Valsartan 80mg Tablets

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It selectively blocks the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor in various tissues, including vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. This blockade inhibits the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, and decreased sodium and water retention.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of kidney problems, including:
+ Inability to pass urine
+ Changes in urine output
+ Blood in the urine
+ Sudden weight gain
Signs of high potassium levels, such as:
+ Abnormal heartbeat
+ Confusion
+ Weakness, lightheadedness, or dizziness
+ Feeling like passing out
+ Numbness or tingling
+ Shortness of breath
Severe dizziness or fainting
Swelling in the arms or legs
Changes in vision

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor:

Dizziness, tiredness, or weakness
Stomach pain or diarrhea
Back pain
Joint pain
Headache
Flu-like symptoms

Reporting Side Effects

This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Describe the symptoms you experienced with these allergies.
If you are taking a medication that contains aliskiren and have either diabetes or kidney problems.
If you are breastfeeding, as you should not breastfeed while taking this medication.

For Parents and Caregivers:

If your child is under 1 year of age, do not administer this medication, as it is not suitable for children younger than 1 year.

Additional Considerations:

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health issues with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help ensure it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.

When starting this medication, avoid driving and other activities that require alertness until you understand how it affects you. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position, and exercise caution when climbing stairs.

The full effects of this medication may not be apparent for several weeks. As directed by your healthcare provider, regularly check your blood pressure and undergo blood tests. Discuss any concerns or questions with your doctor.

If you are using a salt substitute containing potassium, a potassium-sparing diuretic, or a potassium supplement, consult your doctor. Additionally, if you are on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet, discuss this with your doctor.

Before consuming alcohol, talk to your doctor. In hot weather or during physical activity, be cautious and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. If you experience excessive sweating, fluid loss, vomiting, or diarrhea, inform your doctor, as these conditions may lead to low blood pressure.

If you have high blood pressure and are taking this medication, consult your doctor before using over-the-counter products that may increase blood pressure, such as cough and cold medications, diet pills, stimulants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, and certain natural products or supplements.

It is also important to note that this medication may be less effective in lowering blood pressure in Black patients. In some cases, your doctor may need to prescribe an additional medication to achieve the desired effect. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

• Aliskiren (in patients with diabetes or renal impairment (GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m²))
• Sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto) (within 36 hours of last valsartan dose due to increased risk of angioedema)

• Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride) - increased risk of hyperkalemia
• Potassium supplements - increased risk of hyperkalemia
• Salt substitutes containing potassium - increased risk of hyperkalemia
• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - increased risk of renal impairment (including acute renal failure) and reduced antihypertensive effect, especially in elderly, volume-depleted, or renally impaired patients.
• Lithium - increased serum lithium concentrations and lithium toxicity.

• Other antihypertensive agents - additive hypotensive effects.
• ACE inhibitors - increased risk of hyperkalemia, hypotension, and renal impairment (dual blockade of RAAS generally not recommended).

• Not many clinically significant minor interactions reported.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially upon standing, indicative of hypotension)
• Fatigue or weakness
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat (signs of angioedema - rare but serious)
• Signs of hyperkalemia (e.g., muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, numbness/tingling)
• Signs of worsening renal function (e.g., decreased urine output, swelling in ankles/feet)

Valsartan is contraindicated in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to the risk of fetal injury and death. Exposure during the first trimester is also not recommended, and alternative therapies should be considered if pregnancy is planned or detected.

Not recommended. It is unknown if valsartan is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse effects in the breastfed infant, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Not recommended for children under 6 years of age. For children 6-16 years with hypertension, dosing is weight-based. Safety and efficacy for other indications (e.g., heart failure, post-MI) have not been established in pediatric patients.

No dosage adjustment is generally required based on age alone. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of valsartan (e.g., hypotension, renal impairment) and may have age-related decline in renal function, requiring careful monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and electrolytes.

• Valsartan is an effective ARB for hypertension, heart failure, and post-MI, offering a good alternative for patients who develop cough with ACE inhibitors.
• Always check for a history of angioedema, especially if switching from an ACE inhibitor, though the risk with ARBs is lower.
• Monitor renal function and potassium levels closely, particularly in patients with pre-existing renal impairment, heart failure, or those on concomitant medications that affect potassium or renal function (e.g., NSAIDs, potassium-sparing diuretics).
• Educate patients about the importance of avoiding potassium supplements and salt substitutes unless specifically advised by their physician.
• Emphasize the critical importance of discontinuing valsartan immediately if pregnancy is detected due to severe fetal toxicity.

• Other Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs): Losartan, Irbesartan, Candesartan, Olmesartan, Telmisartan, Azilsartan
• Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors: Lisinopril, Enalapril, Ramipril, Captopril
• Beta-blockers: Metoprolol, Carvedilol, Bisoprolol
• Calcium Channel Blockers (CCBs): Amlodipine, Nifedipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil
• Diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide
• Other antihypertensives depending on patient comorbidities and specific indications.

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it is a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, do not hesitate to discuss them with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.