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What is Valsartan?
Valsartan belongs to a class of medications known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists, which help control high blood pressure. Angiotensin II is a substance in the body that causes blood vessels to narrow, causing an increase in blood pressure. Valsartan works by blocking the effect of angiotensin II. As a consequence, blood vessels relax and blood pressure drops.
How does it work?
Valsartan is a potent and specific angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonist with oral activity. It acts selectively on the AT1 receptor subtype, responsible for the known actions of angiotensin II. Elevated plasma levels of Ang II after the AT1 receptor blockade with valsartan may stimulate the unblocked AT2 receptor, which appears to offset the effect of the AT1 receptor. Valsartan shows no partial agonist activity on the AT1 receptor and shows a much higher affinity (approximately 20,000 times higher) for the AT1 receptor than for the AT2 receptor. Valsartan does not bind or block other hormone receptors or ion channels known to be of importance in cardiovascular regulation.
Valsartan does not inhibit ACE (also known as kininase II) that transforms Ang I to Ang II and breaks down bradykinin. Since there is no effect on ACE and bradykinin and substance P are not potentiated, angiotensin II antagonists are unlikely to be associated with cough. In clinical trials comparing valsartan with an ACE inhibitor, the incidence of dry cough was significantly lower (P <0.05) in patients treated with valsartan than in those treated with an ACE inhibitor (2.6 % vs. 7.9% respectively). In a clinical trial, in patients with a history of dry cough during treatment with an ACE inhibitor, 19.5% of trial subjects who received valsartan and 19.0% of those who received a thiazide diuretic experienced cough. , compared to 68.5% of those treated with the ACE inhibitor (P <0.05).
What are the benefits of taking it?
The benefits of Valsartan capsules include being be used for three different conditions:
- To treat high blood pressure in adults and children and adolescents from 6 to 18 years of age. High blood pressure increases the workload of the heart and arteries. If left untreated, it can damage the blood vessels of the brain, heart, and kidneys, and can lead to stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks. Lowering blood pressure to normal values reduces the risk of developing these disorders.
- to treat people after a recent heart attack (myocardial infarction). "Recent" here means between 12 hours and 10 days.
- to treat symptomatic heart failure in adult patients. Valsartan is used when it is not possible to use a group of medicines called Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) (a medicine to treat heart failure) or it can be used in addition to ACE inhibitors when it is not possible to use other medicines for the Treatment of heart failure.
How do I use it and its dosage?
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again. People with high blood pressure often do not notice any signs of the disease, many feel normal. This makes it very important to keep your doctor appointments even if you feel well.
Adult patients with high blood pressure: The recommended dose is 80 mg daily. In some cases your doctor may prescribe higher doses (for example 160 mg or 320 mg). You can also combine Valsartan with an additional medicine (for example a diuretic).
Use in children and adolescents (6 to 18 years of age) with high blood pressure:
In patients weighing less than 35 kg, the recommended dose is 40 mg of valsartan once daily. The recommended starting dose for patients weighing 35 kg or more is 80 mg of valsartan once daily. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe higher doses (the dose can be increased to 160 mg and up to a maximum of 320 mg).
Adult patients after a recent heart attack: After a heart attack, treatment is generally started at 12 hours, usually with a low dose of 20 mg, administered twice daily. The 20 mg dose is obtained by dividing the 40 mg tablet. Your doctor will gradually increase the dose over several weeks to a maximum of 160 mg twice a day. The final dose will depend on your particular tolerance.
Valsartan can be taken together with other medicines for heart attack, and your doctor will decide which treatment is right for you.
Adult patients with heart failure: Treatment is generally started with 40 mg twice a day. Your doctor will gradually increase the dose over several weeks to a maximum of 160 mg twice a day. The final dose will depend on your particular tolerance.
Valsartan can be given together with other treatments for heart failure, and your doctor will decide which treatment is right for you.
You can take Valsartan Almus with or without food. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
Take Valsartan Almus at around the same time each day.
Side effects & precautions
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Some side effects can be serious and may need immediate medical attention:
You may experience symptoms of angioedema (a specific allergic reaction), such as
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or pharynx
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- hives and itching
- If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking Valsartan Almus and contact your doctor immediately.
Other adverse effects include:
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 patients):
- dizziness
- low blood pressure, with or without symptoms such as dizziness, and fainting when standing up
- reduced kidney function (signs of kidney failure)
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 patients):
- angioedema
- sudden loss of consciousness (syncope)
- The feeling of rotation (vertigo)
- A marked decrease in kidney function (signs of acute kidney failure)
- muscle spasms, abnormal heart rhythm (signs of hyperkalemia)
- shortness of breath, trouble breathing when lying down, swelling of the feet or legs (signs of heart failure)
- headache
- cough
- abdominal pain
- sickness
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- weakness
Frequency not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
- blisters on the skin (a sign of bullous dermatitis)
- allergic reactions with rash, itching, and hives may occur; symptoms of fever, swelling and joint pain, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes and/or flu-like symptoms (signs of serum sickness)
- purple red spots, fever, itching (signs of inflammation of the blood vessels, also called vasculitis),
- more frequent bleeding or bruising (signs of thrombocytopenia)
- muscle pain (myalgia)
- fever, sore throat, or mouth ulcers from infections (symptoms of low white blood cell count, also called neutropenia)
- decreased hemoglobin level and decreased percentage of red blood cells in the blood (which can lead to anemia in severe cases)
- increased level of potassium in the blood (which, in severe cases, can cause muscle spasms and abnormal heart rhythm)
- elevated liver function values (which may indicate liver damage), including an increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood (which, in severe cases, can cause the skin and eyes to turn yellow)
- increased blood urea nitrogen level and increased serum creatinine level (which may indicate abnormal renal function).
- low blood sodium level (which, in severe cases, can cause tiredness, confusion, muscle twitching and/or seizures)
Buying valsartan 80 mg capsules online.
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