Co-Diovan Drug Interactions

Interactions related to both valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide: Concomitant use not recommended: Lithium: Reversible increases in serum lithium concentrations and toxicity have been reported during concomitant administration of lithium with ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists or thiazides, including hydrochlorothiazide. Since renal clearance of lithium is reduced by thiazides, the risk of lithium toxicity may presumably be increased further with Co-Diovan. If the combination proves necessary, a careful monitoring of serum lithium levels is recommended.
Concomitant use requiring caution: Other antihypertensive agents: Co-Diovan may increase the effects of other agents with antihypertensive properties (e.g. guanethidine, methyldopa, vasodilators, ACEI, ARBs, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and DRIs).
Pressor amines (e.g. noradrenaline, adrenaline): Possible decreased response to pressor amines. The clinical significance of this effect is uncertain and not sufficient to preclude their use.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), including selective COX-2 inhibitors, acetylsalicylic acid (> 3 g/day), and non-selective NSAIDs: NSAIDS can attenuate the antihypertensive effect of both angiotensin II antagonists and hydrochlorothiazide when administered simultaneously. Furthermore, concomitant use of Co-Diovan and NSAIDs may lead to worsening of renal function and an increase in serum potassium. Therefore, monitoring of renal function at the beginning of the treatment is recommended, as well as adequate hydration of the patient.
Interactions related to valsartan: Dual blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) with ARBs, ACEIs, or aliskiren: Clinical trial data has shown that dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) through the combined use of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or aliskiren is associated with a higher frequency of adverse events such as hypotension, hyperkalaemia and decreased renal function (including acute renal failure) compared to the use of a single RAAS-acting agent (see Contraindications, Precautions and Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions).
Concomitant use not recommended: Potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium and other substances that may increase potassium levels: If a medicinal product that affects potassium levels is considered necessary in combination with valsartan, monitoring of potassium plasma levels is advised.
Transporters: In vitro data indicates that valsartan is a substrate of the hepatic uptake transporter OATP1B1/OATP1B3 and the hepatic efflux transporter MRP2. The clinical relevance of this finding is unknown. Co-administration of inhibitors of the uptake transporter (e.g. rifampin, ciclosporin) or efflux transporter (eg. ritonavir) may increase the systemic exposure to valsartan. Exercise appropriate care when initiating or ending concomitant treatment with such drugs.
No interaction: In drug interaction studies with valsartan, no interactions of clinical significance have been found with valsartan or any of the following substances: cimetidine, warfarin, furosemide, digoxin, atenolol, indomethacin, hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine, glibenclamide. Digoxin and indomethacin could interact with the hydrochlorothiazide component of Co-Diovan (see interactions related to hydrochlorothiazide).
Interactions related to hydrochlorothiazide: Concomitant use requiring caution: Medicinal products affecting serum potassium level: The hypokalaemic effect of hydrochlorothiazide may be increased by concomitant administration of kaliuretic diuretics, corticosteroids, laxatives, ACTH, amphotericin, carbenoxolone, penicillin G, salicylic acid and derivatives.
If these medicinal products are to be prescribed with the hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan combination, monitoring of potassium plasma levels is advised (see Precautions).
Medicinal products that could induce torsades de pointes: Due to the risk of hypokalaemia, hydrochlorothiazide should be administered with caution when associated with medicinal products that could induce torsades de pointes, in particular Class Ia and Class III antiarrhythmics and some antipsychotics.
Medicinal products affecting serum sodium level: The hyponatraemic effect of diuretics may be intensified by concomitant administration of drugs such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiepileptics, etc.
Caution is advised in long-term administration of these drugs.
Digitalis glycosides: Thiazide-induced hypokalaemia or hypomagnesaemia may occur as undesirable effects favouring the onset of digitalis-induced cardiac arrhythmias (see Precautions).
Calcium salts and vitamin D: Administration of thiazide diuretics, including hydrochlorothiazide, with vitamin D or with calcium salts may potentiate the rise in serum calcium. Concomitant use of thiazide type diuretics with calcium salts may cause hypercalcaemia in patients pre-disposed for hypercalcaemia (e.g. hyperparathyroidism, malignancy or vitamin-D-mediated conditions) by increasing tubular calcium reabsorption.
Antidiabetic agents (oral agents and insulin): Thiazides may alter glucose tolerance. Dose adjustment of the antidiabetic medicinal product may be necessary.
Metformin should be used with caution because of the risk of lactic acidosis induced by possible functional renal failure linked to hydrochlorothiazide.
Beta blockers and diazoxide: Concomitant use of thiazide diuretics, including hydrochlorothiazide, with beta blockers may increase the risk of hyperglycaemia. Thiazide diuretics, including hydrochlorothiazide, may enhance the hyperglycaemic effect of diazoxide.
Medicinal products used in the treatment of gout (probenecid, sulfinpyrazone and allopurinol): Dose adjustment of uricosuric medications may be necessary as hydrochlorothiazide may raise the level of serum uric acid. Increase of dosage of probenecid or sulfinpyrazone may be necessary. Co-administration of thiazide diuretics, including hydrochlorothiazide, may increase the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions to allopurinol.
Anticholinergic agents and other medicinal products affecting gastric motility: The bioavailability of thiazide-type diuretics may be increased by anticholinergic agents (e.g. atropine, biperiden), apparently due to a decrease in gastrointestinal motility and the stomach emptying rate. Conversely, it is anticipated that prokinetic drugs such as cisapride may decrease the bioavailability of thiazide-type diuretics.
Amantadine: Thiazides, including hydrochlorothiazide, may increase the risk of adverse effects caused by amantadine.
Ion exchange resins: Absorption of thiazide diuretics, including hydrochlorothiazide, is decreased by cholestyramine or colestipol. This could result in sub-therapeutic effects of thiazide diuretics. However, staggering the dosage of hydrochlorothiazide and resin such that hydrochlorothiazide is administered at least 4 h before or 4-6 h after the administration of resins would potentially minimise the interaction.
Cytotoxic agents: Thiazides, including hydrochlorothiazide, may reduce renal excretion of cytotoxic agents (e.g. cyclophosamide, methotrexate) and potentiate their myelosuppressive effects.
Non-depolarising skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g. tubocurarine): Thiazides, including hydrochlorothiazide, potentiate the action of skeletal muscle relaxants such as curare derivatives.
Ciclosporin: Concomitant treatment with ciclosporin may increase the risk of hyperuricaemia and gout-type complications.
Alcohol, barbiturates or narcotics: Concomitant administration of thiazide diuretics with substances that also have a blood pressure lowering effect (e.g. by reducing sympathetic central nervous system activity or direct vasodilatation activity) may potentiate orthostatic hypotension.
Methyldopa: There have been isolated reports of haemolytic anaemia in patients receiving concomitant treatment with methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide.
Iodine contrast media: In case of diuretic-induced dehydration, there is an increased risk of acute renal failure, especially with high doses of the iodine product. Patients should be rehydrated before the administration.