Tekturna HCT (Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide)

Do’s

• Before starting or refilling your prescription of Tekturna HCT,  read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your healthcare provider.
• Take Tekturna HCT orally, as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily. The dosage will be determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding the specific dosage.
• You may take Tekturna HCT with or without food. However, choose one way and take the medication the same way with every dose. 
• Taking the medication too close to bedtime may result in waking up to urinate. Take it at least 4 hours before bedtime.
• If you are also taking certain drugs to lower your cholesterol (bile acid-binding resins such as cholestyramine or colestipol), take Tekturna HCT at least 4 hours before or at least 4 to 6 hours after these medications.
• Take Tekturna HCT regularly to derive the maximum benefit from the medication. Take it at the same time each day to help remember. 
• Even if you feel well, continue taking the medication as prescribed. Most people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms, so consistent use is essential. 
• It may take up to 4 weeks before you notice the full benefit of the drug. Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or gets worse, indicated by consistently high or increasing blood pressure readings.

Don’ts

• Do not take Tekturna HCT with a high-fat meal, as it can reduce the absorption of the drug.
• Do not take Tekturna HCT with fruit juices such as apple, grapefruit, or orange, as they may decrease the absorption of the drug.

Common Side effects:

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Influenza

Less Common Side Effects:

• Skin rash
• Severe skin reactions, such as severe blistering of the lips, eyes, or mouth, rash with fever, and skin peeling
• Liver disorder

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. If you are taking Tekturna HCT and experience any side effects that are bothersome or persistent, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of Tekturna HCT with your healthcare provider. Aliskiren, one of the components of Tekturna HCT, may harm an unborn baby. 

It is unknown if aliskiren passes into breast milk, while hydrochlorothiazide does pass into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Tekturna HCT is not recommended as initial therapy in patients with intravascular volume depletion. Establish a routine pattern for taking Tekturna HCT with regard to meals, as high-fat meals can decrease absorption substantially.

The safety and effectiveness of Tekturna HCT in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min) have not been established. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have any kidney-related concerns.

Hypersensitivity reactions to Tekturna HCT may range from urticaria (hives) to anaphylaxis. Discontinue the medication and seek medical attention if you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Tekturna HCT is not recommended for use in children under the age of 6. For children aged 2 and under, it is contraindicated due to the risk of increased drug exposure and toxicity.

Tekturna HCT should be used with caution in adults over the age of 60 due to the potential risk of increased drug exposure and toxicity.

This is not an exhaustive list of warnings and precautions associated with Tekturna HCT. Consult with a healthcare provider and read the full prescribing information for Tekturna HCT for a comprehensive understanding of its warnings and precautions.