Lecithin
Valsartan should not be used in patients allergic to peanut or soya.
Genetic Problems
This medicine should not be used in patients with rare genetic problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or disturbed absorption of glucose-galactose.
Heart Problems
Precaution should be taken in patients with obstruction in the blood flow of the heart (aortic and mitral valve
stenosis) and thickening of the heart muscles (Hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy).
Abnormality in the Functioning of the Liver
Patients with an abnormality in the functioning of the liver or in the bile flow (
cholestasis) are at increased risk when using Valsartan. Take necessary precautions in such patients.
Swelling in the Lower Layer of the Skin
Patients with a history of swelling of the lower layer of skin or taking Valsartan are at an increased risk when using Valsartan. These patients may experience swelling of the larynx, lips, face, tongue, pharynx, an opening between the vocal folds (glottis), and airway obstruction. Valsartan should be discontinued immediately on the occurrence of swelling of the lower layer of the skin and should not be started again.
Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System
Patients using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, ramipril or aliskiren are at an increased risk while using Valsartan. Such patients are at an increased risk of low blood pressure, increased
potassium level, and decreased functioning of the kidneys. Avoid the combined use of angiotensin II receptor blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, ramipril or aliskiren. Proper monitoring of the functioning of the kidney, blood pressure, and electrolytes should be considered.
Use of Valsartan in Children
Children with an abnormality in the functioning of the kidney/liver,
fever, or
dehydration are at an increased risk when using Valsartan. Valsartan should not be used in children with
creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min, severe abnormal functioning of the liver, and obstruction of bile flow (
cholestasis, and obstructive biliary disorders). Monitoring of the functioning of the kidney and
potassium levels should be considered. Also, patients with abnormal functioning of the kidney should not use angiotensin II receptor blocker or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors with aliskiren.
Increased Mortality in Infants
A fetus is at increased risk when pregnant women use this medicine. The use of Valsartan during the second and third trimesters of
pregnancy may lead to fetal and neonatal injury, including reduced functioning of the kidney, low blood pressure, deficiency of amniotic fluid, abnormalities of the skull and lung, insufficiency to produce urine, kidney failure, or other fatal conditions. Discontinue the use of Valsartan immediately after diagnosis of pregnancy.
Low Blood Pressure
Patients with high blood pressure, heart diseases, and
sodium or volume-depleted patients taking Valsartan are at increased risk. Symptomatic low blood pressure, increased level of
potassium and decreased functioning of the kidney, and fatality may occur in these patients when taking Valsartan alone or in combination with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The condition of the patient should be corrected and monitored before starting Valsartan therapy. Take necessary precautions while starting Valsartan therapy. On the occurrence of severe low blood pressure, the patient should be placed in the supine position or infusion of normal saline in the veins should be given to the patients.
Abnormality in the Functioning of the Kidney
Patients with an abnormality in the functioning of the kidney, narrowing of kidney arteries (renal artery
stenosis), heart failure or volume-depleted patients are at increased risk when using Valsartan. Use of Valsartan may cause kidney failure in these patients. Precaution along with monitoring should be considered in such patients. Valsartan should not be used with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and aliskiren in patients with an abnormality in the functioning of the kidney.
Increased Levels of Potassium
Patients with heart failure or abnormality in the functioning of the kidney taking Valsartan are at increased risk. These patients may experience increased levels of
potassium in the blood. Discontinuation of Valsartan or dose reduction should be considered in such patients. Patients should not use Valsartan with potassium-sparing
diuretics, potassium supplements, agents increasing potassium levels (heparin), and
salt substitutes containing potassium.
Increased Production of Aldosterone
These patients do not respond to blood pressure lowering drugs. Valsartan should not be used in patients with increased production of aldosterone (primary
hyperaldosteronism).