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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Taking Valsartan Safe With Low Sodium Levels?

I have been switched from taking Benazepril 25 mg to Valsartan/HCTZ 320mg/25 mg for my high blood pressure. I am very sensitive to medications and already have benign positional vertigo and perhaps other unknown causes. I am being tested now to see what else could be contributing. I know that Benazepril was an ace inhibitor and this is a receptor blocker. I already have low sodium and noticed that low sodium was one of the reasons NOT to take Valsartan. I just filled the script and will begin taking tomorrow, but something tells me I should not be taking this.
Wed, 26 Nov 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

Welcome to HCM and thank you for your query.
I understand your concern. Your new medicine has two components Valsartan and Hydrochlorthiazide. Hydrochlorthiazide is a diuretic which makes you pass out more water and sodium. If have a low serum Sodium , the diuretic is is likely to lower it further. I think you should contact the doctor and explain the matter to him/her. You would probably be given another medicine which does not make you lose sodium from the body.
I shall be happy to answer if you have more queries.
Take Care
Dr Noble Zachariah
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Is Taking Valsartan Safe With Low Sodium Levels?

Hello, Welcome to HCM and thank you for your query. I understand your concern. Your new medicine has two components Valsartan and Hydrochlorthiazide. Hydrochlorthiazide is a diuretic which makes you pass out more water and sodium. If have a low serum Sodium , the diuretic is is likely to lower it further. I think you should contact the doctor and explain the matter to him/her. You would probably be given another medicine which does not make you lose sodium from the body. I shall be happy to answer if you have more queries. Take Care Dr Noble Zachariah