Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Valsartan is an oral medication that is used
to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It belongs to a class
of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) which also includes
irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), and candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin,
formed in the blood by the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), is a
powerful chemical that attaches to angiotensin receptors found in many tissues
but primarily on smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. Angiotensin's attachment
to the receptors causes the blood vessels to narrow (vasoconstrict) which leads
to an increase in blood pressure (hypertension ). Valsartan blocks the
angiotensin receptor. By blocking the action of angiotensin, valsartan dilates
blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. Valsartan was approved by the FDA in
December 1996.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 40, 80, 160 and 320 mg. Tablets are scored and
can be split.
STORAGE: Capsules should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86
F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure and
heart failure. It also is prescribed after heart attacks since valsartan may
reduce deaths in patients who developed congestive heart failure after a heart
attack. Valsartan also may reduce hospitalizations in patients with congestive
heart failure.
DOSING: The usual dose of valsartan for adults with high blood
pressure is 80 to 160 mg once daily. The maximum dose is 320 mg daily. Maximum
blood pressure reduction occurs within 4 weeks. For congestive heart failure,
the usual dose is 40 mg twice daily. The doses may be increased to 80-160 mg
twice daily. The initial dose after a heart attack is 20 mg twice daily. The
dose may be increased to 160 mg twice daily if tolerated without side effects.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Combining valsartan with potassium-sparing
diuretics (for example., spironolactone (Aldactone), triamterene, amiloride),
potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium may lead to
hyperkalemia (elevated potassium in the blood) and in heart failure patients, it
increases serum creatinine, a blood test used for monitoring function of the
kidneys.
Combining valsartan or other ARBs with
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
in patients who are elderly, fluid-depleted (including those on diuretic
therapy), or with poor kidney function may result in reduced kidney function,
including kidney failure. These effects are usually reversible. There have been
reports that aspirin and other NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Children's
Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc.), indomethacin (Indocin,
Indocin-SR), and naproxen (Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve) may reduce the
effects of ARBs.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly
elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above
140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. There are two causes of high blood pressure, primary and secondary. Primary high blood pressure is much more common that secondary and its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. It is known that a diet high in salt increases the risk for high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Genetic factors are also a primary cause. Secondary high blood pressure is generally caused by another condition such as renal hypertension, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure is generally lifestyle changes and if necessary, diet.
High blood pressure (hypertension) means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Treatment for high blood pressure include lifestyle modifications (alcohol, smoking, coffee, salt, diet, exercise), drugs and medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), alpha blockers, clonidine, minoxidil, and Exforge.
High blood pressure or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.
The top number, which is the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.
An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure incre...
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