Diostar Plus 160/12.5 mg 30 Tablets
Diostar Plus 160/12.5 mg is a combination medication for treating high blood pressure, containing valsartan (160 mg) and hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg). Valsartan relaxes blood vessels, while hydrochlorothiazide reduces fluid retention, effectively lowering blood pressure and protecting the heart and kidneys. It comes in a pack of 30 tablets.
Active Ingredients and Mechanism of Action
- Valsartan (160 mg): An angiotensin II receptor blocker that relaxes blood vessels, improves blood flow, and reduces heart strain.
- Hydrochlorothiazide (12.5 mg): A thiazide diuretic that removes excess sodium and water, reducing fluid retention and blood pressure.
Other Ingredients
Microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, magnesium stearate, lactose.
Key Features
- Blood Pressure Control: Effectively manages hypertension.
- Fluid Retention Reduction: Reduces swelling and improves heart function.
- Kidney Protection: Slows kidney damage in diabetic patients.
- Convenient Dosing: One tablet daily.
Indications
- Treatment of hypertension to reduce cardiovascular and stroke risks.
- Reducing fluid retention caused by high blood pressure or heart conditions.
- Protecting kidneys in diabetic patients with kidney damage.
- Preventing cardiovascular complications like heart attacks.
Product Benefits
- Effective Blood Pressure Control: Lowers blood pressure within weeks.
- Swelling Reduction: Eliminates excess fluid to reduce edema.
- Heart and Kidney Protection: Reduces heart strain and slows kidney damage.
- Easy to Use: Single daily dose with or without food.
How to Use
- Take one tablet (160/12.5 mg) once daily, with or without food.
- Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush or chew.
- Preferably take in the morning to avoid frequent nighttime urination.
- Take at the same time daily for best results.
- Consult your doctor to determine the appropriate dose or adjustments.
- Do not stop the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor.
Care Tips:
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Store in a dry place below 30°C, away from moisture and sunlight.
- Monitor blood pressure, potassium, and sodium levels regularly.
- Drink adequate water to avoid dehydration.
Notes:
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it’s near the next dose.
- Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
- Contact your doctor if you experience severe dizziness or unusual symptoms.
Warnings and Precautions
- Do not use if allergic to valsartan or hydrochlorothiazide.
- Contraindicated during pregnancy or planning pregnancy due to fetal harm risks.
- Use cautiously in severe kidney or liver disease.
- Monitor potassium and sodium levels, especially with potassium supplements or diuretics.
- Consult your doctor if taking medications like lithium, NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), or diabetes drugs (e.g., metformin).
- Avoid dehydration or excessive heat exposure due to diuretic effects.
- May cause photosensitivity; use sunscreen when exposed to sunlight.
Possible Side Effects
- Common: Dizziness, headache, fatigue, dry mouth, increased thirst, low potassium, muscle cramps, mild gastrointestinal issues.
- Rare: High uric acid, photosensitivity, allergic reactions (rash, swelling), kidney impairment.
- Stop use and consult your doctor if severe symptoms like breathing difficulty or facial swelling occur.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Precautions
- Pregnancy: Contraindicated due to potential fetal harm.
- Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor, as it may pass into breast milk.
Non-Pharmacological Treatments to Support Heart Health
- Diet: Follow a low-sodium, low-saturated-fat diet.
- Hydration: Drink enough water to prevent dehydration from diuretic effects.
- Exercise: Engage in light exercise like walking with your doctor’s approval.
- Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce heart strain.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Reduces cardiovascular risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Diostar Plus be stopped suddenly?
No, stop gradually under medical supervision to avoid blood pressure spikes.
Does it affect diabetic patients?
It helps protect kidneys but monitor blood sugar and potassium levels.
Can it be taken with other medications?
Consult your doctor, especially with NSAIDs or diabetes medications.
How long does it take to work?
Blood pressure improvement starts within weeks.
Can it be used during pregnancy?
Contraindicated due to fetal harm risks.
Additional Information
Diostar Plus 160/12.5 mg 30 Tablets is an effective treatment for hypertension and fluid retention, with valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide protecting the heart and kidneys.