Aliskiren is a drug to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. Controlled blood pressure can reduce the risk of complications, such as stroke, heart attack, or impaired kidney function.
Aliskiren works by blocking the action of renin. Renin is responsible for converting angiotensin into angiotensin I, which will then be converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).
By inhibiting the process of changing angiotensin, blood vessels can widen so that blood flow is smoother and blood pressure will drop.
Trademarkaliskiren: Rasilez
What is Aliskiren
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Renin or blockers renin inhibitor |
| Benefit | Treat hypertension |
| Used by | Mature |
| Aliskiren for pregnant and lactating women | Category D: There is positive evidence of risks to the human fetus, but the benefits may outweigh the risks, for example in dealing with life-threatening situations. It is not known whether Aliskiren is absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Film-coated tablets |
Warning Before Taking Aliskiren
Follow the doctor's advice and advice while undergoing treatment with aliskiren. Before taking this drug, you need to pay attention to the following:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Aliskiren should not be taken by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes, kidney disease, high levels of potassium in the blood, heart disease, or are on a low-salt diet.
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes who are also taking ACE inhibitor or ARB. Aliskiren should not be taken by these patients.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, herbal products, or supplements, including potassium supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking aliskiren.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking aliskiren if you plan to have any surgery, including dental surgery.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while you are being treated with aliskiren, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after taking aliskiren.
Dosage and Rules for Use Aliskiren
The dose of aliskiren given by the doctor can be different for each patient. In general, to treat hypertension in adults, the initial dose is 150 mg, once daily. If necessary, the dose may be increased to 300 mg, once daily.
How to Take Aliskiren Correctly
Follow the doctor's advice and read the instructions on the medicine package before taking aliskiren. Do not reduce or increase the dose without consulting your doctor. Aliskiren can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the aliskiren tablet whole, do not bite or crush the medicine.
Consumption of aliskiren regularly at the same time every day for maximum treatment effect. Do not stop taking the drug, except on doctor's instructions.
If you forget to take aliskiren, take the drug immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
One of the side effects that can occur after consuming aliskiren is dizziness. Therefore, be sure to stand up slowly if you are taking aliskiren while sitting.
In addition to taking blood pressure-lowering drugs, you should adopt a healthy lifestyle so that blood sugar can be better controlled. For example, by limiting salt and fat consumption, exercising regularly, and maintaining an ideal body weight.
Do regular medical check-ups when using this medicine. Routine examinations need to be carried out so that the development of the condition and the effectiveness of the drug can always be monitored.
Store aliskiren in a cool and dry place. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Aliskiren Interactions with Other Drugs
Some drug interactions that can occur if aliskiren is used with certain drugs include:
- Decreased therapeutic effect of aliskiren and increased risk of kidney damage when used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Increased blood levels of aliskiren when used with atorvastatin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or verapamil
- Increased risk of kidney damage, hypotension, or hyperkalemia when used with -class drugs ACE inhibitor or ARB
- Increased risk of high levels of potassium in the blood when used with potassium-sparing diuretics or potassium supplements
In addition, if aliskiren is used together with grapefruit or St. John's wort, absorption and levels in the blood can be reduced.
Aliskiren Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after using aliskiren, namely:
- Feeling light-headed or dizzy
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Unusual tired
Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not improve or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or serious side effects, such as:
- High levels of potassium in the blood, which can be characterized by symptoms such as weak muscles, slow or irregular heart rate
- Impaired kidney function, which can be characterized by symptoms such as infrequent urination or very small amounts of urine
- Dizziness so heavy that you feel like passing out
- Low levels of sodium in the blood, which can be characterized by symptoms such as headache, confusion, loss of balance, or vomiting
