Valsartan capsules
What do valsartan capsules do?
VALSARTAN (Diovan(R)) helps lower blood pressure to normal levels. It controls high blood pressure, but it is not a cure. High blood pressure can damage your kidneys, and may lead to a stroke or heart failure. Valsartan helps prevent these things from happening.
What should my health care professional know before I take valsartan?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• heart failure
• kidney disease, specifically renal artery stenosis
• liver disease
• electrolyte imbalance (e.g. low or high levels of potassium in the blood)
• if you are on a special diet, such as a low-salt diet (e.g. using potassium substitutes)
• an unusual or allergic reaction to valsartan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take valsartan capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Valsartan can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with valsartan?
• blood pressure medications
• hawthorn
• lithium
• potassium salts or potassium supplements
• water pills (especially potassium-sparing diuretics such as triamterene or amiloride)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking valsartan?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
• difficulty breathing or swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hands, or feet
• unusual rash
Other:
• decreased amount of urine passed
• confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting spells
• fast or uneven heart beat, palpitations, or chest pain
• decreased sexual function
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• cough
• diarrhea
• fatigue or tiredness
• headache
• nausea or stomach pain