Valsartan

Question 1

What is Valsartan’s brand name?

Answer 1

Diovan

Question 2

What is Valsartan’s therapeutic category?

Answer 2

Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker

Question 3

What is Valsartan’s indications?

Answer 3

Hypertension

Congestive heart failure

Question 4

What is Valsartan’s usual adult dose?

Answer 4

40-320 mg/day

MAX: 320 mg/day

Question 5

What are Valsartan’s common side effects?

Answer 5

Headache, orthostatic hypotension, hyperkalemia, dizziness

Question 6

What are Valsartan’s monitoring parameters?

Answer 6

BP, heart rate
Electrolyte panel (Na, K)
Renal function

Question 7

What are Valsartan’s available dosage forms?

Answer 7

Oral tablets: 40mg, 80mg, 160mg, 320mg

Question 8

What are Valsartan’s warnings?

Answer 8

BLACK BOX warning: Drugs that act on the angiotensin system can cause injury and death to the developing fetus when used in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Discontinue as soon as pregnancy is detected.

Question 9

What are Valsartan’s counseling points?

Answer 9

Caution on orthostatic hypotension
Avoid activities requiring mental alertness until drug effects are realized
Avoid taking K/salt substitutes that contain K or K supplements
Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding