Valsartan
Molecule Description
Valsartan belongs to a class of medicines known as Angiotensin II Receptor Anta
gonists, which help to control high blood pressure and reduces the chance of heart failure in the future.
Uses of Valsartan
Mild to moderate hypertension.
Contraindications of Valsartan
When should one not use Valsartan
- Do not take this medicine if you are:
- Pregnant
- Allergic to Valsartan
- Suffering from liver disease
- Diabetic or with an impaired kidney function
Side effects of Valsartan
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Swollen face, lips, tongue or throat
- Difficult to swallow or breathe
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Low blood pressure
- Decreased kidney function
Precautions and Warnings of Valsartan
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Valsartan during pregnancy?
A:
Valsartan is not recommended in early pregnancy as it may cause serious harm to your baby if used at that stage. It is advised to consult the doctor.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Valsartan while breastfeeding?
A:
This medicine is not advised for breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Valsartan?
A:
This medicine is not known to affect your driving ability. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness with Valsartan, avoid driving.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Valsartan?
A:
Be careful while drinking alcohol along with this medicine as it may cause a sudden drop in the blood pressure level.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You are known to have narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels of kidneys or recently had a kidney transplant
- You have liver disease
- You suffer from heart failure with or without kidney disorders
- You have high blood pressure and diabetes, related to kidney problems
- You feel swelling of the face, lips, throat, tongue, excessive vomiting or diarrhea
Mode of Action of Valsartan
How Does It Work?
Angiotensin II is a substance in the body that causes the blood vessels to tighten, thus causing an increase in your blood pressure level. Valsartan works by obstructing the effect of Angiotensin II. As a result, blood vessels relax and blood pressure level is lowered down to normal....
Interactions of Valsartan
Interactions with other medicines
- All enzyme inhibitors (ACE-inhibitors like Ramipril, Enalapril, etc.)
- Azathioprine
- Lithium
- Aspirin
- Aliskiren
- NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc.) may decrease the effectiveness of Valsartan
- Medicines which are known to increase potassium levels like Diuretics
Interactions with food items
Avoid high potassium-containing foods. A low-salt diet is preferred. High levels of potassium in your food will cause irregular heartbeat, tingling of the extremities, weakness, confusion, or a sense of heaviness in the legs....
Dosage of Valsartan
Overdose
Overdose symptoms would be low blood pressure and fast heartbeats. In a few cases, a slow heart rate could also be encountered. Dizziness, loss of consciousness, and sudden acute kidney failure may also occur. Seek emergency medical attention immediately....
Missed a Dose
Take the missed dose as early as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosage schedule. Do not take a dosage twice to compensate for a missed one....
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Nikita Toshi
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When and how to consume the Medicine?
A: It is given for oral intake and usually prescribed as per standard dose. To be strictly taken under a physician’s guidance. May or may not be taken with food but it is advised to take this medicine at a fixed time every day.
Q: What should I avoid while taking Valsartan?
A: Try to avoid getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying position or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and stabilize yourself to prevent a fall.
Q: What should be discussed with my healthcare provider before I start the medication of Valsartan?
A: Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Valsartan or any other medicine of the same group (e.g., Telmisartan, Olmesartan, Losartan, etc.). If you have diabetes, do not use Valsartan together with any medication that contains Aliskiren, especially if you have kidney disease. To make sure you can safely take Valsartan, tell your doctor if you have any history of liver, kidney disease or heart ailments and inform about all your ongoing medications.
Q: What should I know about the storage of Valsartan?
A: It would be best if you stored Valsartan in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat.
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