Scientific Name • Valsartan Tablets Category Anti-Hypertensive Drugs Mechanism Of Action Of Valsartan • Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It works by blocking a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to constrict. • As a result, valsartan relaxes the blood vessels. This lowers blood pressure and increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Therapeutic Indications Of • Valsartan is a prescription medicine used in: 1. In adults to lower high blood pressure (hypertension). Valsartan may be used alone or in combination with other blood pressure medicines. 2. To treat heart failure in adults. Valsartan may help decrease your need for hospitalization that happens with heart failure. 3. Adults with certain types of heart failure, to increase the chance of living longer after a heart attack (myocardial infarction). • Valsartan should not be used to treat high blood pressure in children less than 1 year of age. • It is not known if valsartan is safe and effective in children with certain kidney problems Method Of Administration • Take the tablet(s) exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. • For treatment of high blood pressure, take the tablet(s) time each day • For adults with heart failure or who have had a heart attack, take the tablet(s) 2 times each day. • Your healthcare provider may start you on a low dose of valsartan and may increase the dose during your treatment. • The tablet(s) can be taken with or without food • Doses may be changed in special conditions so always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. • If you take more than you should, talk to a doctor or go to the hospital straight away. • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember it unless it is nearly time for your next dose. • Do not take a double dose (two doses at the same time) to make up for the forgotten dose. Undesirable Side Effects • Headache • Flu-like symptoms • Tiredness • Stomach (abdominal) pain • Dizziness • Low blood pressure • Diarrhea • Joint and back pain • High blood potassium • Cough • High blood creatinine (decreased kidney function) Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Precautions While Taking Tablets • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Non-Pharmacological Treatments & Advice To Reduce Blood Pressure • To measure blood pressure correctly: 1. Don’t eat or drink anything 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure. 2. Empty your bladder before your reading. 3. Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your reading. 4. Put both feet flat on the ground and keep your legs uncrossed. 5. Rest your arm with the cuff on a table at chest height. 6. Make sure the blood pressure cuff is snug but not too tight. The cuff should be against your bare skin, not over clothing. 7. Do not talk while your blood pressure is being measured. • You will also find the following Non-Pharmacological treatments effective in blood pressure reduction: 1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline 2. Exercise regularly 3. Eat a healthy diet 4. Reduce sodium in your diet 5. Quit smoking 6. Reduce caffeine 7. Reduce your stress 8. Monitor your blood pressure at home using for example Beurer, Blood Pressure Monitor or Omron Blood Pressure Measuring Device 9. See your doctor regularly Warnings & Special Precautions While Taking • Do not take this tablet if you: 1. are allergic to any of the ingredients in the drug. 2. have diabetes and you are also taking aliskiren. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are not sure. • Before taking this drug, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including, if you: 1. have heart problems 2. have kidney problems • Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements • Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: 1. Other medicines for high blood pressure or a heart problem 2. Water pills (also called “diuretics”) 3. Potassium-containing medicines, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium. Your healthcare provider may check the amount of potassium in your blood regularly. 4. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 5. Your healthcare provider will check the amount of lithium in your blood regularly Storage Conditions • Store below 25°c • Don’t refrigerate • Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. • Store in the original package to protect from moisture. • Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the box/blisters/label. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.