Tekturna HCT is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension adds to the workload of the heart and arteries.
If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the heart, brain, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure or kidney failure. Lowering blood pressure will reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Aliskiren is a renin inhibitor. It works by blocking an enzyme in the body that is necessary to produce a substance that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, the blood vessels relax and this decreases blood pressure. When blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen that go to the heart is increased.
Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic (water pill). It reduces the amount of water in the body by increasing the flow or urine, which helps lower the blood pressure.
This medication is only available with your doctor’s prescription. This medication is available in the following forms:
Before using Tekturna HCT, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.
For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:
Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals.
Pediatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric: Up-to-date studies have not shown any problems specific to the elderly that would limit the use of this medication in the elderly population.
Pregnancy: This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category D. This means that studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the unborn child. However, the benefits of this medication in a life-threatening situation or serious disease may outweigh the potential risk.
Breastfeeding: There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions.
When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medications listed below. The following interactions were selected on the basis of potential significance and are not all-inclusive. Using this medication with any of the following is not recommended.
Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication, or change some of the other medications you take:
Using this medication with any of the following medications may increase your risk of side effects. However, using both medications may be the best treatment for you.
If both medications are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you take one or both medications:
Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.
Using this medication with any of the following is not normally recommended, but may be unavoidable. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you take your medication or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol or tobacco.
Grapefruit Juice
Other Medical Problems: Pre-existing medical problems may affect the use of this medication.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Airway surgery - At risk for severe complications from angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, or legs).
Angioedema - May increases the risk of this condition occurring again.
Anuria (inability to pass urine)
Diabetes patients who are also taking certain blood pressure medicines such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
Sulfa drug allergy (e.g. sulfamethoxazole, Bactrim®, Septra®) - Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
Asthma - May increase likelihood of having an allergic reaction.
Diabetes
Kidney problems - May increase risk of having high potassium in the blood.
To use Tekturna HCT properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. This medication should not be the first option to treat your condition. It is meant to be used only after you have tried other medication that has not worked or have caused unwanted side effects.
This medication comes with a patient information brochure. It is very important that your read this information. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Along with this medication, treatment for your hypertension may include weight control and changes in your diet, especially eliminating foods high in sodium. Your doctor will tell you which options are most important for you. Ask your doctor before changing your diet.
Many patients with hypertension will not notice any signs of a problem and many patients feel normal. It is very important that you take your medication and that you keep your appointments with your doctor, even if you are feeling well.
This medication will not cure your hypertension, but it will help control it. You must continue to take your medication if you expect to lower your blood pressure and keep it down. You may have to take hypertension medication for the rest of your life.
If hypertension is not treated, it can cause serious problems such as heart failure, blood vessel disease, stroke or kidney disease. Take this medication at the same time every day.
Dosing: Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication.
The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.
Adults - Start with one tablet containing 150mg of aliskiren and 12.5mg of hydrochlorothiazide once a day. Your doctor may increase the dose as needed. The dose is not normally more than 300mg of aliskiren and 25mg of hydrochlorothiazide once a day.
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.
Storage: Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.
4 Precautions to Take
Before using Tekturna HCT, there are some precautions you must take. It is very important that your doctor checks in with you often while you are receiving this medication to make sure that it is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Using this medication while pregnant can harm your unborn child. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from becoming pregnant. Inform your doctor immediately if you believe you have become pregnant while using this medication.
This medication may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical attention.
Any swelling of the hands, face, lips, tongue or throat
Dizziness, light-headedness or fainting (syncope) may occur after you take this medication, especially when taking a diuretic (water pill). Getting up slowly may lessen this problem. If you feel dizzy, lie back down so you do not faint. Sit for a few moments before standing to prevent the dizziness or lightheadedness from returning.
Make sure you know how you react to this medication before driving, using machinery or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy.
Inform your doctor immediately if you become sick while taking this medication, especially if you have severe or continuous nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water or salt and may lead to hypotension (low blood pressure).
You can also lose water by sweating, so it is important to drink plenty of water during exercise or hot weather. Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) may occur while taking this medication.
Do not use supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without first asking your doctor.
Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting (syncope) may occur after your first dose, especially if you are taking a diuretic (water pill). Make sure you know how you react to this medication before driving, using machinery or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, difficulty reading, eye pain or any other change in vision during or after your treatment.
Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist. Do not use this medication if you are also taking cyclosporine, lithium or itraconazole.
Do not take any other medications without asking your doctor, including over the counter medications for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, allergies or sinus problems, as these may increase your blood pressure.
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Tekturna HCT. Although not all of these side-effects may occur, if they do occur, they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side-effects:
Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
Rapid breathing
Seizures
Sunken eyes
Swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
Trembling
Weak pulse
Weakness and heaviness of the legs
Wrinkled skin
Some side effects that may occur do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Talk to your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome, or if you have questions:
Less Common:
Difficulty moving
Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings (vertigo)
Lack or loss of strength
Muscle stiffness
Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any other side effects. Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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