What is Aliskiren?
Aliskiren is an anti-hypertensive (blood pressure lowering) medication. It works by decreasing substances in the body that narrow blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
Aliskiren is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Aliskiren may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Aliskiren?
Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Aliskiren can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Before you take aliskiren, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, gout, heart disease, or if you are on a low-salt diet.
If you take aliskiren with meals, avoid high-fat foods. They can make it harder for your body to absorb aliskiren.
Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor’s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking aliskiren. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Aliskiren?
You should not take aliskiren if you are allergic to it.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need an aliskiren dose adjustment or special tests:
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
- gout
- heart disease
- if you are on a low-salt diet; or
- if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor medication such as benazepril (Lotensin), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), quinapril (Accupril), ramipril (Altace), and others
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Aliskiren can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
It is not known whether aliskiren passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Aliskiren Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Aliskiren?
Stop taking aliskiren and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; severe stomach pain; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
If you have an allergic reaction to aliskiren you should not take it again.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- feeling light-headed, fainting
- nausea with slow uneven heart rate and a weak pulse; or
- swelling around your eyes
Less serious side effects may include:
- stomach pain or upset, diarrhea, heartburn
- itching or skin rash
- headache, dizziness, tired feeling
- back pain, joint pain or swelling; or
- stuffy nose, sore throat, cough
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Aliskiren Interactions
What other drugs affect Aliskiren?
The following drugs can interact with aliskiren. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:
- atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
- furosemide (Lasix)
- antifungal medication such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), or ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con
- salt substitutes that contain potassium; or
- a diuretic (water pill)
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with aliskiren. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Aliskiren?
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of aliskiren.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking aliskiren, unless your doctor has told you to.
Aliskiren Dosage
How should I take Aliskiren?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Take aliskiren with a full glass of water.
You may take aliskiren with or without food, but take it the same way every time.
If you take aliskiren with meals, avoid high-fat foods. They can make it harder for your body to absorb aliskiren.
Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor’s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking aliskiren. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
If you are being treated for high blood pressure, keep using this medication even if you feel fine. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Aliskiren?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include feeling light-headed or fainting.
What happens if I miss a dose of Aliskiren?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com