Valtec AMH 5/160/12.5mg Tablets

Amlodipine, valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide is a three-in-one tablet for high blood pressure. It is used in adults whose blood pressure is already controlled on these three medicines, so they can take one tablet instead of several.

• Amlodipine (a calcium-channel blocker) stops blood vessels from tightening.
• Valsartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker) blocks a natural hormone that narrows blood vessels.
• Hydrochlorothiazide (a thiazide diuretic) helps the body get rid of extra salt and water.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day, ideally in the morning.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, with or without food.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• Keep taking it even if you feel well, and do not stop unless your doctor tells you to.

Common side effects include:

• dizziness, especially when standing up, and headache
• swollen ankles, flushing or a pounding heartbeat
• peeing more often, tiredness and sleepiness
• tummy pain or indigestion
• changes in blood salts such as potassium or sodium

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• feeling faint, light-headed or passing out
• much less pee than usual
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing
• a severe rash with blistering or peeling skin
• sudden eye pain or loss of vision
• severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe tummy and back pain

Do not take it if you are more than 3 months pregnant, are allergic to sulfonamide medicines, have severe liver or kidney disease, cannot pee, have gout, or have very low blood pressure.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have heart failure, heart valve narrowing, or kidney or liver problems
• have low potassium, sodium or magnesium, or high calcium
• have diabetes, lupus, or have had skin cancer
• take lithium, potassium supplements or salt substitutes, ACE inhibitors, aliskiren, NSAIDs, simvastatin, ciclosporin or digoxin

Do not store above 30°C. Keep in the original pack to protect from moisture, out of the sight and reach of children.

Pregnancy: it can seriously harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor straight away if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is not recommended while breastfeeding.

Skin: hydrochlorothiazide may raise the risk of some skin and lip cancers with long-term use. Protect your skin from the sun.

Alcohol: talk to your doctor before drinking, as alcohol may lower blood pressure further.

Driving: do not drive if you feel dizzy, drowsy or sick.