Valsartan is a drug to treat hypertension and heart failure. In addition, this drug is also sometimes used in medicine after heart attack. Valsartan can be found in film-coated tablets and caplets preparation 80 mg and 160 mg.
Valsartan works by blocking the angiotensin II receptor. That way, blood vessels can widen and blood can flow more smoothly. This way of working will make blood pressure drop and the heart's work in pumping blood can be better.
valsartan trademark: Diovan, Exforge, Lapiva 5/80, Lapiva 5/160, Upero, Valesco, Varten, Vastan 80, Vastan 160
What is Valsartan
| group | Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Overcoming hypertension or heart failure |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 6 years old |
| Valsartan for pregnant and lactating women | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. This drug can cause oligohydramnios, which is reduced amniotic fluid that can cause fetal death. It is not known whether valsartan is absorbed into breast milk or not. Consult a doctor before using this medicine. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets and film-coated caplets |
Precautions Before Taking Valsartan
Valsartan should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Therefore, pay attention to the following points before using valsartan:
- Do not take valsartan if you are allergic to this drug.
- Do not consume alcohol, drive a motor vehicle, or operate equipment that requires vigilance while taking valsartan.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease, dehydration, liver disease, hyperkalemia, or diabetes.
- Tell your doctor if you are on a high-potassium diet or are taking potassium supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain supplements, herbal products, or medications, such as antihypertensive drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you will have surgery, including dental surgery.
- Have regular check-ups with your doctor while you are taking valsartan.
- See your doctor right away if you experience an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after taking valsartan.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Valsartan
The dose of valsartan given by the doctor may vary, depending on the age and condition of the patient. Below is a breakdown of common valsartan dosages:
Condition: Hypertension
- Mature: 80–160 mg, once daily. The maximum dose is 320 mg per day.
- Children aged 6–18 years weighing <35 kg: 20 mg, once daily. The maximum dose is 40 mg per day.
- Children aged 6–18 years weighing >35 kg: 40 mg, once daily. The maximum dose is 80 mg per day.
Condition: Heart failure
- Mature: 40 mg, 2 times a day. The dose may be increased after 2 weeks to 80–160 mg. The maximum dose is 320 mg which is divided into several doses.
Condition: Post heart attack
- Mature: 20 mg, 2 times a day. The dose is given as early as 12 hours after the heart attack. Maximum dose 160 mg, 2 times a day.
How to Use Valsartan Correctly
Make sure you read the directions on the medicine package and follow your doctor's advice when taking valsartan. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor.
Take valsartan regularly at the same time each day. Valsartan can be taken before or after meals with the help of a glass of water. Swallow the medicine whole, do not chew or crush it.
If you forget to take valsartan, take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
One of the side effects of valsartan is dizziness, always be careful and don't get up in a hurry after you take valsartan.
Store valsartan in a dry, closed place, and away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Valsartan Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several drug interactions that can occur when valsartan is used together with other drugs, namely:
- Increased risk of side effects if taken with ciclosporin, lithium, rifampicin, or ritonavir
- Increased risk of hyperkalemia if taken with potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements
- Increased risk of kidney damage if non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are taken, including: COX-2 inhibitors
- Increased risk of developing angioderma when used with ACE inhibitor
- Increased risk of hyperkalemia, hypotension, and impaired renal function when used with aliskiren, especially in diabetics
Valsartan Side Effects and Dangers
A number of side effects that can occur after taking valsartan are:
- Dizziness or dizziness spinning
- Headache
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Diarrhea
- Painful muscles or joints
- Low blood pressure
Call your doctor if these symptoms bother you or don't go away. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Symptoms of liver disease, such as yellowish skin and whites of the eyes
- Symptoms of blood disorders, such as pale skin, feeling tired and weak, sore throat, fever, or abnormal bleeding
- Symptoms of hyperkalemia, such as irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, feeling weak, and even fainting