Valsartan (By mouth)
val-SAR-tan
Treats high blood pressure and heart failure. May lower the risk of death after a heart attack. This medicine is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).
Drug classes
Cardiovascular Agent, Renal Protective Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Valsartan 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 can reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Valsartan is also used to treat heart failure and left ventricular failure after a heart attack. Left ventricular failure occurs when the left side of the heart (the main pumping chamber) becomes stiff and enlarged or swollen. This causes pooling of blood in the lungs because the heart is not pumping properly.
Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. Valsartan relaxes the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. A lower blood pressure will increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Oral liquid: Shake the bottle well for at least 10 seconds before you measure the dose. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
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. Store the oral liquid at room temperature for up to 30 days or in the refrigerator for up to 75 days.
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 together with aliskiren, especially if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Some medicines can affect how valsartan works. Tell your doctor if you also use any of the following:
Cyclosporine, lithium, rifampin, ritonavir ACE inhibitor blood pressure medicine Diuretic (water pill) Heparin NSAID pain or arthritis medicine, including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxenAsk your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to valsartan, 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, liver disease, or heart or blood vessel problems.
This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, especially 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
Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
Lightheadedness, dizziness, 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
Diovan
There may be other brand names for this medicine.