valsartan, an antihypertensive drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used to treat hypertension, either alone or in combination with other agents. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Factors that prohibit its use are known hypersensitivity to valsartan, pregnancy, severe hepatic disease, and bilateral renal artery stenosis. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Life-threatening effects are cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Other adverse effects are depression, drowsiness, vertigo, angina pectoris, second-degree atrioventricular block, hypotension, conjunctivitis, abdominal pain, nausea, impotence, neutropenia, cramps, myalgia, musculoskeletal pain, and stiffness. Common side effects are dizziness, insomnia, arrhythmias, diarrhea, anemia, and cough.
