Valent 160

VALENT 160

Name

• Common Name: Valsartan
• Brand Name: VALENT 160
• Manufacturer: Lupin Ltd.

Composition

VALENT 160 contains Valsartan 160 mg as its active ingredient. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that works by blocking the action of a chemical (angiotensin II) that usually causes blood vessels to tighten, leading to increased blood pressure. By blocking this effect, VALENT 160 relaxes and widens blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily and reducing the heart's workload.

Uses

VALENT 160 is prescribed for several cardiovascular conditions:

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): It helps manage high blood pressure, reducing the strain on the heart and arteries, which lowers the risk of complications.
• Heart Failure: It improves heart function by easing the workload on the heart, improving circulation, and enhancing the overall quality of life for patients.
• Prevention of Heart Attack and Stroke: By keeping blood pressure under control and protecting blood vessels, it significantly reduces the likelihood of major cardiovascular events.
• Preserving Kidney Function: It is effective in preserving kidney function, particularly in patients with diabetes.
• Left Ventricular Failure After a Heart Attack: It is also used to treat left ventricular failure following a recent myocardial infarction.

Dosage and Administration

VALENT 160 can be prescribed alone or in combination with other medicines.

• General Guidance: Take VALENT 160 as advised by your doctor, typically once daily, with or without food.
• Timing: It should be taken at the same time each day to maximize benefits.
• Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew, crush, or break it.
• Hypertension (Adults): The usual starting dose is 80 mg or 160 mg once daily. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor but typically should not exceed 320 mg per day.
• Heart Failure (Adults): The recommended starting dose is 40 mg twice daily. The dose can be gradually increased to 80 mg and 160 mg twice daily, with a maximum daily dose of 320 mg in divided doses.
• Left Ventricular Failure After Heart Attack (Adults): Therapy may be initiated as early as 12 hours after a myocardial infarction with an initial dose of 20 mg twice daily, titrated up to 40 mg, 80 mg, and 160 mg twice daily over several weeks, not exceeding 320 mg per day.
• Pediatric Use: Not recommended for children under 6 years of age. For children 1 to 16 years with high blood pressure, the dose is based on body weight, usually starting at 1 mg/kg per day, not exceeding 4 mg/kg or 160 mg per day.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness (especially after the first dose or when standing up quickly)
• Headache
• Abdominal pain, stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Fatigue, weakness, body pain, chills
• Rash
• Increased creatinine level in blood
• Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
• Difficult or painful urination, back pain
• Nasal congestion, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough
• Acid or sour stomach, heartburn
• Swelling (edema)

Serious Side Effects:

• Severe hypotension (very low blood pressure)
• Hyperkalemia (increased potassium levels in the blood), which can cause cardiac rhythm irregularities
• Angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, leading to difficulty breathing or swallowing)

Precautions

• Pregnancy: VALENT 160 is unsafe during pregnancy and can cause serious harm or death to the unborn baby. It is contraindicated for pregnant women. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: It is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding; consult your doctor.
• Kidney Disease: Use with caution in patients with kidney problems. Dose adjustment may be needed for severe kidney disease, and regular monitoring of kidney function is recommended. It is not recommended for patients with severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance <10 ml/min) or those on dialysis.
• Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with liver disease. It is contraindicated in severe liver disease, biliary cirrhosis, and cholestasis. The dose should not exceed 80 mg in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment without cholestasis.
• Diabetes: Concomitant use with aliskiren (another blood pressure medicine) is contraindicated in patients with diabetes mellitus.
• Dehydration/Volume Depletion: Patients who are volume depleted or treated with high doses of diuretics may experience symptomatic hypotension.
• Potassium Levels: Avoid potassium-rich foods, potassium supplements, potassium-sparing diuretics, and other agents that may increase potassium levels (e.g., heparin) due to the risk of hyperkalemia.
• Alcohol: It is unsafe to consume alcohol with VALENT 160 as it may increase dizziness.
• Driving: VALENT 160 may cause dizziness or blurring of vision, so exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
• Angioedema: Not recommended for use in patients with a known history of angioedema.
• Aortic Stenosis: Use with extreme caution in patients with aortic stenosis due to an increased risk of very low blood pressure.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medicines, supplements, or herbal preparations you are taking. VALENT 160 may interact with other antihypertensive medications (like ACE inhibitors, aliskiren), lithium, NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen), and certain diuretics (e.g., amiloride, spironolactone).
• Do Not Stop Abruptly: Do not stop taking VALENT 160 suddenly, as it can worsen your condition. Consult your doctor for dosage adjustments.
• Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a low-salt and low-fat diet, weight loss, and smoking cessation are also recommended to complement the treatment.

