Belsar Plus
Generic Name
Valsartan + Hydrochlorothiazide
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| belsar plus 20 mg tablet | ৳ 11.04 | ৳ 77.25 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Belsar Plus is a combination medicine containing Valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), and Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. Valsartan helps to relax blood vessels, while Hydrochlorothiazide helps the body get rid of excess salt and water, both contributing to lowering blood pressure.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initially, Valsartan 80 mg/Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg once daily. May be titrated up to Valsartan 160 mg/Hydrochlorothiazide 20 mg once daily after 1-2 weeks if necessary. Max: Valsartan 320 mg/Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg once daily.
Elderly
No dose adjustment generally required, but close monitoring advised.
Renal_impairment
Not recommended for severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min). For moderate impairment (CrCl 30-80 mL/min), use with caution.
How to Take
Take orally, once daily, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
Mechanism of Action
Valsartan blocks the binding of angiotensin II to AT1 receptors, leading to vasodilation, decreased aldosterone secretion, and reduced sodium and water reabsorption. Hydrochlorothiazide inhibits sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, increasing the excretion of sodium, chloride, and water.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Valsartan: within 2 hours. HCTZ: within 2 hours. Maximum effect: 2-4 weeks.
Excretion
Valsartan: primarily excreted unchanged in feces (83%) and urine (13%). Hydrochlorothiazide: primarily excreted unchanged in urine.
Half life
Valsartan: 6-9 hours. Hydrochlorothiazide: 5.6-14.8 hours.
Absorption
Valsartan is moderately absorbed after oral administration, with a bioavailability of about 23%. Hydrochlorothiazide is well absorbed, with bioavailability around 65-75%.
Metabolism
Valsartan undergoes minimal metabolism (around 20% to inactive metabolite). Hydrochlorothiazide is not metabolized.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- •Hypersensitivity to Valsartan, hydrochlorothiazide, or sulfonamide-derived drugs.
- •Pregnancy (second and third trimesters).
- •Severe hepatic impairment, biliary cirrhosis.
- •Anuria, severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min).
- •Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes or renal impairment.
Drug Interactions
NSAIDs
May reduce the antihypertensive effect and increase risk of renal impairment.
Lithium
Increased serum lithium concentrations and toxicity.
Corticosteroids, ACTH
Increased electrolyte depletion, particularly hypokalemia.
Other antihypertensives
Additive hypotensive effects.
Alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics
Orthostatic hypotension may be aggravated.
Potassium-sparing diuretics/Potassium supplements
May lead to hyperkalemia.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms may include marked hypotension, dizziness, and severe dehydration. Management involves supportive care, including intravenous fluid administration and monitoring of vital signs.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Contraindicated in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Use in the first trimester is not recommended. Not recommended during lactation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
36 months
Availability
Pharmacies nationwide
Approval Status
Approved by DGDA (Bangladesh)
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesAlternative Medicines in Bangladesh
Similar medicines available in the market
Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine
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