How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient valsartan, which is a type of medicine called an angiotensin II antagonist. It works by preventing the action of a hormone in the body called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II normally acts on special receptors in the body, with two main results. Firstly, it causes the peripheral blood vessels to narrow, and secondly, it stimulates the production of another hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone causes salt and water to be retained by the kidneys, which increases the volume of fluid in the blood vessels. Valsartan blocks the receptors that angiotensin II acts on, and so prevents its actions. The main result of this is that the peripheral blood vessels are allowed to widen, which means that there is more space and less resistance in these blood vessels. This is the main mechanism by which the pressure in the blood vessels is lowered. Blocking the actions of angiotensin II also reduces the action of aldosterone on the kidneys. The result of this is an increase in the amount of fluid removed from the blood by the kidneys. This decreases the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, which also lessens the resistance and pressure in the blood vessels. The combined overall effect of these changes is to lower the blood pressure.

What is it used for?

High blood pressure

Warning!

The safety and efficacy of this medicine in children has not been studied by the manufacturer.

Dizziness and weariness may occasionally occur during treatment with blood pressure lowering medicines. If you are affected, caution is required when driving or operating machinery.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Elderly people

Mild to moderately decreased liver function

Narrowing of the artery which supplies blood to the kidneys (renal artery stenosis)

People with low fluid volume or salt levels in the body, eg due to diuretic therapy, low-sodium diet, diarrhoea or vomiting

Severe heart failure

Not to be used in

Blockage of the bile duct (biliary obstruction)

Liver cirrhosis

Pregnancy

Severely decreased liver function

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the unborn baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk, therefore it is not recommended for use during breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Diarrhoea

Fatigue

Dizziness

Decrease in the number of a type of white blood cell (neutrophil) in the blood (neutropenia)

Decrease in the number of platelets in the blood (thrombocytopenia)

Cough

Decreased kidney function

Disturbances of liver function

Fainting (syncope)

Pain in the muscles and joints

Temporary taste disturbance

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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