Generic
Valsartan
22 brands available in the market
At a glance
Valsartan is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease. Lowering blood pressure helps to prevent future heart attack and stroke. This medicine is also effective in preserving kidney function in patients with diabetes.
Description
Valsartan is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It is orally active and specific angiotensin II antagonist acting on the AT1 subtype. By blocking the action of angiotensin, Valsartan dilates blood vessels and reduces blood pressure without affecting pulse rate.
Indications
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Heart failure
- Prevention of heart attack and stroke
Therapeutic class
Angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB)
Pharmacological class
Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker
Pharmacology
Valsartan is an angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist. It produces its BP lowering effects by inhibiting angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction, aldosterone release and renal reabsorption of Na.
Mechanism of action
Blocks AT1 receptors, dilating blood vessels and reducing blood pressure.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Hypertension: Initial 80 mg once daily; may increase to 160 mg once daily; max 320 mg once daily
- Heart failure: Initial 40 mg twice daily; may increase to 160 mg twice daily
- Post myocardial infarction: Start 20 mg twice daily; double at intervals up to 160 mg twice daily if tolerated
- Hepatic impairment: Mild to moderate: max 80 mg once daily; Severe: contraindicated
Child Dose (>6 years): Initial 80 mg once daily; max 320 mg once daily
Administration
- May be taken with or without food
- Swallow whole; do not chew, crush or break
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with your normal schedule; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Stomach pain
- Decreased blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
- Rash
- Increased creatinine level in blood
Precautions & warnings
- Does not usually affect ability to drive
- May cause dizziness for the first few days; rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down
- Regular tests may be done to monitor urea, creatinine, and potassium levels
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen without consulting your doctor
- Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding
- Do not stop suddenly without talking to your doctor
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Severe hepatic impairment, cirrhosis or biliary obstruction
- Primary hyperaldosteronism
- Pregnancy (2nd and 3rd trimesters)
- Lactation
Drug interactions
- NSAIDs: may antagonise hypotensive effects and increase risk of renal impairment
- K-sparing diuretics, K supplements or K-containing salt substitutes: increased risk of hyperkalaemia
- Aliskiren (in diabetes and renal impairment): increased risk of hypotension, hyperkalemia and changes in renal function (potentially fatal)
Food interactions
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Valsartan.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Unsafe; definite evidence of risk to the developing baby; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited human data suggests no significant risk; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and effectiveness not established in pediatric patients
Geriatric use
No dosage adjustment needed; greater sensitivity of some elderly persons cannot be ruled out
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: CrCl >30 mL/min: no dose adjustment; CrCl <30 mL/min: use with caution
Hepatic Impairment: Mild to moderate: max 80 mg once daily; severe: contraindicated
Overdose effects
Symptoms: Hypotension and tachycardia; bradycardia could occur from parasympathetic (vagal) stimulation.
Treatment: Place patient in supine position; if necessary, give intravenous infusion of normal saline.
Storage conditions
Store between 15-30°C. Protect from moisture and heat.