Exforge HCT is an oral tablet made up of a combination of three different miscellaneous antihypertensive drugs called amlodipine, valsartan, and hydrochlorothiazide. You can purchase the brand name Exforge HCT in 10mg/160mg/12.5mg, 10mg/160mg/25mg, 10mg/320mg/25mg, 5mg/160mg/12.5mg, and 5mg/160mg/25mg!

This medication is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), commonly used when other hypertension medications have not been effective. High blood pressure can lead to conditions such as kidney problems, strokes and heart attacks if left untreated.

Amlodipine (calcium blockers) works by relaxing the muscles found in your heart and blood vessels, the valsartan (angiotensin II inhibitors) can then proceed to widen them (the relaxed muscles) and create easier blood flow thus reducing blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide (water pill / diuretic) prevents you body from absorbing too much salt (by causing frequent urination) to help prevent fluid retention which lessens the chance of heart failure and other medical conditions from arising.

Exforge HCT is taken by mouth with or without food as direction by your doctor. This is most commonly done once a day. Take this medication at least 4 hours before bedtime to avoid having to urinate throughout the night.

Dosage will be based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

This medication must be taken regularly to get the most benefit from it. Use this medication in combination with a healthy lifestyle to help increase its effectiveness.

Store in room temperature away from moisture, heat and light. Keep away from children and pets.

This medication is not recommended for those who are allergic to amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, or valsartan, or any sulfa drug. This medication is likely to cause frequent urination and should not be taken by anyone who cannot urinate (urinary retention). The active ingredients found in this medication (amlodipine, valsartan, and hydrochlorothiazide) should not be used in combination with medications that contain aliskiren (hypertension medications). If you suffer from kidney disease, using Exforge HCT could cause acute renal failure; consider asking your doctor about alternative medications.

You may need to take Exforge HCT with special precautions or with a dose adjustment if you have heart problems, an electrolyte imbalance, high blood levels of calcium, liver disease, glaucoma, gout, lupus, gallstones, or a penicillin allergy. It is extremely important to mention these conditions to your doctor before proceeding to use Exforge HCT.

This medication should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding woman. This medication can cause harm to your baby.

Common side effects of Exforge HCT may include:

dizziness; headache, tiredness; nausea, upset stomach; stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat; back pain, muscle spasms; or swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Exforge HCT may include:

a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; an unusual skin rash; or blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Signs to watch for:

high or low potassium levels - leg cramps, nausea, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling.

kidney problems - little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

low magnesium level - dizziness, feeling jittery, muscle cramps, muscle spasms, cough or choking feeling.

low sodium level - headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.

What is Exforge HCT used for?

Exforge HCT is made up of amlodipine and valsartan which are considered angiotensin II inhibitor and calcium channel blocker drugs; antihypertensive drugs. Antihypertensive drugs are prescribed to patients with hypertension. Using Exforge HCT will help lower high blood pressure levels which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Amlodipine and valsartan are able to keep the blood vessels from narrowing and helps relax the muscles which ultimately lowers blood pressure.