Cova 160mg Tab 28s

What it is used for: Hypertension.

Indications as listed by the manufacturer: Valsartan is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions: • Hypertension. • Heart failure (NYHA class II-IV) in patients receiving usual therapy (e.g. diuretics, digitalis) who are intolerant to ACE inhibitors. • To improve survival following myocardial infarction in clinically stable patients with clinical or radiological evidence of left ventricular failure and/or with left ventricular systolic dysfunction .

How it works: Valsartan blocks the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by selectively blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptor in many tissues, such as vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland. Its action is therefore independent of the pathways for angiotensin II synthesis.

Active ingredient: Valsartan.

Reported side effects: Common : Viral infections, neutropenia, hyperkalemia, dizziness, postural dizziness, vertigo, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, renal failure and impairment. Uncommon : Upper respiratory tract infection, pharyngitis, sinusitis, insomnia, decreased libido, syncope, vertigo, cardiac failure, hypotension, cough, diarrhea, abdominal pain, back pain, fatigue, asthenia, headache and oedema. Rare : Dizziness.

Known drug interactions: Lithium , Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), including selective COX-2 inhibitors, acetylsalicylic acid >3 g/day), and non-selective NSAIDs , inhibitors of the uptake transporter (eg. rifampin, ciclosporin) or efflux transporter (eg. ritonavir) .

Hypertension : The recommended dose of Valsartan is 80mg once daily. The maximum antihypertensive effect is seen after 4 weeks. In patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled, the daily dose may be increased to 160mg. If additional blood pressure reduction is required, a diuretic may be added or the dose can be increased further to a maximum of 320mg. Valsartan also be administered with other antihypertensive agents. Heart failure : The recommended starting dose of Valsartan is 40mg twice daily. Titration upwards to 80mg and 160mg twice daily should be done to the highest dose tolerated by the patient. Consideration should be given to reducing the dose of concomitant diuretics. The maximum daily dose administered is 320mg in divided doses. An assessment of renal function should always be conducted in patients with heart failure. Pediatric population Children and adolescents 6 to 18 years of age :The initial dose is 40mg once daily for children weighing below 35kg and 80mg once daily for those weighing 35kg or more. The dose should be adjusted based on blood pressure response or as directed by your physician.

Active ingredient: Valsartan. Labelled strength: 160mg.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.

Manufactured by Cova Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd.. Country of origin: United Arab Emirates.