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Aliskiren

Generic name: aliskiren [ a-LIS-ke-rin ]
Brand name: Tekturna
Dosage form: oral tablet (150 mg; 300 mg)
Drug class: Renin inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 27, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is aliskiren?

Aliskiren is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in people who are at least 6 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kg).

Aliskiren may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Aliskiren side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Aliskiren may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of aliskiren may include:

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 side effects (more detail)

Warnings

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using aliskiren and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take aliskiren if you are allergic to it.

If you have diabetes, do not take aliskiren together with certain heart or blood pressure medicines, such as:

Do not give aliskiren to children younger than 2 years old.

You may also need to avoid taking these heart or blood pressure medicines with aliskiren if you have kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

Do not use if you are pregnant. Stop using the medicine and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Aliskiren can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you use the medicine during your second or third trimester.

Do not breastfeed.

How should I take aliskiren?

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.

You may take aliskiren with or without food, but take it at the same time each day.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking aliskiren. This can lead to very low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalance, or kidney failure.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often. Your blood may also need to be tested often.

Your treatment may also include diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and other medications. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully.

If you have high blood pressure, keep using aliskiren even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms.

Keep the medicine in the original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Aliskiren dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypertension:

Initial: 150 mg orally once a day
Maintenance: the dosage may be increased to 300 mg daily if blood pressure is not adequately controlled.

Comments:
-The antihypertensive effect is substantially attained by 2 weeks.
-Tablets should be taken the same way each day, either with or without a meal. (High-fat meals decrease absorption of aliskiren substantially).
Aliskiren may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypertension:

6 TO 17 YEARS:
Less than 20 kg: Not recommended
20 to 50 kg (not approved for use due to the lack of an appropriate dosage form): 75 mg orally once a day; if blood pressure remains inadequately controlled, the daily dose may be increased to 150 mg
50 kg or greater: 150 mg orally once a day; if blood pressure remains inadequately controlled, the daily dose may be increased to 300 mg

Comments: The antihypertensive effect of a given dose is 85% to 90% attained by 2 weeks.

Detailed Aliskiren dosage information

amlodipine, lisinopril, metoprolol, losartan, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide

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.

What should I avoid while taking aliskiren?

Avoid taking aliskiren with a high-fat meal, or it could be harder for your body to absorb aliskiren.

Do not take potassium supplements or use salt substitutes, unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

What other drugs will affect aliskiren?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect aliskiren, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect aliskiren. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Aliskiren drug interactions (more detail)

Does aliskiren interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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