Product Info

Valsartan (val-SAR-tan) is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to treat heart failure in people who cannot take angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and to reduce the risk of death after a heart attack. Valsartan controls high blood pressure and heart failure but does not cure them.

Valsartan comes as a tablet to take by mouth. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it is usually taken once a day with or without food. For the treatment of heart failure, it is usually taken twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take Valsartan, take it around the same time every day. Take Valsartan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take Valsartan even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Valsartan without talking to your doctor.

Abdominal pain, allergic reactions, back pain, blurred vision, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, headache, joint pain, low blood pressure, nausea, runny nose, sinus inflammation, sore throat, stomach pain, swelling, swollen mouth and throat, upper respiratory infections, vertigo, viral infections. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately: swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs, hoarseness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fainting. Valsartan may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. Symptoms of overdose may include: Dizziness, fainting, rapid or pounding heartbeat. If you suspect an overdose of Valsartan, seek medical attention immediately.

Before taking Valsartan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to Valsartan or any other medications. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention the following: angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and trandolapril (Mavik); beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal); and diuretics ('water pills'). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease. Tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.

Before taking Valsartan, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs: any other blood pressure medications; or a diuretic (water pill) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), or triamterene (Dyrenium, Maxzide, Dyazide). If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Valsartan, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment. There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Valsartan. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Valsartan out of the reach of children and away from pets.