| name | Valsartan |
| Classification | Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonist (ARA II) or Angiotensin II Blocker |
| Pharmacokinetics | | absorption | Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations are typically achieved within 2-4 hours after oral administration. | | distribution | Distributed widely throughout the body, with high concentrations observed in the kidneys, lungs, and heart. | | metabolism | Primarily metabolized in the liver via the cytochrome P450 system (mainly CYP2C9). | | excretion | Excreted primarily in the urine as metabolites. Approximately 70% of the administered dose is eliminated in the urine. |
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| suggested dosage | | initial dose | 80 mg once daily | | typical maintenance dose | 80-320 mg once daily | | adjustments | Dosage adjustments may be needed based on patient response and tolerability. Renal impairment may necessitate dose reductions. | | weight consideration | Dosage is generally not adjusted significantly based solely on a weight of 70kg, but rather by renal function and other factors |
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| indications | | 1 | Hypertension | | 2 | Heart failure | | 3 | Diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes | | 4 | Post-myocardial infarction |
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| Safety in pregnancy | | category | Category D (risk of harm to the fetus) | | explanation | Valsartan should be avoided during pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs while taking this medication, discontinue it immediately and discuss with the physician about alternative treatment options. |
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| Safety in breastfeeding | | recommendation | The use of valsartan during breastfeeding is not recommended due to potential transfer into breast milk. Discuss alternative therapies with the physician. | | explanation | Limited data exists regarding valsartan's transfer into breast milk and its potential effects on the infant. |
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| side effects | | 1 | Dizziness | | 2 | Headache | | 3 | Fatigue | | 4 | Lightheadedness | | 5 | Hypotension (low blood pressure) | | 6 | Cough | | 7 | Diarrhea | | 8 | Nausea | | 9 | Vomiting | | 10 | Elevated Liver Enzymes | | 11 | Acute Kidney Injury (rare) | | 12 | Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Severe renal impairment | | 2 | Bilateral renal artery stenosis | | 3 | Pregnancy | | 4 | History of angioedema related to ACE inhibitors or ARBs | | 5 | Hypersensitivity to valsartan or other components of the medication |
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| interactions | | 1 | | drug | ACE inhibitors | | interaction | Increased risk of hypotension and hyperkalemia. | | explanation | Valsartan and ACE inhibitors both decrease blood pressure and can lead to additive effects and potential serious side effects. |
| | 2 | | drug | Potassium-sparing diuretics | | interaction | Increased risk of hyperkalemia. | | explanation | Combination with potassium-sparing diuretics can result in dangerously high potassium levels. |
| | 3 | | drug | NSAIDs | | interaction | Possible reduction in the antihypertensive effect of valsartan. |
| | 4 | | drug | Lithium | | interaction | Increased risk of lithium toxicity. |
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| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Monitor blood pressure and kidney function regularly | | 2 | Monitor potassium levels, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney disease | | 3 | Caution in patients with heart failure or other cardiovascular conditions | | 4 | Sudden discontinuation may exacerbate hypertension. |
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| additional informations | Valsartan is available in various dosage strengths and formulations. |
| patient details | |
