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Valsartan
Brand name: Diovan,Valsartan, Diovan
HCT
Generic name: Valsartan
Valsartan is one of a new class of blood
pressure medications called angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Valsartan
works by preventing the hormone angiotensin II from narrowing the blood
vessels, which tends to raise blood pressure. Valsartan may be prescribed
alone or with other blood pressure medications, such as diuretics that
help the body get rid of excess water. Valsartan HCT provides just such
a combination. It containsValsartan plus the common diuretic hydrochlorothiazide.
Valsartan also has a stimulative effect on the heart and is prescribed
for heart failure in patients who can't tolerate another type of medication
called ACE inhibitors
Most important fact about Valsartan
You must take Valsartan regularly for it
to be effective. Since blood pressure declines gradually, it may be
several weeks before you get the full benefit of Valsartan, and you
must continue taking it even if you are feeling well. Valsartan does
not cure high blood pressure; it merely keeps it under control.
How should you take Valsartan ?
Valsartan and Valsartan HCT can be taken
with or without food. Try to get in the habit of taking Valsartan at
the same time each day - for example, before or after breakfast. You'll
be less likely to forget your dose.
If you miss a dose of Valsartan
Take it as soon as possible. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your
regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
Storage instructions for Valsartan
Store at room temperature. Keep in a tightly
closed container, away from moisture.
What side effects when taking Valsartan
may occur ?
Side effects of Valsartan cannot be anticipated.
If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking
Valsartan or Valsartan HCT.
Side effects when taking Valsartan
may include:
Abdominal pain, allergic reactions, back
pain, blurred vision, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fatigue,
headache, joint pain, low blood pressure, nausea, runny nose, sinus
inflammation, sore throat, swelling, swollen mouth and throat, upper
respiratory infections, vertigo, viral infections.
Why should Valsartan not be prescribed
?
Do not take Valsartan or Valsartan HCT
while pregnant. Avoid both types of Valsartan if they cause an allergic
reaction, and do not take Valsartan HCT if you have ever had an allergic
reaction to a Sulfa drug such as Bactrim or Septra. Also avoid Valsartan
HCT if you have trouble urinating.
Special warnings about Valsartan
In rare cases, Valsartan and Valsartan
HCT can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. The problem is more likely
if your body's supply of water has been depleted by high doses of diuretics.
Symptoms include light-headedness or faintness, and are more likely
when you first start taking the drug. Valsartan HCT can also cause dry
mouth, weakness, drowsiness, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Call
your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. You may need to have your
dosage adjusted.
Use Valsartan HCT with caution if you have
a history of allergy or bronchial asthma, or suffer from the condition
called lupus erythematosus. Report a rapid or irregular pulse to your
doctor.
If you have liver or kidney disease, Valsartan
and Valsartan HCT must be used with caution. Be sure the doctor is aware
of either problem. Also let the doctor know if you suffer from gout
or diabetes.
The safety and effectiveness of Valsartan
and Valsartan HCT have not been studied in children.
Possible food and drug interactions
when taking Valsartan
Check with your doctor before combining
Valsartan with salt substitutes that contain potassium, or with diuretics
that leave potassium in the body, including the following:
Amiloride (Midamor)
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Triamterene (Dyrenium)
The hydrochlorothiazide in Valsartan
HCT may interact with a variety of drugs. Be sure to check with your
doctor before combining Valsartan HCT with the following:
Alcohol
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Colestipol (Colestid)
Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and prednisone
Glipizide (Glucotrol)
Glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase)
Insulin
Lithium (Lithobid, Lithonate)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, Motin, and
Naprosyn
Other blood pressure medications such as Cardizem, Lopressor, and Procardia
Phenobarbital
Narcotic drugs such as morphine or codeine products
Special information if you are
pregnant or breastfeeding
Drugs such as Valsartan and Valsartan HCT
can cause injury or even death to the unborn child when used during
the last 6 months of pregnancy. As soon as you find out that you're
pregnant, stop taking Valsartan and call your doctor. Both of these
drugs may also appear in breast milk and could affect the nursing infant.
If the medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise
you to avoid breastfeeding while you are taking Valsartan or Valsartan
HCT.
Recommended dosages for Valsartan
Valsartan
High Blood Pressure
The usual starting dose is 80 or 160 milligrams
or more once a day. If your blood pressure does not go down, your doctor
may increase the dose or add a diuretic to your regimen. The maximum
recommended dose is 320 milligrams a day.
Heart Failure
The usual starting dose is 40 milligrams
taken twice a day. The doctor may increase the dose to 80 or 160 milligrams
twice daily depending on your tolerance for the drug. The maximum dose
is 320 milligrams daily.
Valsartan HCT
The usual starting dose when switching
from Valsartan to Valsartan HCT is one 80 milligram/12.5 milligram tablet
daily. Daily dosage may be increased to a maximum of 160 milligrams
of valsartan and 25 milligrams of hydrochlorothiazide.
Overdosage with Valsartan
There has been little experience with overdosage
and Valsartan. However, the most likely results would be extremely low
blood pressure and an abnormally slow or rapid heartbeat. If you suspect
an overdose of Valsartan, seek medical attention immediately.
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