Valsartan

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Brand Name

Valzaar 20mg Tablet , Valsartan 80mg Tablet 10s ... show more

Approved Treatment Indication:

Hypertension, Left Ventricular Dysfunction ... show more

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What conditions Valsartan is used for
Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure, which is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high, and heart failure, which is a condition where the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
How Valsartan works in the body
Valsartan works by blocking angiotensin II, which is a chemical that narrows blood vessels. This action relaxes the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow, which helps reduce the heart's workload.
The usual dosages and routes of administration of Valsartan
The usual starting dose of Valsartan for adults is 80 mg once daily, which means taking it once a day. The dose can be adjusted by a doctor up to a maximum of 320 mg daily, depending on the patient's response and needs.
The most commonly observed adverse effects of Valsartan
Common side effects of Valsartan include dizziness, which is a feeling of being unsteady, and fatigue, which is a feeling of tiredness. These effects are usually mild and may go away as the body adjusts to the medication.
Important safety warnings and contraindications of Valsartan
Valsartan should not be taken if you are allergic to it or have severe liver problems, which are serious issues with the liver. It is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the baby, and caution is advised if you have kidney issues.

Government Approvals

US(FDA), UK(BNF)

WHO Essential Medicine

Known Teratogen

Definite

Pharmaceutical Class

Angiotensin 2 Receptor Blocker

Controlled Drug Substance

Summary

What conditions Valsartan is used for
Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure, which is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high, and heart failure, which is a condition where the heart doesn't pump blood as well as it should.
How Valsartan works in the body
Valsartan works by blocking angiotensin II, which is a chemical that narrows blood vessels. This action relaxes the blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow, which helps reduce the heart's workload.
The usual dosages and routes of administration of Valsartan
The usual starting dose of Valsartan for adults is 80 mg once daily, which means taking it once a day. The dose can be adjusted by a doctor up to a maximum of 320 mg daily, depending on the patient's response and needs.
The most commonly observed adverse effects of Valsartan
Common side effects of Valsartan include dizziness, which is a feeling of being unsteady, and fatigue, which is a feeling of tiredness. These effects are usually mild and may go away as the body adjusts to the medication.
Important safety warnings and contraindications of Valsartan
Valsartan should not be taken if you are allergic to it or have severe liver problems, which are serious issues with the liver. It is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the baby, and caution is advised if you have kidney issues.

Indications and Purpose

How does Valsartan work?

Valsartan blocks angiotensin II, a chemical that narrows blood vessels. By blocking it, Valsartan relaxes blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow. This helps reduce the heart's workload and is beneficial for treating high blood pressure and heart failure.

Is Valsartan effective?

Valsartan is effective for treating high blood pressure and heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, improving blood flow, and reducing strain on the heart. Clinical studies show Valsartan effectively lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart-related complications.

What is Valsartan?

Valsartan is a medication in the class of angiotensin II receptor blockers, which relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure. It's primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Valsartan can also help protect the kidneys in people with diabetes.

Directions for Use

For how long do I take Valsartan?

Valsartan is usually taken long-term for chronic conditions like hypertension. You'll likely take it daily as a lifelong treatment unless your doctor advises otherwise. The duration depends on your response and health changes. Always consult your doctor before changing or stopping Valsartan.

How do I dispose of Valsartan?

Dispose of unused Valsartan at a drug take-back program or pharmacy. If unavailable, mix it with undesirable substances like coffee grounds, seal in a plastic bag, and throw it in the trash. This prevents harm to people and the environment.

How do I take Valsartan?

Take Valsartan once daily, usually in the morning, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush it. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's close to your next dose. Do not double up on doses. Avoid alcohol, as it can increase side effects. Follow your doctor's dietary advice.

How long does it take for Valsartan to start working?

Valsartan starts working within a few hours, but full effects on blood pressure may take weeks. Individual factors like age and kidney function can affect how quickly it works. Take it as prescribed for the best results and monitor your blood pressure regularly.

How should I store Valsartan?

Store Valsartan at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep it in a tightly closed container. Avoid storing it in humid places like bathrooms. Ensure it's out of children's reach. Check expiration dates regularly and dispose of expired medication properly.

What is the usual dose of Valsartan?

The usual starting dose of Valsartan for adults is 80 mg once daily. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your response and needs, up to a maximum of 320 mg daily. For children or the elderly, dose adjustments may be necessary. Always follow your doctor's dosing instructions.

Warnings and Precautions

Can I take Valsartan with other prescription drugs?

Valsartan can interact with other medications, such as diuretics, increasing the risk of low blood pressure or high potassium levels. It may also interact with NSAIDs, reducing its effectiveness. Always inform your doctor about all medications you take to avoid potential interactions.

Can Valsartan be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Valsartan is not recommended while breastfeeding. Limited information is available on its excretion into breast milk and potential effects on the infant. Consult your doctor for advice on safer medication options if you wish to breastfeed while managing your condition.

Can Valsartan be taken safely while pregnant?

Valsartan is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, due to potential harm to the developing baby. It can affect kidney development and lead to complications. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor for safer alternatives.

Does Valsartan have adverse effects?

Adverse effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common adverse effects of Valsartan include dizziness and fatigue. Serious effects like kidney problems or high potassium levels are rare. If you notice any new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor immediately for advice.

Does Valsartan have any safety warnings?

Yes, Valsartan has safety warnings. It can cause low blood pressure, especially if you're dehydrated or take diuretics. It may also increase potassium levels, leading to heart issues. Not following these warnings can result in serious health problems. Always follow your doctor's advice and report any unusual symptoms.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Valsartan?

It's best to limit alcohol while taking Valsartan. Alcohol can lower blood pressure further, increasing dizziness or fainting risk. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and monitor for symptoms like dizziness. Consult your doctor for personalized advice on alcohol use with Valsartan.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Valsartan?

Yes, you can exercise while taking Valsartan. However, it may cause dizziness, especially when starting. Stay hydrated and avoid sudden position changes. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded during exercise, stop and rest. Consult your doctor for personalized exercise advice.

Is it safe to stop Valsartan?

Valsartan is usually taken long-term for conditions like hypertension. Stopping it suddenly can cause your blood pressure to rise, increasing the risk of heart problems. Always consult your doctor before stopping Valsartan. They may suggest a gradual reduction or alternative treatment to manage your condition safely.

Is Valsartan addictive?

Valsartan is not addictive or habit-forming. It does not cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms. Valsartan works by relaxing blood vessels to lower blood pressure, which does not affect brain chemistry related to addiction. You can stop taking it without experiencing cravings or withdrawal.

Is Valsartan safe for the elderly?

Elderly individuals may be more sensitive to Valsartan's effects, such as dizziness or kidney function changes. It's generally safe but requires careful monitoring. Regular check-ups and dose adjustments may be necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness in older adults.

What are the most common side effects of Valsartan?

Side effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common side effects of Valsartan include dizziness and fatigue, occurring in a small percentage of users. If you experience new symptoms, they may be temporary or unrelated. Consult your doctor before stopping the medication.

Who should avoid taking Valsartan?

Do not take Valsartan if you're allergic to it or have severe liver problems. It's not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the baby. Use caution if you have kidney issues or are taking potassium supplements. Always consult your doctor about your health conditions before using Valsartan.