What is Aliskiren-hydrochlorothiazide?
Aliskiren (sold under the brand name Rasilez among others) is a medication used in conjunction with other medications to treat high blood pressure. It works by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a naturally occurring hormone that constricts blood vessels. Aliskiren is an oral direct renin inhibitor and has not been approved for use as a standalone treatment in many countries due to concerns about its safety profile. Its combination with hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic medication, is used to lower blood pressure and help manage the risk of heart disease.
What is Aliskiren-hydrochlorothiazide used for?
Aliskiren-Hydrochlorothiazide, also known as Rasilez HCTZ or Tekturna HCT, is a combination medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in adults. This drug works by lowering blood pressure through two distinct mechanisms of action. Aliskiren, the active component, is an orally-active, direct renin inhibitor that selectively blocks the activity of renin, a crucial enzyme involved in the regulation of blood pressure.
By inhibiting renin, aliskiren reduces the production of angiotensin I and subsequently lowers the levels of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. This action results in vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and decreased peripheral resistance, ultimately contributing to lower blood pressure levels. In contrast, hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that works by promoting the excretion of sodium and chloride ions from the body through urine, which leads to increased blood vessel flexibility and vasodilation. This dual-action combination helps to achieve optimal control over hypertension in patients.
The use of aliskiren-hydrochlorothiazide has been approved for the treatment of essential hypertension in adults, including those with mild to moderate high blood pressure levels. The medication comes in tablet form, with standard dosages being initiated at a daily dose of 300/12.5 mg or adjusted based on individual patient responses and clinical evaluations.
Aliskiren-hydrochlorothiazide side effects
- Aliskiren: • Dizziness • Headache • Nausea • Vomiting • Fatigue • Diarrhea • Abdominal pain • Cough • Upper respiratory tract infection • Increased creatinine and urea levels (indicative of kidney damage) • Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels)
- Hydrochlorothiazide: • Altered taste sensation • Dizziness • Fatigue • Headache • Lightheadedness • Muscle cramps • Nausea • Photosensitivity • Skin rash • Stomach upset • Thirst (polydipsia) • Increased urination frequency
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