*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

How And When To Take Valsartan

NHS medicines information on dosage for valsartan, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.

Always follow your doctor's advice, and the instructions that come with your medicine.

Dosage and strength

The dose of valsartan you take depends on why you need the medicine. Take it as your doctor tells you.

The usual dose for adults is:

high blood pressure - 80mg to 320mg, taken once a day
heart failure - 40mg to 160mg, taken twice a day
after a recent heart attack - 20mg to 160mg, taken twice a day

The dose may be lower if you've recently lost body fluids (for example because you've been sick or have diarrhoea).

Child doses

The dose for children depends on their weight. The usual dose for children is:

40mg to 80mg, taken once a day for children weighing 18kg to 34.9kg
80mg to 160mg, taken once a day for children weighing 35kg to 79.9kg
80mg to 320mg, taken once a day for children weighing 80kg and more

Changes to your dose

After a few weeks, your doctor will check your blood pressure and ask you if you're getting any side effects. You may also have blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working and the amount of potassium in your blood. Your doctor will then decide whether to change your dose of valsartan.

If valsartan does not bring your blood pressure down, your doctor may want to increase the dose. If your blood pressure gets too low or you get side effects, your doctor may want to lower your dose of valsartan.

How to take it

You will usually take valsartan once or twice a day.

If you take it once a day, your doctor may suggest that you take your first dose before bedtime, because it can make you feel dizzy. After the very first dose, you can take valsartan at any time, although it's best to take it at the same time every day.

You can take valsartan tablets, capsules and liquid with or without food.

Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.

If you're taking valsartan as a liquid, it will come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose. If you do not have one, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount of medicine.

How long to take it for

Usually, treatment with valsartan is long term, even for the rest of your life.

If you stop taking valsartan, your blood pressure could rise, and this can increase your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

If you're bothered by any side effects, your doctor may be able to prescribe you a different blood pressure-lowering medicine.

Important

Take valsartan even if you feel well, as you will still be getting the benefits of the medicine.

If you get sick while taking it

If you get very bad diarrhoea or vomiting for any reason, contact your doctor or a pharmacist. They'll be able to advise you about what to do.

They may recommend that you stop taking valsartan until you're better, and can eat and drink normally again.

If you forget to take it

If you miss a dose of valsartan, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

An overdose of valsartan can cause low blood pressure. This can make you feel dizzy, sleepy and give you a pounding heartbeat (palpitations).

The amount of valsartan that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.

Contact 111 for advice now if :

you take more than your prescribed dose of valsartan

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the valsartan packet or leaflet inside and any remaining medicine with you.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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