by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: October 28, 2010

Valsartan is an Angiotensin receptor blocker medication prescribed by doctors. It is usually prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure.

FDA warning

This medication is examined by the FDA for increased cancer risk. But currently no conclusive data is available. But you can check the latest info on their website.

What are the dangerous side effects?

Rarely patients can get an allergic reaction to this medication. These include rashes, hives and itchiness. Sometimes it can lead to an anaphylactic shock. This is characterized by wide spread hives, low blood pressure, shortness of breath and pallor. Patient should seek immediate medical help if he/she gets this problem.

What are the common side effects?

 Some patients can get dizzy and can have marked low blood pressure. In addition, faintness is common after the first dose.  So patients are advised to stay in the home at least in the first day. Additionally lack of energy and strength, vertigo and easy fatigability are common side effects. Gastro intestinal disturbances like nausea and vomiting are also common. In addition some patients may get diarrhea.

What are the less common side effects?

Less common side effects are cardiac rhythm abnormalities (atrial fibrillation), headache and dizziness. Few patients may get shortness of breath and muscle/joint pains with this medication.

What the doctor should know before prescribing?

Before starting this medication, the doctor should know your complete medical history, including over the counter medication you are on.  Combining this medication with NSAIDs can have problems.

This drug is known to cause problems if you have,

* Bilateral renal artery stenosis

* Liver diseases

* Aortic or mitral valve problems

* Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The doctor may check your potassium levels in the blood before starting Valsartan, because serum potassium levels can go up with this medication.

 If you are pregnant or nursing, doctor will not start Valsartan. Taking Valsartan in pregnancy can harm your unborn baby. This drug is present in breast milk in significant amounts, so it should not be used in breast feeding as well. In addition inform your doctor if you got pregnant while on Valsartan.

How Valsartan works?

Valsartan acts by blocking angiotensin receptors. Angiotensin is considered one of the most potent natural agents that increase the blood pressure. However unlike ACE inhibitors (Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors), this drug do not block Bradikinin metabolism. So the side effect of dry cough is less with this drug.

Summary

Valsartan is a potent antihypertensive medication. It can cause significant reduction in your blood pressure which can result in faintness. In addition it can harm your unborn child, if you take it during pregnancy.

 Sources

AHFS Drug information

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