Valzaar (valsartan) is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist useful in lowering high blood pressure, reducing heart strain in congestive heart failure, and reducing mortality following a heart attack. Valzaar has also shown some benefit in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

There are several other medications very similar to this one which should not be confused:

• Diovan is another product which, like Valzaar, contains only valsartan as an active ingredient.
• Co-Diovan contains valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic. This medication is often prescribed when blood pressure is not sufficiently lowered with valsartan alone.
• Exforge also contains valsartan, as well as amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker that also relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. This medication should generally not be used in heart failure.

There are other medications as well that combine valsartan with something else. Patients should be sure they're buying the correct product.

Between Valzaar, Diovan, and its other product names, patients can also get valsartan in a variety of formulations:

• Capsules contain medication inside a gelatin case. These can be opened and contents sprinkled on moist foods.
• Film-coated tablets should be swallowed whole.
• Splittable tablets can be split in half to achieve smaller doses or smaller pieces to swallow. They should not be crushed or dissolved in food or drink.
• Oral solution contains the medication pre-mixed in a fluid, ideal for those who are unable or unwilling to swallow tablets.

With the above assortment of formulations, patients should be able to find exactly what they need.

Taking Valzaar

Valzaar itself comes in tablet formula; tablets should be swallowed whole and not be chewed, dissolved, or otherwise damaged. Food is optional with each dose, though a glass of fluid is recommended.

Treatment is fairly similar in all conditions Valzaar treats, though there are some small differences.

For hypertension:

• Treatment usually starts with 40 mg taken twice per day or 80 mg taken once per day.
• Dosage may be increased in increments of 40 to 80 mg every one to two weeks if needed, up to a maximum of 320 mg per day.
• In most cases adding an additional hypertension treatment, such as a diuretic, provides more benefit than increasing Valzaar dosage past 80 or 160 mg per day.

For congestive heart failure:

• Treatment usually starts with 80 mg per day, which may be divided into two 40 mg doses taken morning and evening.
• For heart failure the ideal dose is 320 mg per day; increases in 40 to 80 mg increments can be applied every one to two weeks until 320 mg is reached.
• Not all patients will be able to tolerate 320 mg doses without side effects; in these cases the highest tolerated dose is desirable.
• Do not exceed 320 mg per day.

Following a heart attack:

• Treatment usually starts with 40 mg per day, divided into two 20 mg doses.
• Dosage may be increased weekly up to 320 mg per day, divided into two 160 mg doses.

Treatment is best individualized, and after taking into account personal variables---age, weight, other medical conditions, and so forth---a doctor may advise a slightly different dosage or administration schedule than listed above. Doctor instructions should always be followed.

Results should be measurable after about two weeks of treatment, with maximum benefit being seen after one month. Patients rarely feel significantly different, as the conditions Valzaar treats often don't produce symptoms until a severe complication develops. It's important that Valzaar continue to be taken, even if feeling fine.

As a general rule, any medication that influences blood pressure should not be stopped abruptly; doing so can cause potentially serious complications. Speak with a doctor about a discontinuation plan before stopping treatment with Valzaar.

Potential Complications

Patients should understand that no matter what Valzaar is prescribed for it will lower blood pressure. At the start of treatment side effects associated with lowered blood pressure are relatively common, including:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Mild confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Nausea

The above symptoms are not cause for concern unless severe or persistent beyond the first couple weeks of treatment. In most cases they're mild and stop occurring as the body adjusts to its new blood pressure. The above symptoms can occur when blood pressure is lowered at all, even if it is still within normal ranges.

Unfortunately some individuals have more serious reactions. Warning signs that warrant immediate medical attention include:

• Severe confusion
• Weak heartbeat
• Rapid heartbeat
• Cold, clammy, and/or pale skin
• Fainting
• Vision changes

Certain other medications or medical conditions put patients at greater risk of experiencing serious side effects from Valzaar. Stay alert for warning signs if:

• Any other cardiovascular conditions are present
• There is any history of liver or kidney impairment
• Any other medications are being taken that influence blood pressure or heart rate

Discussing the above with a doctor prior to starting treatment is advisable. Double-checking with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication---including over-the-counter varieties---is also a good idea.