Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide
About Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide
Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in patients who require combination therapy. It is not intended 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. Hypertension is a chronic condition in which blood exerts increased pressure on the walls of the arteries (blood vessels).
Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two drugs: Aliskiren (a direct renin inhibitor) and Hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic/water pill). Aliskiren works by inhibiting the action of renin, an enzyme that helps the body produce angiotensin I, which is then converted to angiotensin II (a hormone that tightens and narrows blood vessels, increasing blood pressure). By reducing the production of angiotensin I and II, Aliskiren helps relax and widen 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 overall fluid volume in the blood vessels, which in turn lowers blood pressure. Together, these drugs work effectively to reduce high blood pressure.
Take Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide as prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on how often to take Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience common side effects such as 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 of Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide gradually resolve over time and do not require medical attention. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Before taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide, inform your doctor if you are allergic to Aliskiren or any other ingredients in Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide, or if you have ever 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 in the second and third trimesters, as it may cause fatal harm to the developing baby. Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Uses of Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide
Medicinal Benefits
Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide belongs to a class of medications called 'anti-hypertensives,' primarily used to treat mild to moderate high blood pressure (hypertension) in patients who require combination therapy. It contains two medications: Aliskiren and Hydrochlorothiazide. 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 lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, making blood flow easier. Hydrochlorothiazide lowers blood volume by promoting salt and water excretion through urine, which further helps lower blood pressure. Together, these drugs work effectively to reduce high blood pressure, thereby lowering the risk of heart failure, stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure.
Directions for Use
Take Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water daily at the same time for effective results. Do not crush, chew, or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- High potassium levels (hyperkalaemia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Dehydration
- Dry cough
- Joint pain
- Flu-like symptoms
Drug Warnings
Before taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide, inform your doctor if you are allergic to Aliskiren or any other ingredients in Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide or if you have ever 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 in 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. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide. Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide is not recommended for children under 18 years of age, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established. Do not take Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide if you have severe and persistent diarrhoea, anuria (no urine output), galactose intolerance, low sodium (hyponatremia), low calcium (hypocalcaemia), low potassium (hypokalaemia), or high serum uric acid levels (hyperuricemia). Avoid potassium supplements while taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide, as it may lead to high potassium levels in the blood. If you have asthma, diabetes, low blood pressure (hypotension), difficulty urinating, gout (buildup of urate crystals in joints), blood disorders, systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease), cerebrovascular disease (a condition affecting blood flow to the brain), a history of angioedema (swelling under the skin), or kidney, liver, or heart problems, inform your doctor before taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide may interact with certain medications, such as drugs used to lower cholesterol (atorvastatin), diuretics (furosemide, torasemide), antifungals (ketoconazole), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen), high blood pressure medications (lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril, verapamil, telmisartan, valsartan, irbesartan), potassium supplements, potassium-containing medicines, or salt substitutes containing potassium. Inform your doctor if you use any of these medications before taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide with apple, orange, or grapefruit juice, high-cholesterol foods, and drinks containing plant extracts (including herbal teas), as they may decrease the effectiveness of Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Avoid taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide if you have experienced hereditary or idiopathic (without a known cause) angioedema (swelling of the lips, face, throat, tongue, arms, and legs, which may cause difficulty breathing). Inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure (hypotension), asthma, diabetes, electrolyte imbalances, difficulty urinating, gout (buildup of urate crystals in joints), blood disorders, systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease), cerebrovascular disease (a condition affecting blood flow to the brain), or kidney, liver, or heart problems before taking Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide.
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
- Maintain a low-salt diet and minimize the consumption of processed foods, as they contain more sodium. Try replacing salt with herbs or spices to add flavour to your food.
- Do regular exercise, such as walking, jogging, cycling, dancing, or swimming, for at least 30 minutes per day.
- Chronic stress may also contribute to high blood pressure. Therefore, avoid stress triggers and make time for yourself to relax and engage in activities that you enjoy.
- Try to follow the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which includes foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy.
- Increase your potassium intake from natural sources, which may help lower blood pressure.
- Try to include omega-3 fatty acid-containing foods in your daily diet. You can also use low-fat cooking oils, such as soybean oil, olive oil, canola oil, and coconut oil, which may help lower high blood pressure.
- Quit smoking and avoid alcohol consumption.
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.
You are not recommended to take potassium supplements with Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide, as this may increase potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalaemia). However, please consult a doctor before taking other medicines or supplements with Aliskiren+hydrochlorothiazide.
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.
