Medication Used To Treat High Blood Pressure and Heart Failure
High blood pressure and Heart failure are nowadays observed in a majority of the population.
- High Blood pressure: The blood pressure sometimes shows a consistent increase or stay out of the given normal range. This means that the B.P is 140/90 or more, then we can say the person has high B.P.
- Heart failure: Sometimes, your blood is unable to withstand the workload and gives up. We say the patient suffers from heart failure.
Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. FDA approved the above drug in December 1996.
How do Valsartan works?
Valsartan belongs to the class of medication called as Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is responsible for the synthesis of a natural chemical. It is called Angiotensin in the blood.
Valsartan blocks Angiotensin II. The chemical is necessary to tighten or narrow the blood vessels. This creates resistance to the blood flow. Blocking the Angiotensin receptor relaxes the blood vessels and the blood flows with ease. Thus, it lowers the blood pressure. The mechanism reduces the risk of damaging the heart because of hypertension.
How to take Valsartan?
Valsartan is an oral tablet. It is available in different strengths- 40 mg, 80 mg and 160 mg for the convenience of the dose. The dose depends on the age and condition that needs the treatment.
Adult Dosage-
- Recommended dose– 80 mg or 160 mg one time in a day.
- Maximum dose- 320 mg one time in a day.
Children Dosage.
- Recommended Dose- 40 mg one time in a day.
- Maximum dose – 160 mg one time in a day.
Comments:
- The dose is dependent on blood pressure response. Your doctor decides and may increase the dose when needed.
- Take the medicine at the same time every day.
- Continue to take the medicine, unless your doctor asks you to discontinue.
What are the uses of Valsartan?
- Valsartan is used to treat hypertension.
- It is helpful in the treatment of heart failure.
- Relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure.
- Lower blood pressure prevents strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.
- Improve chance of living longer after a heart attack.
- Used along with other medication to improve its efficiency.
- Improve heart’s efficiency to pump.
- It may also lower the chance of having to go the hospital for heart failure.
- Used to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes type II and B.P.
- Your doctor may advise you for some other reason. Talk with the doctor.
What are the precautions in taking Valsartan?
Talk to your doctor regarding the use and the risk of using Valsartan in certain conditions.
- Allergic to the above drug.
- Pregnant or Breast fluids.
- Diabetes
- Decreased Renal Function or kidney dialysis.
- History of angioedema as a reaction to ARBs.
- Using aliskiren (a drug).
- Liver disease.
- Dehydration
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of side effects.
Inform your doctor regarding other medicines you take.
Cost of Valsartan (Generic and Brand)
Generic drug and brand drug contain the same active ingredient. But Brand drugs are higher in their prices. They spend a huge amount of packing, pricing, and marketing. Generic drugs do not include this expenditure.
Cost of Generic Valsartan.
Quantity Strength Price Price per unit.
1) 14 tablets 40 mg $ 22.99 $ 1.64
2) 50 tablets 80 mg $ 68.99 $ 1.38
3) 50 tablets 160 mg $ 70.99 $ 1.42
Cost of brand Diovan.
Quantity Strength Price Price per unit.
1) 30 tablets 40 mg $ 112.73 $ 3.76
2) 30 tablets 80 mg $ 179.13 $ 5.97
3) 30 tablets 160 mg $ 183.50 $ 6.12