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Drug interactions

Carbenoxolone + Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan

Severity: Major

Carbenoxolone and Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan: major interaction.

Last updated

For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.

Summary

Carbenoxolone has mineralocorticoid-like activity that causes sodium retention and potassium loss. With hydrochlorothiazide this can produce marked hypokalemia, fluid retention and raised blood pressure, and it opposes the antihypertensive effect of valsartan.

What this interaction means in plain words

Carbenoxolone and Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Inhibition of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase causes mineralocorticoid excess, adding to thiazide-induced potassium loss.

What to do

Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, monitor serum potassium, blood pressure and fluid status closely and replace potassium as required.

What to ask your pharmacist

  • Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
  • Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
  • What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I take Carbenoxolone with Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbenoxolone and Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Carbenoxolone has mineralocorticoid-like activity that causes sodium retention and potassium loss. With hydrochlorothiazide this can produce marked hypokalemia, fluid retention and raised blood pressure, and it opposes the antihypertensive effect of valsartan.

How serious is the interaction between Carbenoxolone and Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan?

MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination where possible; if needed, monitor serum potassium, blood pressure and fluid status closely and replace potassium as required.

What other medicines interact with Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan?

MediHelp also lists interactions of Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan with, for example, Aliskiren, Dofetilide, Sparsentan. The full list is on the Hydrochlorothiazide-valsartan page.

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