Aliskiren
About
Aliskiren belongs to the class of drugs called direct renin inhibitors used in the treatment of essential hypertension. Essential hypertension is high blood pressure without a known secondary cause.
Aliskiren contains Aliskiren which works by inhibiting the action of renin, an enzyme that helps the body to make angiotensin I, which is converted to angiotensin II (tightens and narrows blood vessels which increases the blood pressure). Thus, it reduces the production of angiotensin I and II. This helps to relax and widen the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Take Aliskiren as prescribed. Your doctor will advise how often you take Aliskiren based on your medical condition. Sometimes, Aliskiren may cause common side effects such as dizziness, headache, back pain, diarrhoea, high levels of potassium in the blood or tiredness. Most of these side effects of Aliskiren do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Aliskiren or any other ingredients of Aliskiren or if you have ever had a reaction called angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, and legs, and may cause difficulty breathing) to an ACE inhibitor medicine, inform your doctor. Aliskiren is not recommended for pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimesters, as it may cause injury and death to the developing fetus. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Aliskiren. Aliskiren is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Uses of Aliskiren
Medicinal Benefits
Aliskiren contains Aliskiren used in the treatment of essential hypertension (high blood pressure). It inhibits the action of renin, an enzyme that helps the body to produce angiotensin II (tightens and narrows blood vessels which increases blood pressure). Thus, it reduces the production of angiotensin II. This helps to relax and widen the blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Thereby, it helps to reduce the risk of heart failure, stroke, heart attack or kidney failure.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Aliskiren
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Back pain
- Diarrhoea
- High levels of potassium in the blood
- Tiredness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Aliskiren or any other ingredients of Aliskiren or if you have ever had a reaction called angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, and legs, and may cause difficulty breathing) to an ACE inhibitor medicine, inform your doctor. Aliskiren is not recommended for pregnant women, especially in the second and third trimesters, as it may cause injury and death to the developing fetus. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a doctor before taking Aliskiren. Aliskiren is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established. Do not consume alcohol with Aliskiren as it may worsen dizziness. Avoid potassium supplements with Aliskiren as they may lead to high potassium levels in the blood. If you have severe and persistent diarrhoea, you are recommended to stop taking Aliskiren.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: If you are taking a medicine used to lower cholesterol in the blood (atorvastatin), water pills (furosemide, torasemide), antifungals (ketoconazole), immunosuppressant (cyclosporine), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen), high blood pressure lowering medicines (lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril, verapamil, telmisartan, valsartan, irbesartan), potassium-containing medicines, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium, inform your doctor before taking Aliskiren.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid taking Aliskiren with fruit juice and/or drinks containing plant extracts (including herbal teas), as it may decrease the effectiveness of Aliskiren.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Avoid taking Aliskiren if you have experienced hereditary or idiopathic (without any known cause) angioedema (swelling of the lips, face, throat, tongue, arms, and legs, and may cause difficulty breathing). Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, impaired kidney function, renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessels to one or both kidneys), or serious congestive heart failure (heart cannot pump enough blood around the body) before taking Aliskiren.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while on treatment with Aliskiren as it may worsen dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeAliskiren is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters, as it may cause injury and death to the developing fetus. So when pregnancy is detected, Aliskiren should be discontinued as soon as possible.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Aliskiren passes into breast milk. You are recommended to avoid breastfeeding while taking Aliskiren. However, if you have any concerns regarding this, please discuss them with your doctor.
Driving
cautionAliskiren may cause dizziness or drowsiness. So, drive only if you are alert after taking Aliskiren.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Aliskiren.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before taking Aliskiren. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeAliskiren is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a low-salt diet and minimize eating processed foods as they contain more sodium. Try to replace salt with spices or herbs to add flavour to the food.
- Do regular exercise such as cycling, walking, jogging, dancing or swimming for a minimum of 30 minutes per day.
- Chronic stress may also cause high blood pressure. Therefore, avoid stress triggers and make time for yourself to relax and do activities that you enjoy.
- Maintain a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol intake.
Special Advise
- Your blood pressure, kidney function, and the amount of electrolytes (e.g. potassium) in your blood may be monitored by your doctor at regular intervals.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Essential hypertension: It is high blood pressure without a known secondary cause. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a medical condition in which the blood pressure is elevated persistently in the arteries. High blood pressure is mostly caused by obesity, diabetes, smoking, high salt intake, stress, lack of physical activity, or ageing. Normal blood pressure lies between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg. If the blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or greater, it is considered high blood pressure. If it is left untreated, it may lead to heart disease and stroke.
FAQs
Aliskiren contains Aliskiren which works by inhibiting the action of renin, an enzyme that helps the body to produce angiotensin II (tightens and narrows blood vessels which increases blood pressure). Thus, it reduces the production of angiotensin II. This helps to relax and widen the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
You are not recommended to take potassium supplements with Aliskiren as it may increase the levels of potassium in the blood (hyperkalaemia). However, please consult a doctor before taking other medicines or supplements with Aliskiren.
You are not recommended to take ibuprofen with Aliskiren as co-administration of these two medicines may reduce the effect of Aliskiren and increase the risk of impaired kidney function. However, if you experience loss of appetite, sudden weight loss or weight gain, weakness, muscle cramps, vomiting, nausea, decreased or increased urination, irregular heart rhythm and fluid retention, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted to use safely.
