Valtec Am is a combo medication of amlodipine and valsartan primarily indicated for hypertension and associated cardiovascular disease in patients. The contents herein include the use, dosage, side effects, precautions, interactions, and more.


What is Valtec Am?

Valtec Am is an oral combination of amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, with valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker. It lowers blood pressure and is used in the management of cardiovascular disease by dilating the blood vessels to the lower workload on the heart, subsequently lowering contractile force.


The Role of Amlodipine

Amlodipine is indicated for the inhibition of the influx of calcium ions into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac muscle, which is responsible for relaxing blood vessels, thereby improving blood flow. Blood pressure reduces, with a consequent reduction in the workload of the heart, thus easing the process of the heart pumping blood.


Valsartan Mechanism of Action

However, Valsartan blocks the action of the hormone at the angiotensin II receptor level and hence does not allow any hypertensive actions to occur. In turn, Valsartan relaxes blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and generally enhances cardiovascular function. As a result, because of this dual mechanism found with Valtec Am, it is effective against hypertension and other heart disorders.


Uses of Valtec Am

Valtec Am is indicated mainly for the following:


  • Hypertension       
  • Reduction of hospitalizations in patients with congestive heart failure
  • Reduces risk of death in post myocardial infarction patients

Also associated with treatments for:


  • Cardiovascular mortality
  • Diabetic nephropathy
  • Left ventricular dysfunction
  • Chronic heart failure

Hypertension

Hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure, becomes a silent killer and a major health problem because it may lead to life-threatening conditions like heart disease and stroke. Valtec Am relaxes blood vessels and eases the amount of work that the heart has to do to provide blood to the body, hence decreasing blood pressure. 


Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure: The disease state wherein the heart is unable to pump blood effectively results in fluid accumulation in the lungs or other body tissues. Valtec Am helps in improving blood flow and reduces strain on the heart, hence reducing hospitalization and improving the quality of life of patients suffering from CHF.


Post-Myocardial Infarction

A myocardial infarction, otherwise called a heart attack, is when blood flow to the heart becomes obstructed, ultimately leading to damage in the heart muscle. Valtec Am, after a heart attack, reduces the chance of further cardiovascular events and improves the working of the heart.


How Valtec Am Works

Valsartan blocks the angiotensin II receptor, preventing vasoconstriction and thus lowering blood pressure. Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow. Together, they decrease blood pressure, reduce aldosterone levels, and increase sodium excretion.


Mechanism of Action

Valsartan blocks the action of angiotensin II—a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict. By blocking this hormone, valsartan relaxes and dilates the blood vessels. Because of this, blood pressure decreases and blood flow improves.

Being a calcium channel blocker, amlodipine would inhibit the entry of calcium into cardiac cells and the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. It relaxes and dilates blood vessels, hence decreasing blood pressure and improving cardiac health.


Impact on the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

Valsartan modulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. RAAS is a natural hormone system that helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance. When angiotensin II is blocked by the valsartan, aldosterone production decreases; when aldosterone levels are lower than normal, the kidneys secrete less sodium and water. This rise in sodium and water excretion reduces blood pressure and relieves the workload of the heart.


Dosage


Hypertension

The usual dose is 80-160mg daily with a maximum recommended dosage of 320 mg per day. Four weeks are required for its full effect on blood pressure reduction.


Heart Failure

The usual dose is 40 mg twice a day, titrating as tolerated to 80-160 mg twice a day.


Post-Myocardial Infarction

The usual starting dose is 20 mg twice a day, increasing as tolerated to 160 mg daily.

Valtec Am ™ should be taken on an empty stomach; food reduces absorption by 40%.



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Special Populations


Elderly Patients

No initial dosage adjustment is recommended for elderly patients with mild to moderate renal and hepatic insufficiency. However, close monitoring should be observed for possible significant adverse effects.


Patients with Renal Impairment

Dosage adjustment is not required for patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. At the same time, severe renal impairment may necessitate a dosage reduction or even withdrawal of treatment with Valtec Am.


Patients with Hepatic Impairment

Since the elimination of valsartan primarily takes place in the bile, special caution is supposed to be essential in patients whose hepatic impairment is no more severe than mild to moderate, including an obstructive biliary disorder.


Side Effects

Valtec Am is usually well tolerated. The common side effects are as follows:


  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea

Serious Side Effects

The following are severe side effects, although rare, that some patients may exhibit. These include the following:


  • Hyperkalemia
  • Reduced renal function
  • Allergic reactions
  • Hypotension

If one experiences any of the above severe side effects, it is best to consult a health professional immediately.


Reproductive Toxicology Studies

Studies showed that valsartan does not cause teratogenic effects in pregnant animals upon being administered with certain doses. However, high doses have been associated with decreases in fetal weight, pup birth weight, and even the survival rate.


Precautions


Hepatic Impairment

Use Valtec Am cautiously in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment as the elimination route of valsartan is mainly biliary.


Renal Impairment

Patients with pre-existing renal impairment may need dose adjustment or discontinuation to avoid potential adverse reactions due to injury.


Heart Failure and Myocardial Infarction

Special caution is advised when starting therapy in patients with heart failure or post-myocardial infarction as the patients may be more sensitive to the actions of Valtec Am.


Use During Pregnancy and Lactation


Pregnancy

Therapy with valsartan should be discontinued as soon as possible when pregnancy is detected, since it can cause injury and death to the developing fetus, especially in the second and third trimesters. Drugs that act directly on the renin-angiotensin system can have an increased risk of severe adverse effects on fetal development.


Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether valsartan is distributed in human milk. Since many drugs are excreted in human milk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or the drug.


Storage

Keep Valtec Am 15-30°C and away from moisture and heat. Proper storage conditions are very important to retain the effectiveness and safety of the drug.


Conclusion

Valtec Am is a very potent drug used for the treatment of hypertension and other associated cardiovascular disorders. Proper usage of Valtec Am, dosage, possible side effects, and its interactions should be kept in mind for deriving maximum benefit with minimum risk. Consult a doctor before starting to use or changing the dosage of Valtec Am. If the patient understands its correct usages with their mechanisms and precautions, then they will be able to keep their conditions at bay and ensure a better quality of life.