Valent 40 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

VALENT 40 MG TABLET

Valent 40 Tablet, manufactured by Lupin Ltd., is a medication primarily used for cardiovascular health.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Valent 40 Tablet
  • Common Name: Valsartan

• Composition:

  • Each tablet contains 40 mg of Valsartan. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).

• Uses: Valent 40 Tablet is prescribed for the following conditions:

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): It helps lower high blood pressure by relaxing and widening blood vessels.
  • Heart Failure: It improves the heart's pumping efficiency and reduces symptoms.
  • Prevention of Heart Attack and Stroke: By lowering blood pressure and improving heart function, it reduces the risk of future cardiovascular events.
  • Post-Myocardial Infarction: Used in clinically stable patients with left ventricular failure or dysfunction following a heart attack to reduce cardiovascular mortality.
  • Kidney Function Preservation: Especially beneficial for patients with diabetes by protecting kidney function.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Typically taken orally once daily, with or without food.
  • For hypertension, the usual adult starting dose is 80 to 160 mg once daily, adjusted based on response.
  • For heart failure, the initial adult dose is typically 40 mg twice daily, increasing to 160 mg twice daily as tolerated.
  • Following a heart attack, treatment can start as early as 12 hours with an initial dose of 20 mg twice daily, gradually increased.
  • Swallow the tablet whole with water; do not crush, chew, or break. Consistency in timing is recommended for optimal effectiveness.

• Side Effects:

  • Common: Dizziness, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, back pain, cough, joint pain (arthralgia), rash, dyspepsia, orthostatic hypotension.
  • Serious (Rare): Fainting, irregular heartbeats, swelling (angioedema), increased creatinine levels, hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).

• Precautions:

  • Contraindications: Not recommended during pregnancy due to fetal harm risk, severe liver disease, diabetes, or impaired kidney function, especially if taking aliskiren.
  • Warnings: Use with caution in patients with severe heart disease, aldosteronism, dehydration, or those on a low-salt diet or high doses of diuretics.
  • Interactions: Avoid potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, and NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) without consulting a doctor, as they can increase the risk of hyperkalemia or kidney problems.
  • Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase dizziness.
  • Children: Not recommended for children under 6 years.
  • Driving/Machinery: May cause dizziness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.
  • Monitoring: Regular blood tests to monitor kidney function, blood pressure, and potassium levels are important during treatment.

• Storage:

  • Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature, ideally between 15°C to 30°C.
  • Protect from moisture and direct sunlight.
  • Keep out of reach and sight of children.
  • Always check the expiry date before use.

Frequently Asked Questions about VALENT 40 MG TABLET

VALENT 40 MG TABLET contains the active ingredient Valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), primarily used to treat cardiovascular conditions.

What is VALENT 40 MG TABLET used for?

VALENT 40 MG TABLET is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children aged 6 years and older. It is also prescribed for adults to treat heart failure and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality in clinically stable patients who have experienced a heart attack with left ventricular dysfunction.

How does VALENT 40 MG TABLET work?

VALENT 40 MG TABLET works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a natural substance in the body that narrows blood vessels. By blocking its effects, Valsartan causes blood vessels to relax and widen, which lowers blood pressure and allows the heart to pump blood more easily. This action also helps reduce the secretion of aldosterone, decreasing sodium and water retention.

What is the usual dosage for VALENT 40 MG TABLET?

The dosage of VALENT 40 MG TABLET varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient's age. For adults with high blood pressure, the typical starting dose is 80 mg or 160 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 320 mg per day. For heart failure, the usual starting dose is 40 mg twice daily, which may be increased up to a maximum of 320 mg per day in divided doses. Following a heart attack, treatment can start as early as 12 hours after the event with 20 mg twice daily, gradually increasing to a target maintenance dose of 160 mg twice daily. For children aged 6 to 16 with high blood pressure, the dose is weight-based, starting around 1 mg/kg once daily, not exceeding 40 mg/day initially, with a maximum of 4 mg/kg (up to 160 mg/day).

What are the possible side effects of VALENT 40 MG TABLET?

Common side effects can include dizziness, headache, fatigue, low blood pressure, diarrhea, and joint or back pain. Some people may also experience flu-like symptoms, stomach pain, or a cough. Serious but rare side effects include kidney problems, increased potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), and severe allergic reactions like angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). If you experience severe side effects, seek immediate medical attention.

Is VALENT 40 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No, VALENT 40 MG TABLET is not recommended during pregnancy. It can cause serious harm or death to the unborn baby, especially when taken during the second and third trimesters, by reducing fetal renal function and increasing fetal and neonatal morbidity and death. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, you should stop taking it and contact your doctor immediately. It is also generally not recommended during breastfeeding, as it is unknown if Valsartan passes into breast milk and could potentially harm the nursing infant.

Can VALENT 40 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

VALENT 40 MG TABLET can interact with several other medications, which may require dose adjustments or careful monitoring by your doctor. It should not be co-administered with aliskiren in patients with diabetes due to an increased risk of side effects. Concomitant use with ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) or potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone) can increase the risk of high blood potassium and kidney problems. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may reduce the blood pressure-lowering effect of Valsartan and increase the risk of kidney problems. Lithium levels can also be increased when taken with Valsartan, potentially leading to toxicity. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while using VALENT 40 MG TABLET?

It is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, severe heart failure, or are dehydrated. Regularly monitor your blood pressure and potassium levels as advised by your healthcare provider. This medication can cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly, so be cautious when driving or operating machinery. Avoid using salt substitutes that contain potassium unless specifically advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking VALENT 40 MG TABLET suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this could cause your blood pressure to increase.

What happens if a dose of VALENT 40 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of VALENT 40 MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should VALENT 40 MG TABLET be stored?

VALENT 40 MG TABLET should be stored at room temperature, typically between 68ºF to 77ºF (20ºC to 25ºC). Keep the tablets in their tightly closed container in a dry place to protect them from moisture. Always ensure this medication is kept out of the reach of children.