Indications
Valsartan is used in the management of hypertension, to reduce mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction, and in the management of heart failure.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to any of the active substance or excipients.
Pregnancy.
Compositon/Ingredients
Valsartan 80mg
Dosage and administration
In hypertension: An initial dose is 80 mg once daily. This may be increased, if necessary, to 160 mg once daily, doses of up to 320 mg once daily have been used. Elderly patients over 75 years, patients with intravascular volume depletion, hepatic or renal impairment: An initial dose is 40 mg once daily.
In heart failure: An initial dose is 40 mg twice daily. The dose should be increased, as tolerated, to 160 mg twice daily.
Following myocardial infarction: Valsartan may be started as early as 12 hours after the infarction in clinically stable patients, in an initial dose of 20 mg twice daily; the dose may be doubled at intervals over the next few weeks up to 160 mg twice daily if tolerated. A maximum dose of 80 mg twice daily is recommended in hepatic impairment.
Precaution
Use with caution in patients with bilateral or unilateral renal artery stenosis.
Increases of blood urea and serum creatinine and changes in renal function including renal failure (very rarely) have been reported particularly in patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction or those with severe cardiac insufficiency. Serum potassium should be monitored in renally impaired or elderly patients if they are also taking potassium supplement.
When pregnancy is detected, valsartan should be discontinued as soon as possible. Because of the potential for adverse effects on the nursing infant, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Patients should be aware of how they react to drug before driving or operating machinery.
Storage
Store at temperature below 30 degrees Celsius, protect from light.
