What is Valsartan?
Valsartan is an oral drug 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, mainly on smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. Valsartan blocks a receptor for angiotensin, dilating blood vessels and decreasing blood pressure. The FDA approved Valsartan in December 1996.
Valsartan Uses
- High Blood Pressure: Lowers blood pressure to help prevent strokes, kidney complications, and heart attacks.
- Heart Failure: Used to treat and prevent heart failure, improving survival chances after a heart attack.
- Heart Attack: Increases the chance of living longer after a heart attack by reducing the risk of heart failure.
How Valsartan Works
Valsartan works by blocking the action of angiotensin, a chemical in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten and narrow. By blocking angiotensin, Valsartan relaxes and dilates blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
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- Forms: Comes as a tablet and solution (liquid).
- Administration:
- For high blood pressure: Tablet is taken once daily, solution twice daily.
- For heart failure or heart attack prevention: Taken with or without food twice daily.
- Instructions: Take exactly as instructed by your doctor. Do not switch to another valsartan product without your doctor’s approval.
Dosage of Valsartan
- Generic and Brand Names:
- Generic: Valsartan
- Brand: Diovan
- Form and Strength:
- Oral tablet: 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, 320 mg
- Dosage:
- High Blood Pressure: 80-160 mg taken once daily.
- Heart Failure: 40 mg taken twice daily.
- Post-Heart Attack: 20 mg taken twice daily.
Valsartan Side Effects
Common Side Effects:
- Headache
- Excessive tiredness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Blurry vision
- Cough
- Rash
Serious Side Effects:
- Swelling of the face
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Unexplained weight gain
Precautions
- Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Valsartan or any other medications.
- Medical History: Discuss any history of liver disease, dehydration, or mineral imbalance.
- Pregnancy: Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Overdose
- Symptoms: Extreme drowsiness, confusion, lack of balance, severe muscle weakness, fainting, or shallow breathing.
- Action: Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected.
Warnings
- Severe Heart Failure or Kidney Disease: Increased risk of kidney problems; do not take with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
- Diabetes: Should not be taken with aliskiren.
Storage
- Store at room temperature (68ºF to 77ºF or 20ºC to 25ºC).
- Keep away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children.
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Book an AppointmentValsartan vs Losartan
| Valsartan | Losartan |
|---|---|
|
Treats congestive heart failure and high blood pressure. |
Prescribed for high blood pressure, available as Cozaar. |
|
ARB class medication. |
ARB class medication. |
|
Common side effects: headache, tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain. |
Common side effects: vomiting, headache, chest pain, back pain, low blood pressure. |
