Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using valsartan and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, do not take valsartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
Before taking this medicine
You should not use valsartan if you are allergic to it.
If you have diabetes, do not take valsartan with any medication that contains aliskiren (a blood pressure medicine).
You may also need to avoid taking valsartan with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a heart condition other than one being treated with valsartan;
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
if you are on a low-salt diet.
Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Valsartan can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester.
If you plan to get pregnant, ask your doctor for a safer medicine to use before and during pregnancy. Having high blood pressure during pregnancy may cause complications in the mother and the baby.
You should not breastfeed while using  valsartan.
Valsartan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 year old.
How should I take valsartan?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take valsartan at the same time(s) each day, with or without food.
For a child who cannot swallow a tablet whole, a pharmacist can mix the medicine into a liquid. If your child switches from valsartan tablets to liquid, the dose will not be the same.
Shake the liquid for 10 seconds before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Valsartan doses are based on weight in children and/or teenagers. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your kidney function may also need to be checked.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking valsartan.
It may take 2 to 4 weeks before your blood pressure is under control. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life. Treatment may also include diet, exercise, lowering cholesterol, not smoking, and controlling diabetes.
Store the tablets or liquid at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Throw away any unused liquid after 30 days.
The liquid may be stored for up to 75 days if kept in a refrigerator.
Keep valsartan liquid in the original glass bottle, tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include fast heartbeats or fainting.
