Aliskiren
.svg)
Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Renin Inhibitor
Controlled Drug Substance
No
aliskiren
Summary
Aliskiren is used to treat high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension. By lowering blood pressure, it helps reduce the risk of complications like heart attacks and strokes.
Aliskiren works by blocking renin, which is an enzyme that tightens blood vessels. This action helps relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow.
The usual starting dose of Aliskiren for adults is 150 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase it to 300 mg daily if needed. It's taken orally, with or without food.
Common side effects of Aliskiren include diarrhea and dizziness. These occur in a small percentage of people and are usually mild.
Aliskiren is not recommended during pregnancy due to risks to the unborn baby. It should not be used with certain medications in patients with diabetes, as it can cause kidney problems.
Indications and Purpose
How does Aliskiren work?
Aliskiren works by blocking the action of renin, which is an enzyme in your body that helps regulate blood pressure. Renin triggers a chain reaction that leads to the tightening of blood vessels. By inhibiting renin, Aliskiren helps relax blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. Think of it like turning down the volume on a loudspeaker; Aliskiren reduces the "volume" of signals that cause blood vessels to tighten. This helps improve blood flow and reduces the risk of heart problems. Aliskiren is effective for managing high blood pressure.
Is Aliskiren effective?
Aliskiren is effective in treating high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension. It works by blocking a substance in the body that tightens blood vessels, allowing them to relax and lower blood pressure. Clinical studies show that Aliskiren significantly reduces blood pressure in patients, helping to prevent complications like heart attacks and strokes. It's important to take Aliskiren as prescribed and follow your doctor's advice on lifestyle changes to achieve the best results in managing your blood pressure.
What is Aliskiren?
Aliskiren is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension. It belongs to a class of drugs called direct renin inhibitors. Aliskiren works by blocking a substance in the body that tightens blood vessels, allowing them to relax and lower blood pressure. This helps reduce the risk of complications like heart attacks and strokes. Aliskiren is usually used alone or in combination with other medications to effectively manage blood pressure. Always follow your doctor's instructions when taking Aliskiren.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Aliskiren?
Aliskiren is usually a long-term medication for managing high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension. You'll typically take Aliskiren every day as a lifelong treatment unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Stopping this medication without medical advice could cause your blood pressure to rise and increase the risk of heart problems. How long you'll need this medication depends on your body's response, any side effects you experience, and changes in your overall health. Always talk with your doctor before changing or stopping your Aliskiren treatment.
How do I dispose of Aliskiren?
To dispose of Aliskiren, take it to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of this medicine properly so it doesn't harm people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, you can throw most medicines in the trash at home. But first, take them out of their original containers, mix them with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal the mixture in a plastic bag, and throw it away. Always keep medicines out of reach of children.
How do I take Aliskiren?
Take Aliskiren once daily, preferably at the same time each day. You can take it with or without food, but try to be consistent. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew it. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Avoid high-fat meals, as they can affect how well the medicine works. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
How long does it take for Aliskiren to start working?
Aliskiren begins working in your body shortly after you take it, but it may take a few weeks to see the full effects on your blood pressure. Individual factors like your overall health, kidney function, and other medications you take can affect how quickly you notice improvements. Regular monitoring of your blood pressure is important to track your progress. Take Aliskiren exactly as prescribed for the best results. If you have concerns about how the medication is working, talk with your doctor. They can help adjust your treatment plan if needed.
How should I store Aliskiren?
Store Aliskiren tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep the medication in a tightly closed container to protect it from damage. Don't store your medicine in humid places like bathrooms, where moisture in the air could affect how well the medication works. Always store Aliskiren out of children's reach to prevent accidental swallowing. Remember to check the expiration date regularly and properly dispose of any unused or expired medication. Follow your pharmacist's instructions for safe storage.
What is the usual dose of Aliskiren?
The usual starting dose of Aliskiren for adults is 150 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase your dose to 300 mg daily if needed for better blood pressure control. Aliskiren is not typically recommended for children. Elderly patients or those with kidney problems may require careful monitoring. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your personal health needs. Do not adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider, as they will tailor the dose based on your response and any side effects you experience.
Warnings and Precautions
Can Aliskiren be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Aliskiren is not recommended while breastfeeding. We don't have much information about whether this medication passes into human breast milk. However, there is a potential risk to the nursing infant, especially concerning kidney development. If you're taking Aliskiren and want to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about safer medication options that would allow you to nurse your baby safely. Your doctor can help you make informed decisions about your treatment and breastfeeding.
