Aliskiren (By mouth)
a-lis-KYE-ren
Treats high blood pressure.
Drug classes
Antihypertensive (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Aliskiren is used alone or together with other medicines to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). 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. Lowering blood pressure will reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Aliskiren is a renin inhibitor. It works by blocking an enzyme in the body that is necessary to produce a substance that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, the blood vessels relax and this decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen that go to the heart is increased.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Take this medicine the same way and at the same time every day. Take it routinely with or without food. Do not take with a high-fat meal.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine if you have diabetes and also take another blood pressure medicine (ACE inhibitor or ARB). Do not use this medicine together with cyclosporine or itraconazole.
Some foods and medicines can affect how aliskiren works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
Diuretic (water pill, such as furosemide) NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib) Potassium in any medicine, supplement, or salt substituteWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to aliskiren, or if you are pregnant.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or if you have kidney problems, heart or blood vessel disease (including heart failure or a history of a heart attack), or diabetes.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Kidney problemsThis medicine could lower your blood pressure too much when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Tekturna
There may be other brand names for this medicine.