What is Valzaar (Valsartan) used for?

Valzaar (Valsartan) is an oral angiotensin II receptor used to treat patients with hypertension. The medication relaxes blood vessels allowing easier blood flow to increase circulation throughout the body and reduce the amount of work required by the heart. This effect may also make it useful for treating heart failure when an ACE inhibitor is not suitable or to increase survivability following a heart attack. Your physician may prescribe it for other unlisted purposes, as well.

How should I use Valzaar (Valsartan)?

Always use Valzaar (Valsartan) according to your physician's directions to get the most effective results from treatment. The normal dosage is one tablet taken once or twice each day, but your individual instructions will be based on the condition being treated, your current health, and the severity of your symptoms. Swallow these doses whole and unaltered with a large glass of water. They may be taken on an empty stomach, but a meal or snack is recommended prior to use if you experience nausea. Do not alter the form of the tablets in any way to avoid destroying or changing the effects of their contents. Ask your physician any questions you have about the medication to ensure the correct usage.

What are the side effects of Valzaar (Valsartan)?

Valzaar (Valsartan) may cause side effects in some patients including:

• Headaches
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Upset stomach or diarrhea
• Nausea
• Flu symptoms (Runny nose, sore throat, or coughing)
• Joint or back pain
• Blurry vision
• Mild skin rash or itchiness

Serious side effects that may require emergency medical attention are trouble breathing, weakness, irregular heartbeat, urinary retention, unusual swelling, faintness, or high levels of potassium. Immediately inform your physician about any unusual symptoms you experience to make sure the correct response is taken to prevent further complications. These may include lower doses or reduced frequency of administration.

Please Note

Do not use Valzaar (Valsartan) if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, fructose intolerant, lactose intolerant, if the patient being treated is under the age of six, or if you have an adrenal gland disorder, biliary cirrhosis, bile flow disruptions, or severely decreased liver function. It is also important to inform your physician if you are elderly, undergoing kidney dialysis, or if you have low fluid volumes in the body, a recent kidney transplant, severe heart failure, renal artery stenosis, angioedema, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, or if you have severely decreased liver function. These conditions may require reduced dosages or other alterations to your regimen to prevent unexpected complications from occurring.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Valzaar (Valsartan). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.