Valsartan: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Valsartan?

What is valsartan for?

Valsartan is a drug with a function to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure.

Valsartan is also used to increase the chance of a longer life for people with heart attacks. Lowering high blood pressure can help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disorders.

Valsartan belongs to the class of drugs angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) which works by calming blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily.

Valsartan can also be used to prevent kidney damage caused by diabetes.

The dosages and side effects of valsartan are detailed below.

How do I use valsartan?

Read the medication rules and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by the pharmacy, if any, before you get this medication and each time you buy it again. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You will be prescribed an oral medication that you take once or twice per day, either before or after meals. The dosage is always given based on your weight (in pediatric patients), your health condition, and how you respond to therapy.

Shake the syrup for 10 seconds before use. To make sure you are taking the right dose, use the spoon or glass that is specially provided for the medicine. It is not recommended to measure the dose using a tablespoon. If you do not have a medicated spoon, ask your pharmacist.

Take this medicine regularly to get optimal benefits. To help you remember, take this medication at the same time each day.

Do not stop using this medication before consulting a doctor. It is important to continue treatment even if you feel better. Most people with high blood pressure feel no pain at all.

Do not use this medication for more than the recommended dose, for less, or for longer than the recommended dosage. If your health condition does not improve, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store this drug?

Here are some ways to store the valsartan drug that you must adhere to, such as:

• Store this medication at room temperature. Do not be in a place that is too cold or too hot.
• Keep this medication away from exposure to sunlight or direct light.
• Keep this medication out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not store this medication in the bathroom or other damp places.
• Do not also store this drug until it freezes in the freezer.
• Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.
• Always pay attention to the drug storage rules listed on the packaging.

If you are no longer using this medicine or if the medicine has expired, discard this medicine immediately according to the procedure for disposing of the medicine.

One of them, do not mix this drug with household waste. Do not also throw this drug in drains such as toilets.

Ask the pharmacist or staff from the local waste disposal agency about the proper and safe way to dispose of drugs for environmental health.

Valsartan dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of valsartan for adults?

The usual dose for adults with congestive heart failure

Initial dose: 40 mg twice daily

Daily dose: 80-160 mg twice daily. The dose should be increased to the highest dose that can be tolerated by the patient

The usual dose for adults with hypertension

Initial dose: 80-160 mg once daily

Daily dose: 80-320 mg once daily

The usual dosage for adults with myocardial infection

Initial dose: 20 mg twice daily

Daily dose: The initial dose is titrated for 7 days to 40 mg twice daily, then the titration is continued until the target daily dose of 160 mg twice daily is tolerated by the patient. If symptoms of hypotension or renal dysfunction occur, the dose should be reduced.

What is the dose of valsartan for children?

6 to 16 years

Initial dose: 1.3mg / kg once a day (up to 40mg)

Daily dose: up to 2.7mg / kg (up to 160mg) once daily, titrated according to patient response

In what dosage is valsartan available?

• Tablet
• 80mg capsules, 160mg

Valsartan side effects

What side effects can I experience from valsartan?

All drugs are definitely at risk of causing side effects, including valsartan. Most of these side effects are mild, and not everyone will experience them.

Seek immediate medical help if you experience the following signs of an allergic reaction:

• itchy rash
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Valsartan Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using valsartan?

Before using certain drugs, consider the risks and benefits first. This is a decision you and your doctor will have to make.

For this drug, pay attention to the following:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to this or any other medicine. Also tell your doctor if you have any other types of allergies such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For non-prescription products, read the label on the package carefully.

Children

Reliable studies have shown that no specific problem related to children's health can limit the use of valsartan in children 6 to 16 years of age. However, the use of valsartan is not recommended for children under 6 years of age.

Elderly

Reliable studies have shown that there are no specific geriatric problems that can limit the use of valsartan in the elderly.

Is this drug safe for pregnant and lactating women?

This drug is included in pregnancy risk category D according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following is an explanation of the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A: It's not risky
• B: No risk in some studies
• C: It might be risky
• D: There is positive evidence of risk
• X: Contraindicated
• N: Not known

Valsartan Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with valsartan?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed on this page.

Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

According to the FDA, here is a list of drugs that can interact with valsartan:

• potassium-boosting drugs (spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride)
• NSAID drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen)
• RAS inhibitor drugs
• lithium

Can food or alcohol interact with valsartan?

Certain drugs should not be used when eating certain foods because drug-food interactions can occur.

Smoking tobacco or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur.

Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking red grapefruit juice while using the medicine unless your doctor allows it.

Grapefruit and grapefruit drugs can increase the risk of interactions. Consult your doctor and pharmacist for more info.

What health conditions can interact with this drug?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• angiodema (allergic reaction) with a history of other blood pressure medications (eg, benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, Lotrel®, Vasotec®, Zestoretic®, Zestril®) —use with caution. Use of these drugs may cause this condition to recur
• congestive heart failure — some medications can cause kidney problems
• diabetic patients who are also taking Aliskiren (Tesorna ®) —not recommended for this patient
• electrolyte imbalances (such as low sodium content in the body)
• fluid imbalance (causing dehydration, nausea, or diarrhea) or
• kidney disease - use with caution, as it can make the condition worse.

Valsartan overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of emergency or overdose, call the medical team, ambulance (118 or 119), or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Here are the symptoms of an overdose that you need to be aware of:

• nausea
• throws up
• dizzy
• lost balance
• numbness and tingling
• convulsions

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you just remember when it's time for the next dose, just ignore the missed dose, and continue taking it as scheduled. Do not double your dose.

The reason is, double doses do not guarantee that you can recover faster. In addition, using excessive doses actually increases the risk of side effects and the risk of overdose. It is better to use the dosage as specified on the drug packaging for safe use.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.