Have you been prescribed Valsartan? Let's learn more about this medicine.

Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Valsartan for high blood pressure or a heart condition? So today we will talk briefly about this medicine, how to use it, and what to be careful about. This will be very important for you.

Simply put, what is Valsartan?

Valsartan is a medicine mainly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure . It is also used to prevent further damage to the heart after a heart attack .

So how does this cure the disease? It's very simple. What this medicine does is widen our blood vessels a little and reduce the pressure in them. Then the heart has to work harder to pump blood. This is a medicine that belongs to a group of drugs called ARBs (Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers).

Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication

Before you start taking Valsartan, it is absolutely important to tell your doctor the following information clearly. Do not hide these things.

• If you have heart failure.
• If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to valsartan or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This is very important.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is to be taken by mouth. Try to take it exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the same time every day, at the same time. Since this is a liquid, use only the special syringe, cup, or spoon provided to measure it. Do not measure with regular teaspoons at home, as they are not accurate.

This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food. Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.

If given to small children

This medicine can be prescribed to children over the age of 6 in some special cases. But only your doctor can decide on this. Therefore, if you are giving it to a child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

What do you do if you take too much medicine?

If you accidentally take more than the prescribed dose, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.

Other medications that may interact with Valsartan

If you are taking any other medication, it is important to tell your doctor about it. Some medications may not be compatible with valsartan. See the table below.

This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

• Go for regular check-ups: Be sure to go to the clinic on the days your doctor prescribes to check on your condition.
• Check your blood pressure: Ask your doctor about how to check your blood pressure at home. Ask what your blood pressure should be and when you should call your doctor if it is high.
• Be careful with other medications: While you are taking this medicine, do not take over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, or body aches. Some medications can increase your blood pressure. Therefore, ask your doctor before taking any medication.
• Dizziness and driving: This medication may cause dizziness and drowsiness in some people. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce dizziness, do not stand up suddenly, sit down, and then stand up slowly.
• Alcohol: If you drink alcohol, this medication may increase dizziness. Be careful about that too.
• Salt Substitutes: Do not use salt substitutes containing potassium unless your doctor tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of the medicine?

Like any medicine, valsartan can cause some side effects. But don't worry. Not everyone gets them. The important thing is to know what they are and what to do if they happen.

How do you store and dispose of the medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not use expired medicine.

When disposing of unused, expired medicine, check the instructions on the medicine package to see if it should be thrown in the trash or flushed down the toilet. If you are unsure, ask your doctor. If you are disposing of medicine in the trash, remove the liquid medicine from the bottle, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put it in a bag, seal it, and put it in the trash.