Storage

Store VALENT 160 below 25°C or 30°C, protected from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach and sight of children and pets.

What is VALENT 160 used for?

VALENT 160 (Valsartan 160mg) is primarily used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults and children aged 6 to less than 18 years. It is also prescribed for managing heart failure and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality, such as heart attack and stroke, in stable patients with left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack. Additionally, it can help preserve kidney function in patients with diabetes.

How does VALENT 160 work?

VALENT 160 belongs to a class of medicines called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). It works by blocking the action of a natural chemical in the body called angiotensin II, which typically causes blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise. By blocking this effect, VALENT 160 helps relax and widen the blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more smoothly and efficiently, thus lowering blood pressure and reducing the workload on the heart.

What is the usual dosage of VALENT 160?

The dosage of VALENT 160 depends on the condition being treated and individual response. For high blood pressure, an adult starting dose is often 80 mg once daily, which may be increased to 160 mg or a maximum of 320 mg once daily if needed. For heart failure, treatment typically starts at 40 mg twice daily and can be increased to 80 mg or 160 mg twice daily as tolerated. After a heart attack, treatment can begin as early as 12 hours post-event, usually starting at 20 mg twice daily, and gradually increased up to 160 mg twice daily over several weeks. It can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time each day to maximize benefits.

What are the possible side effects of VALENT 160?

Common side effects include dizziness, headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Other possible side effects are decreased blood pressure, rash, and increased levels of creatinine and potassium in the blood. More serious but less common side effects can include severe low blood pressure, kidney problems, and angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat). If you experience persistent or severe side effects, or any signs of an allergic reaction like swelling, seek immediate medical attention.

Is VALENT 160 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: VALENT 160 is not recommended during pregnancy and is considered unsafe, especially during the second and third trimesters. It can cause serious harm to the developing baby, including kidney damage, lung problems, and reduced fluid around the baby. If you become pregnant while taking VALENT 160, you should stop taking it immediately and consult your doctor to switch to a safer alternative. Breastfeeding: It is generally not recommended to use VALENT 160 while breastfeeding. It is not fully known how much valsartan passes into breast milk, and there is a small risk that it could lower the baby's blood pressure. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are breastfeeding to discuss the best course of action.

Can VALENT 160 be taken with other medications?

VALENT 160 can interact with several other medications. It should not be taken with medicines containing aliskiren, especially if you have diabetes or impaired kidney function. Concomitant use with potassium supplements or potassium-sparing diuretics (like amiloride, spironolactone) is not recommended as it can lead to increased potassium levels in the blood. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin may reduce the effectiveness of VALENT 160 and potentially affect kidney function when taken together. Lithium levels can also be increased if taken with VALENT 160. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal preparations you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while taking VALENT 160?

Before taking VALENT 160, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies to valsartan or any other ingredients. Use with caution if you have severe kidney disease, liver disease (especially severe impairment), severe heart disease, aldosteronism, or dehydration. Regular monitoring of your blood pressure, kidney function (urea, creatinine), and potassium levels will likely be recommended by your doctor. It is advised to avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase dizziness. To prevent orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing), rise slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a low-salt and low-fat diet and regular exercise, is also recommended to complement the treatment. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor.

What happens if a dose of VALENT 160 is missed?

If you miss a dose of VALENT 160, 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 the missed one.

How should VALENT 160 be stored?

VALENT 160 tablets should be stored at room temperature, typically between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Keep the medicine protected from moisture and heat. Store it in its original container with the lid tightly closed, and ensure it is kept out of reach and sight of children and pets. Do not use the medicine after its expiry date.