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|Valsartan

VALSARTAN (Systemic)

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Diovan

Category

• Antihypertensive

Description

Valsartan (val-SAR-tan) belongs to the class of medicines called angiotensin II inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to treat heart failure and it can lower the need for hospitalization that happens from heart failure. Valsartan can also treat left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack. Left ventricular dysfunction occurs when the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart) stiffens and enlarges and can cause the lungs to fill with blood.

High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.

Valsartan works by blocking the action of a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, valsartan relaxes blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure.

This medicine is available only with your doctor"s prescription, in the following dosage form(s):

• Oral
• Tablets (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For valsartan, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to valsartan. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Use of valsartan during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters (after the first 3 months) can cause low blood pressure, severe kidney failure, or even death in the newborn. Therefore, it is important that you check with your doctor immediately if you think that you may have become pregnant. Be sure that you have discussed this with your doctor before taking this medicine.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether valsartan passes into breast milk. However, valsartan passes into the milk of lactating rats. Because this medicine may cause serious side effects, breast-feeding is generally not recommended while you are taking it.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of valsartan in children with use in other age groups.

Older adults—This medicine has been tested in patients 65 years of age or older and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults. However, blood levels of valsartan and the time it takes for it to be eliminated from the body are increased in the elderly. Additionally, elderly patients may be more sensitive to its effects.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking valsartan, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:

• ACE inhibitors (high blood pressure medicine) (enalapril [e.g., Vasotec], lisinopril [e.g., Zestril], ramipril [e.g., Altace]) or
• Beta blockers (high blood pressure medicine) (metoprolol [e.g., Lopressor], nadolol [e.g., Corgard], sotalol [e.g., Betapace])—Taking valsartan with both of these medicines can make your heart failure worse
• Diuretics (water pills)—Effects on blood pressure may be increased
• Potassium-sparing medicines, potassium supplements, or potassium-containing salt substitutes—May increase blood potassium levels

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of valsartan. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Dehydration—Blood pressure-lowering effects of valsartan may be increased.

• Heart failure or problems—May cause a decrease in blood pressure

• Kidney disease—Effects of valsartan may make this condition worse.

• Liver disease—Effects of valsartan may be increased because of slower removal of medicine from the body.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. This medicine also works best when there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep the amount constant, do not miss any doses. Also, it is best to take the doses at the same time each day .

Valsartan may be taken with or without food.

Dosing—The dose of valsartan will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor"s orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of valsartan. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For high blood pressure:
    • Adults—80 milligrams (mg) or 160 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For heart failure:
    • Adults—40 mg twice a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack:
    • Adults—20 mg twice a day as early as 12 hours after a heart attack. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor immediately if you think that you may be pregnant . Valsartan may cause birth defects or other problems in the baby if taken during pregnancy.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes over-the-counter (nonprescription) medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems, since they may tend to increase your blood pressure.

Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur, especially if you have been taking a diuretic (water pill). Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you experience these effects.

Check with your doctor right away if you become sick while taking this medicine, especially with severe or continuing nausea and vomiting or diarrhea. These conditions may cause you to lose too much water and lead to low blood pressure.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may also occur if you exercise or if the weather is hot. Heavy sweating can cause loss of too much water and result in low blood pressure. Use extra care during exercise or hot weather.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Developed: 08/10/1998
Revised: 09/08/2005

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