Arovan

Indications

Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure in adults and children aged 6 years and over, heart failure, and to protect the heart after a recent heart attack.

How It Works

Valsartan blocks the action of a natural hormone called angiotensin II, which narrows blood vessels. With this hormone blocked, blood vessels relax, blood pressure falls and the heart can pump more easily.

Dosage and Administration

• High blood pressure (adults): usually 80 mg once a day. The doctor may increase it to 160 mg and up to 320 mg once a day if needed. The full effect is seen within about 2 to 4 weeks.
• Heart failure: usually started at 40 mg twice a day and increased slowly, as prescribed, up to 160 mg twice a day.
• After a heart attack: started at a low dose (20 mg twice a day) and increased slowly as prescribed, up to 160 mg twice a day.
• Children: as prescribed, based on weight.

Take at about the same time each day, with or without food. Keep taking it even if you feel well.

Interactions

Potassium supplements, potassium-containing salt substitutes, Spironolactone, Amiloride and Trimethoprim can raise blood potassium. Combining with ACE inhibitors (such as Enalapril or Ramipril) or Aliskiren increases the risk of low blood pressure, high potassium and kidney problems. Painkillers such as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac can reduce its effect and harm the kidneys. It can raise Lithium levels. Other blood pressure medicines add to its effect.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy, especially after the first 3 months.
• Severe liver disease, biliary cirrhosis or blocked bile flow.
• Use with Aliskiren in people with diabetes or reduced kidney function.
• Allergy to Valsartan.

Side Effects

Common: dizziness, especially when standing up, tiredness, and changes in kidney tests or blood potassium. Less common: headache, cough, stomach upset and back pain.

Get urgent medical help if you have swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fainting, an irregular or very slow heartbeat with muscle weakness (signs of high potassium), or passing much less urine than usual.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Do not take Valsartan if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, as it can seriously harm the baby. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor straight away to switch to another treatment. It is not recommended while breastfeeding, especially for newborn or premature babies; other medicines are usually preferred.

Precautions and Warnings

Your doctor may check your kidney function and potassium levels, especially at the start. Use with care if you are dehydrated (for example from vomiting or diarrhoea), on a low-salt diet or taking high doses of diuretics, or have kidney artery narrowing, heart valve narrowing or a past history of facial swelling with other blood pressure medicines. Stand up slowly if you feel dizzy.

Overdose

Too much can cause very low blood pressure with severe dizziness or fainting, and a fast or slow heartbeat. Lie down with the legs raised and get medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.