Can Aliskiren be taken safely while pregnant?
Aliskiren is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. It can harm the unborn baby, affecting kidney development and causing other serious problems. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about safer alternatives to manage your blood pressure. Your doctor can help create a pregnancy-specific treatment plan that protects both you and your baby. Always inform your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking Aliskiren.
Can I take Aliskiren with other prescription drugs?
Aliskiren can interact with certain medications, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Avoid using Aliskiren with ACE inhibitors or ARBs in patients with diabetes, as this can lead to kidney problems. Taking Aliskiren with potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements can increase the risk of high potassium levels, which is called hyperkalemia. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid harmful interactions. Your doctor will help you manage any potential interactions and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
Does Aliskiren have adverse effects?
Adverse effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. With Aliskiren, common adverse effects include diarrhea and dizziness. These occur in a small percentage of people. More serious side effects can include high potassium levels, which is called hyperkalemia, and kidney problems. If you experience symptoms like muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or swelling, seek medical help immediately. Always inform your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms while taking Aliskiren. They can help determine if these symptoms are related to the medication and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
Does Aliskiren have any safety warnings?
Yes, Aliskiren has important safety warnings. It can cause high potassium levels, which is called hyperkalemia, especially if taken with certain medications. This can lead to serious heart problems. Aliskiren is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can harm the unborn baby. If you experience symptoms like muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, or swelling, seek medical help immediately. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking to avoid harmful interactions. Follow your doctor's advice closely to ensure safe use of Aliskiren.
Is Aliskiren addictive?
Aliskiren is not addictive or habit-forming. This medication doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Aliskiren works by affecting your blood vessels to help lower blood pressure. This mechanism doesn't affect brain chemistry in ways that could lead to addiction. You won't experience cravings for this medication or feel compelled to take more than prescribed. If you have concerns about medication dependence, you can feel confident that Aliskiren doesn't carry this risk while managing your health condition.
Is Aliskiren safe for the elderly?
Elderly individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of Aliskiren, especially regarding blood pressure changes and kidney function. It's important for older adults to have regular check-ups to monitor their response to the medication. Aliskiren can be safe for the elderly when used under close medical supervision. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your health needs and any side effects you experience. Always inform your healthcare provider about any new or worsening symptoms while taking Aliskiren.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Aliskiren?
It's best to limit alcohol consumption while taking Aliskiren. Alcohol can lower blood pressure further and increase the risk of side effects like dizziness or fainting. If you do choose to drink, do so in moderation and be aware of how your body responds. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking Aliskiren to get personalized advice based on your specific health situation. They can help you understand the potential risks and how to manage them effectively.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Aliskiren?
You can exercise while taking Aliskiren, but keep a few things in mind. This medication can cause dizziness, especially when you stand up quickly. To exercise safely, start slowly and gradually increase your activity level. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity to stay hydrated. Watch for signs of dizziness or unusual fatigue. If you notice these symptoms, slow down or stop exercising and rest. Most people can maintain their regular exercise routine while taking Aliskiren, but check with your doctor if you have concerns.
Is it safe to stop Aliskiren?
Stopping Aliskiren suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise quickly, which may increase the risk of heart problems. Aliskiren is usually used for long-term management of high blood pressure. Always talk with your doctor before stopping Aliskiren. They might suggest gradually reducing your dose or switching to a different medication to keep your condition under control. Your doctor will help you make any medication changes safely to protect your health and ensure effective blood pressure management.
What are the most common side effects of Aliskiren?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can happen when taking a medication. With Aliskiren, common side effects include diarrhea and dizziness. These occur in a small percentage of people. If you notice new symptoms after starting Aliskiren, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. It's important to talk with your doctor before stopping any medication. They can help determine if your symptoms are related to Aliskiren and provide guidance on how to manage them effectively.
Who should avoid taking Aliskiren?
Aliskiren should not be used by people who are allergic to it or its ingredients. It's contraindicated in pregnancy due to the risk of harm to the unborn baby. Aliskiren should not be used with certain medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs in patients with diabetes, as this can increase the risk of kidney problems. Always inform your doctor about your medical history and any other medications you are taking to avoid harmful interactions. Your doctor will determine if Aliskiren is safe for you.
Forms / Brands
