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps out blood, while diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. If your BP is 120/80 mmHg, the systolic pressure is 120 mmHg and the diastolic pressure is 80 mmHg. Normal BP ranges from 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg. If the BP is 140/90 mmHg or higher, it is considered high BP. Some symptoms include headache, dizziness, nosebleeds, blurred vision, chest pain, weakness, and shortness of breath. However, there are no signs or symptoms of hypertension in most cases. They typically appear only when high blood pressure has reached a severe or life-threatening level.
FAQs
Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide is used in the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension) in patients who require combination therapy. This medication is not intended to be used as a first-line treatment but rather to replace individual tablets of Aliskiren and Hydrochlorothiazide for patients already taking these medications at the same dose.
Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two drugs: Aliskiren and Hydrochlorothiazide. Aliskirens work by relaxing and widening blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide works by blocking the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the kidneys, which leads to increased excretion of these electrolytes along with water. This reduces the blood vessels' overall fluid volume, which lowers blood pressure. Together, these drugs work effectively to reduce high blood pressure.
The common side effects of Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide include diarrhoea, dizziness, tiredness, high potassium levels (hyperkalaemia), low blood pressure (hypotension), dehydration, dry cough, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms. Most of these side effects gradually resolve over time and do not require medical attention. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide usually begins to work within two weeks after starting the treatment. However, seeing the full benefits may take up to 4 weeks. Therefore, it is important to continue taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide for the duration prescribed by your doctor to prevent recurring symptoms.
Yes, Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide may cause fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Symptoms include dry mouth, thirst, weakness, lethargy, drowsiness, restlessness, muscle pain or cramps, muscular fatigue, hypotension, nausea and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult your doctor. It is important to monitor your electrolyte levels and stay hydrated while taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide.
Joint pain is a common side effect of Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide. To manage this side effect, maintain a healthy weight and try light exercise or physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint. If the joint pain persists or worse, please consult your doctor.
Yes, Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide can cause dizziness as a side effect. If you experience dizziness, it is important to sit or lie down until the symptoms disappear. Always carry fruit juice or sugary food with you if you experience dizziness while travelling. Additionally, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery or engaging in activities that require mental alertness until you know how Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide affects you.
Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to Aliskiren or any other ingredients in Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide, or who have had a reaction called angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, and legs, which may cause difficulty breathing) to an ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor medicine. Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended for pregnant women, especially during the second and third trimesters, as it may cause fatal harm to the developing baby. It is also not recommended for breastfeeding women, as it is excreted into breast milk. Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended for children under 18 years of age, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established. Additionally, do not take Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide if you have severe and persistent diarrhoea, galactose intolerance, low sodium (hyponatremia), low calcium (hypocalcaemia), low potassium (hypokalaemia), or high serum uric acid levels (hyperuricemia), anuria (no urine output), and severe kidney disease.
You should limit or avoid alcohol while taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide. Alcohol can lower your blood pressure further, which increases your risk of experiencing severe dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Talk to your doctor.
Because Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide contains a water pill that increases urination, it is generally recommended to take it in the morning. Taking it earlier in the day helps prevent you from having to wake up during the night to use the bathroom. Talk to your doctor.
In some cases, Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide can affect how well your kidneys work, particularly if you are already dehydrated or taking certain other medications like NSAIDs. Your doctor will perform routine blood tests to monitor your kidney health while you take this medicine. Talk to your doctor.
A mild, dry cough is a recognised side effect of some blood pressure medications. If you develop a persistent cough that does not go away or interferes with your daily life, do not stop taking your medication on your own. Talk to your doctor.
Yes, this medicine can make your skin highly sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to severe sunburns or skin rashes more easily. You should wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen regularly while taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor.
