Valsartan belongs to the class of medicines called angiotensin II inhibitors. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to treat heart failure and it can lower the need for hospitalization that happens from heart failure. Valsartan can also treat left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack. Left ventricular dysfunction occurs when the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart) stiffens and enlarges and can cause the lungs to fill with blood.
High blood pressure adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. If it continues for a long time, the heart and arteries may not function properly. This can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, resulting in a stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of heart attacks. These problems may be less likely to occur if blood pressure is controlled.
Valsartan works by blocking the action of a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, valsartan relaxes blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure.
Directions
Valsartan comes as a tablet to take by mouth. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it is usually taken once a day with or without food. For the treatment of heart failure, it is usually taken twice a day with or without food.To help you remember to take valsartan, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take valsartan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Valsartan and gradually increase your dose.
Valsartan controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them. Continue to take valsartan even if you feel well. Do not stop taking valsartan without talking to your doctor.
Side Effects
Valsartan may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dizziness
- headache
- excessive tiredness
- diarrhea
- stomach pain
- back pain
- joint pain
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fainting
Valsartan may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Warnings and Precautions
Before taking valsartan,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Valsartan or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik); beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal); and diuretics ('water pills'). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.
Do not take Valsartan if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Valsartan, call your doctor immediately. Valsartan may harm the fetus.
If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully.
Overdose Information
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services.
Symptoms of overdose may include dizziness, fainting or rapid or pounding heartbeat.
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