Co - vasotec tablets
CO - VASOTEC: VALSARTAN 160 MG + HYDROCHLOROTHIAZIDE 25 MG
Valsartan blocks the actions of angiotensin II, which include constricting blood vessels and activating aldosterone, to reduce blood pressure. The drug binds to angiotensin type I receptors (AT1), working as an antagonist. This mechanism of action is different than the ACE inhibitor drugs, which block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Since valsartan acts at the receptor, it can provide more complete angiotensin II antagonism since angiotensin II is generated by other enzymes as well as ACE. Also, valsartan does not affect the metabolism of bradykinin like ACE inhibitors do.
Indications:
Valsartan is used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and to reduce death for people with left ventricular dysfunction after having had a heart attack.There is contradictory evidence with regard to treating people with heart failure with a combination of an angiotensin receptor blocker like valsartan and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, with two major clinical trials (CHARM-additive and ValHeFt) showing a reduction in death, and two others (VALIANT and ONTARGET) showing no benefits, and more adverse effects including heart attacks.In people with type II diabetes and high blood pressure or albumin in the urine, valsartan is used to slow the worsening and the development end-stage renal disease.
Contraindications:
The packaging for valsartan includes a warning stating the drug should not be used with the renin inhibitor aliskiren in people with diabetes mellitus. It also states the drug should not be used in people with kidney disease.Valsartan falls in FDA pregnancy category D and includes a black box warning for fetal toxicity. Discontinuation of these agents is recommended immediately after detection of pregnancy and an alternative medication should be started. The US labeling makes no recommendation regarding continuation or discontinuation of valsartan for breast-feeding mothers. The Canadian labeling does not recommend use by nursing women.
Interactions:
CO - VASOTEC (Valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide)
The US prescribing information lists the following drug interactions for valsartan: Other inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system may increase the risks of low blood pressure, kidney problems, and hyperkalemiaPotassium sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassium may increase the risk of hyperkalemia.NSAIDs may increase the risk of kidney problems and may interfere with blood pressure-lowering effects.Valsartan may increase the concentration of lithium.
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