Valsartan is a prescription medication used to fight high blood pressure. Administered orally in the form of capsules, it is a common medication for individuals who have previously suffered from a heart attack. The medication works by blocking the receptors in blood vessels and helps to keep these vessels open and free of the blockages that can cause heart failure.
When taken, valsartan attaches itself to receptors on the walls of blood vessels. These receptors, called angiotensin receptors, are in large part responsible for creating blockages in the vessels. Without the presence of valsartan in the blood, a chemical called angiotensin attaches itself to these receptors and, when present in mass quantities, narrows the space available in the vessel for the transport of blood back to the heart.
This narrowing of the blood vessels increases blood pressure and the chance that an individual will suffer from heart failure or a fatal heart attack. Valsartan has been shown to be successful in lowering blood pressure in addition to keeping blood vessels open and clear. The drug has been deemed safe for use in teenagers and older children above the age of six for treatment of the same conditions.
Medication can be prescribed to individuals who cannot take other kinds of drugs for lowering blood pressure, especially angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. As it works differently than these medications, it can be a valuable alternative. In many cases, medical professionals will often start a client on a low dose of the drug and increase it over time until it is at the desired strength. Clinical tests have deemed it unsafe for pregnant women, and individuals who have liver or kidney problems should alert medical professionals before it is prescribed.
The side effects of valsartan are generally mild, although serious reactions such as loss of consciousness, swelling of the face, hands, and feet, as well as difficulty breathing, have been reported. The manifestation of these side effects could result in stopping the administration of the drug. Milder, more typical side effects will usually go away once the body adjusts to the drug, and include headaches, constipation, drowsiness, back or joint pain, and diarrhea. Some individuals have an allergic reaction to the drug, and may break out in a rash. Any side effects should be reported to the medical professional that prescribed the drug.
Other lifestyle changes may be recommended in conjunction with valsartan. A diet low in salt can also help lower blood pressure. Other medications, including over the counter or herbal medications, may interfere with valsartan.
