Valsartan dosage, side effects

Valsartan dosage, side effects:

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and to improve survival after a heart attack. It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels, thereby relaxing them and lowering blood pressure.

Brand Names

Valsartan is sold under various brand names worldwide. Some of the most common include:

Diovan (most widely recognized brand name, marketed by Novartis)
Valzaar
Tareg
Valsacor
Valtan
Valentis
Artesian
Valpress
Valar
Valo

Generic versions of valsartan are also available under the name Valsartan or in combination with other drugs (e.g., valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide).

Indications

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): First-line treatment for lowering blood pressure.
Heart Failure: Improves symptoms and reduces hospitalization.
Post-Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): Improves survival rates.
Off-label Uses: Sometimes used for diabetic nephropathy or chronic kidney disease.

Dosage Forms

Tablets: 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, 320 mg
Combination tablets (e.g., with hydrochlorothiazide or amlodipine)

Mechanism of Action

Blocks angiotensin II receptors (AT1), preventing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release.
Reduces blood pressure and decreases the workload on the heart.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Diarrhea
Back pain

Serious but rare side effects:

Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels)
Kidney dysfunction
Angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, or throat)
Hypotension (low blood pressure)

Contraindications

Pregnancy (can harm the fetus, especially in the second and third trimesters)
Severe liver or kidney impairment
Allergy to valsartan or other ARBs

Drug Interactions

Potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements: Increased risk of hyperkalemia.
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen): May reduce valsartan’s effectiveness and worsen kidney function.
Lithium: Increased lithium levels in the blood.
Other antihypertensives: May cause excessive blood pressure lowering.

Recalls and Contaminants

In 2018, several valsartan products were recalled due to contamination with NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine), a potential carcinogen. This issue primarily affected generic versions manufactured in certain facilities.

Key Points

Valsartan is a widely used ARB with proven efficacy in managing hypertension and heart failure.
Available under multiple brand names and as a generic.
Regular monitoring of kidney function and potassium levels is recommended during treatment.