Valsartan

Valsartan is a angiotensin ii receptor blocker (arb) medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of hypertension to help lower blood pressure.
• Treatment of heart failure in suitable adult patients.
• Reduction of cardiovascular death after a recent heart attack in clinically stable patients with left ventricular dysfunction or heart failure, when prescribed by a doctor.

The dose of Valsartan depends on the condition being treated, age, kidney and liver function, other medicines, and blood pressure response. For hypertension it is commonly taken once daily, while heart failure or post-heart attack treatment may require a different schedule. Take it exactly as prescribed, at the same time each day, with or without food. Do not stop or change the dose without consulting the prescribing doctor.

• Common effects may include dizziness, light-headedness, tiredness, low blood pressure, headache, or increased blood potassium.
• Kidney function changes may occur, especially in patients with kidney disease, dehydration, heart failure, or those taking interacting medicines.
• Serious but uncommon effects include fainting, severe low blood pressure, allergic reactions such as swelling of the face or throat, and signs of high potassium such as muscle weakness or abnormal heartbeat.

Use Valsartan carefully in people with kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, dehydration, salt depletion, renal artery stenosis, or a history of high potassium. Blood pressure, kidney function, and serum potassium may need monitoring. Avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes unless advised. Use this medicine under the guidance of a registered doctor or pharmacist.

• Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, and potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone, eplerenone, amiloride, or triamterene can increase the risk of high potassium.
• ACE inhibitors or aliskiren may increase the risk of kidney problems, high potassium, and low blood pressure; aliskiren must not be used with Valsartan in patients with diabetes.
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or diclofenac may reduce the blood-pressure-lowering effect and increase the risk of kidney impairment, especially in older or dehydrated patients.
• Lithium levels may rise when used with ARBs, increasing lithium toxicity risk.
• Other blood pressure medicines, diuretics, or alcohol may increase dizziness or low blood pressure.

• Known hypersensitivity to valsartan or any component of the medicine.
• Pregnancy, especially after the first trimester; stop and seek medical advice immediately if pregnancy occurs.
• Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes.
• Severe hepatic impairment, biliary cirrhosis, or cholestasis, unless a specialist specifically decides otherwise.

Valsartan is not recommended in pregnancy and is contraindicated once pregnancy is detected because drugs acting on the renin-angiotensin system can cause fetal injury or death. Patients planning pregnancy should discuss safer alternatives with a doctor. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment, especially for newborn or premature infants; a doctor should choose an appropriate alternative or feeding plan.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original container, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.