Aliskiren/Valsartan (By mouth)
a-lis-KYE-ren, val-SAR-tan
Treats high blood pressure. This medicine is a combination of a renin inhibitor and an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).
Drug classes
Antihypertensive (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Aliskiren and valsartan combination is used 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 decreases the blood pressure. When the blood pressure is lowered, the amount of blood and oxygen is increased to the heart.
Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten. As a result, valsartan relaxes the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases 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
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 at the same time each day, and consistently with or without food.
Drink more liquids if you exercise, sweat more than usual, or have diarrhea or are vomiting.
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.
Some medicines can affect how aliskiren/valsartan works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Atorvastatin, cyclosporine, itraconazole, rifampin, ritonavir Other medicines for high blood pressure (such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, irbesartan, olmesartan, or losartan), a diuretic, or water pill (such as spironolactone, triamterene), or an NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, celecoxib, ibuprofen, naproxen)Ask your doctor before you use medicines, supplements, or salt substitutes that contain potassium.
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to aliskiren or valsartan, you are pregnant, or you have diabetes.
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, you had a recent heart attack, or you have kidney problems, liver disease, heart failure, high potassium or low sodium, or a history of upper respiratory surgery.
This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much and cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. This is more likely to happen when you begin to use the medicine. It could also happen if you have diarrhea or are vomiting, sweat heavily, or become dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you are dizzy. If you faint, call your doctor right away.
Do not stop using the medicine without asking your doctor, even if you feel well. This medicine will not cure high blood pressure, but it will help keep it in a normal range. You may have to take blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
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
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
Blood in your urine, pain in your side or lower back, or sharp back pain just below your ribs
Change in how much or how often you urinate, or painful urination
Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, or confusion
Weakness, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips
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
Valturna
There may be other brand names for this medicine.