Valsartan
Description
Valsartan is used in the treatment of high blood pressure and other heart complications. Proper diet and exercise should be followed along with the treatment to get the best possible result. Do not take this medicine if you have a known allergy to it. This medicine should not be given to children under 6 years of age.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Valsartan
- Weakness in arms, hands, legs or feet
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Chills
- Difficult or painful urination
- Fast heartbeat
- Back pain
- Chest tightness
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Acid or sour stomach
- Heart burn
Uses of Valsartan
What is it prescribed for?
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Hypertension
- Myocardial infarction
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is about 2 hours.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 24 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects on the fetus.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine based on your clinical condition.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to valsartan.
Aliskiren
Coadministration of Aliskiren and Valsartan is not recommended in the elderly population with diabetes and kidney disease, with CrCl less than 60 ml/min. These patients are at a high risk of serious adverse effects if these medicines are used together.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects on the fetus.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
Hypotension
Symptomatic hypotension may occur in patients with volume depletion or patients who are treated with high doses of diuretics. It is advised to correct the condition before starting Valsartan or to start the treatment at reduced doses.
Hyperkalemia
Valsartan may cause hyperkalemia, a condition with an increase in the potassium levels in the blood. Close monitoring of potassium levels and kidney functions is recommended. This medicine should be used with caution in patients with frequent use of potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements and in patients with impaired kidney function. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to the doctor on priority.
Impaired liver function
Valsartan is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver failure.
Pediatric population
The safety and efficacy of this medicine have not been established in children under the age of 6 years.
Missed Dose
If a dose of Valsartan is missed, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Aliskiren
Captopril
Insulin
Dexamethasone
Diclofenac
Disease interactions
Angioedema
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of angioedema due to the increased risk of worsening of the condition. Report any symptoms such as swelling of the face or lips, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing to the doctor immediately. Your doctor may prescribe an alternative medicine based on the clinical condition.
Renal impairment
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of renal disease or active renal disease due to the increased risk of serious and life-threatening side effects.
Food interactions
It is advised to avoid potassium containing foods and supplements while taking this medicine due to the increased risk of weakness, confusion, irregular heartbeat, etc. Consult the doctor immediately in case of any unusual symptoms. Your dietitian/doctor may suggest appropriate changes in your diet based on your clinical condition.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Valsartan with or without food. Do not take in larger amounts than advised. Inform the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects.
Miscelleneous
How it works
This medicine works by preventing the narrowing of blood vessels and promoting a smooth blood flow.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Angiotensin receptor blockers
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 25 July 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - VALSARTAN - valsartan tablet [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 25 July 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 25 July 2017]. Available from:
Valsartan: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 25 July 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 3 Aug 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.