What is Valsartan?
Valsartan is an oral drug that is used to treat congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of medicines known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), including irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), and candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin is a potent chemical that binds to angiotensin receptors located in many tissues, but mainly on smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. Valsartan blocks a receptor for angiotensin. Valsartan dilates blood vessels by blocking the action of angiotensin and decreases blood pressure. FDA approved Valsartan in December 1996.
Valsartan Uses:
Valsartan is used for the prevention of high blood pressure and heart failure. It is often used following a heart attack to increase the chance of living longer. It can also lower the risk of heart failure. Valsartan belongs to the drugs known as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by stimulating blood vessels so that blood can circulate more freely. Lowering high blood pressure helps to avoid strokes, kidney complications, and heart attacks.
Valsartan Side effects:
Some of the common side effects of Valsartan are:
- Headache
- Excessive tiredness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Blurry vision
- Cough
- Rash
Some of the serious side effects of Valsartan are:
- Swelling of face
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Unexplained weight gain
Valsartan can also cause some other serious side effects. Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual problems while you are taking these medications..
Precautions
Before using Valsartan talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using Valsartan talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as Liver disease, loss of too much body water and minerals.
How to take Valsartan?
Valsartan comes as a tablet and solution (liquid) which should be taken orally. For high blood pressure medication, the tablet is typically taken once a day, and the solution is usually taken with or without food twice a day. It is typically taken with or without food twice a day for the prevention of heart failure or heart attack. Take exactly as instructed. Do not take more or less of it more often than recommended by your physician. Each product of valsartan releases the drug in your body differently and should not be used interchangeably. Take the doctor's approval before taking valsartan medication and do not turn to another valsartan medication unless your doctor advises you should.
Dosage of Valsartan
id="">Forms and Strengths
Generic: Valsartan
Form: oral tablet (40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, 320 mg)
Brand: Diovan
Form: oral tablet (40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, 320 mg)
id="">Dosage for high blood pressure (hypertension)
Adult dosage (ages 17–64 years)
Starting dosage: 80-160 mg taken once in a day
Dosage for Heart failure
Adult dosage (Ages 18-64 yrs)
Starting dosage: 40 mg taken twice a day
Dosage to increase survival after heart attack
Starting dosage: 20 mg should be taken twice a day
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, avoid taking Valsartan tablets unless you have time to sleep for 7 to 8 hours afterwards. Skip the missed dose and go back to your daily dosing cycle if you miss a dose of this drug. Do not use duplicate doses. Using this medicinal product only when you are unable to sleep.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose can include extreme drowsiness, confusion, lack of balance, severe muscle weakness, fainting, or shallow breathing. If you have taken more than the prescribed Valsartan tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warning for people with certain health conditions
For people with severe heart failure or kidney disease:
This medication will increase the risk of kidney problems and decrease the amount of urine you produce. You should not take Valsartan and Aliskiren together if you have kidney disease.
For people with Diabetes:
Valsartan shouldn’t be taken if you’re taking aliskiren.
Pregnant
Only if the potential advantage justifies the potential risk should this drug be used. If you're pregnant or intend to become pregnant, speak to your doctor. And contact your doctor immediately if you get pregnant while you are taking this medication.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Valsartan vs Losartan
Valsartan |
Losartan |
|---|---|
| Valsartan is an oral drug that is used to treat congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. It belongs to a class of medicines known as angiotensin receptor blockers. | Losartan is a prescribed drug that comes in an oral tablet. This tablet is available in the brand name Cozaar. |
| Valsartan is used for the prevention of high blood pressure and heart failure. It is often used following a heart attack to increase the chance of living longer. | Losartan can be used for treating high blood pressure. Side effects of Losartan are: Vomiting, headache, chest pain, back pain and low blood pressure |
Some of the common side effects of Valsartan are:
|
Side effects of Losartan are: Vomiting, headache, chest pain, back pain and low blood pressure |
