Valsartan

Generic Name : Valsartan

TradeName : Diovan

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker which works by relaxing the blood vessels and thereby lowering blood pressure.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications) : Do not take valsartan if • you are allergic to any ingredient in Valsartan • you are pregnant • the patient is a child with severe kidney problems

When it is to be taken : It is used to antagonizes the effect of angiotensin II by blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT 1 receptor in vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland, producing decreased BP.

Missed a Dose? :
Take the missed dose at the earliest and if it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the regular dose at scheduled time. Don’t take extra medication to make up the missed dose.

How it should be taken : • Take Valsartan orally with or without food. • Take Valsartan regularly to get the most benefit from it. • Always take Valsartan even if you feel well

Special Instruction :
• Valsartan can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. • Valsartan can cause a serious side effect known as angioedema. • Valsartan may not work well in blacks. • Dehydration, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea can increase the risk of hypotension. • Consult your doctor
before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it. • Inform your doctor or dentist that you take Valsartan before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Side Effects :
Call your doctor at once if you have any other serious side effects, such as: • feeling like you might pass out; • chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats; • numbness or tingly feeling; or • swelling, weight gain. Less serious side effects may include: • runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough; • back pain; • diarrhea, constipation; • dry mouth, stomach pain, loss of appetite; • mild itching, skin rash; • sleep problems (insomnia); • headache, dizziness, anxiety; • tired feeling; • weakness; or • impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm.

Other Precautions :
• Patients who take antihypertensives often feel tired or run down for a few weeks after starting treatment.. • If you have high BP, do not use nonprescription products that contain stimulants. • Avoid Valsartan in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Valsartan may cause teratogenicity or fetal death if you take it while you are pregnant.

Drug Interactions :
Drugs that interact with valsartan were cyclosporine, rifampin Lithium Potassium-sparing diuretics , potassium supplements

Storage Conditions :
Always store Valsartan at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C).