This eMedTV segment explores valsartan, a prescription drug that treats several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels (like high blood pressure). This page covers valsartan side effects, how the drug works, and how and when to take it.
What is valsartan used for? As this eMedTV page explains, valsartan treats several conditions related to the heart and blood vessels (including congestive heart failure) -- and can also decrease the risks that occur with long-term high blood pressure.
Among the side effects of valsartan listed on this eMedTV page are common side effects like dizziness and back pain, rare side effects like insomnia and impotence, and side effects to report to your doctor right away, such as unexplained skin rash.
The starting valsartan dose following a heart attack is 20 mg twice daily. This eMedTV page also lists dosages for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure -- and factors that can affect valsartan dosing, such as how you respond to valsartan.
This eMedTV page describes how drug interactions with valsartan can alter the levels of some drugs in the blood and lower blood pressure too much. Diuretics and potassium supplements are among the drugs that can potentially interact with valsartan.
Diabetes and liver disease are among the conditions to tell your doctor about before taking valsartan. This eMedTV page also lists other warnings and precautions with valsartan, like the safety of taking it with potassium supplements or while nursing.
Dizziness and kidney failure are among the possible symptoms of a valsartan overdose. This eMedTV page advises seeking immediate medical attention if you overdose on valsartan, and also lists overdose treatment options (such as pumping the stomach).
This eMedTV page warns against buying any of the fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous drugs sold as "generic valsartan." An approved generic for valsartan will not be available until at least 2012, when the first patent for Diovan expires.
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