Valsartan

DEA Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Diovan

• ARBs

Oral angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
Used in adults to treat hypertension, reduce heart failure related hospitalizations in those with heart failure (NYHA Class II to IV), and reduce cardiovascular mortality risk in those with left ventricular failure or dysfunction post-myocardial infarction
Also used to treat hypertension in pediatric patients 1 year of age and older

Indicated for treatment of hypertension by lowering blood pressure (BP)

Indicated to reduce risk of hospitalization for patients with heartfailure (NYHA class II-IV)

Indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in clinically stable patients with left ventricular failure or left ventricular dysfunction following myocardial infarction (MI)

Hypersensitivity

Coadministration with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus

Hypertension, adult

• Dry cough

Heart failure

• Increased BUN ≥50% (16.6%)
• Dizziness (17%)
• Hypotension (7%)
• Diarrhea (5%)
• Arthralgia (3%)
• Fatigue (3%)
• Back pain (3%)
• Dizziness, postural (2%)
• Hyperkalemia (2%)
• Hypotension, postural (2%)

Increased serum creatinine ≥50% (3.9%)

• Headache
• Nausea
• Renal impairment
• Syncope
• Blurred vision
• Upper abdominal pain
• Vertigo

May cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant females

Changes in renal function including acute renal failure may occur; monitor renal function periodically

Some patients with heart failure have developed increases in potassium; effects are more likely to occur in patients with pre-existing renal impairment; consider a dosage reduction and/or discontinuation

Fetal harm may occur when administer in pregnant females

Use of drug that act on the RAS during second and third trimesters of pregnancy reduces fetal renal function and increases fetal and neonatal morbidity and death

When pregnancy is detected, discontinue therapy as soon as possible