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-System (RAS) with ARBs, ACEIs, or aliskiren

Caution is required while co-administering ARBs, including valsartan, with other agents blocking the RAAS such as ACEIs or aliskiren (see section 4.4).

Concomitant use of angiotensin receptor antagonists (ARBs) – including valsartan – or of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2) is contraindicated (see section 4.3).

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 (eg. 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.

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