Side Effects
Common : Viral infections, neutropenia, hyperkalemia, dizziness, postural dizziness, vertigo, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, renal failure and impairment.Uncommon : Upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, sinusitis, insomnia, decreased libido, syncope, vertigo, cardiac failure, hypotension, cough, diarrhea, abdominal pain, back pain, fatigue, asthenia, headache and oedema. Rare : Dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Lithium , Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), including selective COX-2 inhibitors, acetylsalicylic acid >3 g/day), and non-selective NSAIDs , inhibitors of the uptake transporter (eg. rifampin, ciclosporin) or efflux transporter (eg. ritonavir) .
Indication
Valsartan is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions: • Hypertension. • Heart failure (NYHA class II-IV) in patients receiving usual therapy (e.g. diuretics, digitalis) who are intolerant to ACE inhibitors. • To improve survival following myocardial infarction in clinically stable patients with clinical or radiological evidence of left ventricular failure and/or with left ventricular systolic dysfunction .
When not to Use
Valsartan is contraindicated in patients with:- Patients with known hypersensitivity to valsartan or to any excipient of the product.- Patients with severe hepatic impairment, biliary cirrhosis and cholestasis.- Second and third trimester of pregnancy.- The concomitant use of valsartan with aliskiren-containing products is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal impairment (GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2).
