Trade Names:Tekturna- Tablets 150 mg- Tablets 300 mg
Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor, decreasing plasma renin activity and inhibiting conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I.
All agents that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system suppress the negative feedback loop, leading to a compensatory rise in plasma renin concentration. Aliskiren blocks the clinical effect of increased renin levels.
Bioavailability about 2.5%. Following oral administration, C max is reached within 1 to 3 h. High-fat meals decrease AUC and C max 71% and 85%, respectively. Steady-state blood levels are reached in approximately 7 to 8 days. Accumulation half-life is approximately 24 h.
Major enzyme responsible for aliskiren metabolism appears to be CYP3A4.
Approximately 25% of the absorbed dose of the parent drug appears to be excreted in the urine.
Rate and extent of exposure did not show a consistent correlation with severity of renal function. Adjustment of the starting dose is not required.
Hepatic Function ImpairmentPharmacokinetics were not significantly affected in patients with mild to severe disease. Adjustment of the starting dose is not required.
ElderlyAUC is increased in elderly patients 65 yr of age and older. Adjustment of the starting dose is not required.
RacePharmacokinetic differences among black, white, and Japanese patients are minimal.
Treatment of hypertension, either alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.
None well documented.
PO Initial dosage is 150 mg once daily. The daily dose may be increased to 300 mg in patients whose BP is not adequately controlled.
Store at 59° to 86°F. Protect from moisture.
Routinely monitor electrolytes and renal function when these agents are coadministered, especially in diabetic patients.
AtorvastatinAliskiren C max and AUC may be increased approximately 50%, increasing the pharmacologic effects and risk of adverse reactions. Monitor the clinical response of the patient and adjust the aliskiren dose as needed.
CyclosporineAliskiren plasma concentrations may be elevated, increasing the pharmacologic effects and risk of adverse reactions. Coadministration of aliskiren and cyclosporine is not recommended.
Drugs that increase potassium levels, potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone), potassium supplements, salt substitutes containing potassiumIncreased serum potassium may occur. Use with caution. Monitor electrolytes.
FoodHigh-fat meals substantially reduce aliskiren absorption (eg, AUC and C max 71% and 85%, respectively). Patients should establish a routine pattern for taking aliskiren with regard to meals.
FurosemideBlood concentrations may be reduced by aliskiren, decreasing furosemide efficacy. Monitor the diuretic response. Adjust the furosemide dose as needed.
IrbesartanAliskiren C max may be reduced up to 50%, decreasing the pharmacologic effect. Use with caution and monitor BP. Adjust the aliskiren dose as needed.
KetoconazoleAliskiren plasma concentrations may be elevated, increasing the pharmacologic effects and risk of adverse reactions. Monitor the clinical response of the patient and adjust the aliskiren dose as needed.
Thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide)Additive increases in serum uric acid levels may occur. Use with caution, especially in patients at risk for hyperuricemia.
None well documented.
Rash (1%).
Diarrhea (2%).
Elevated BUN or serum creatinine (less than 7%); increased serum potassium (6%); increased creatine kinase (1%).
Increased cough (1%).
WarningsUse during the second and third trimesters can cause injury and death to the developing fetus. When pregnancy is detected, discontinue therapy as soon as possible. |
Category C (first trimester); Category D (second and third trimesters).
Undetermined.
Safety and efficacy not established.
Patients with more than moderate renal impairment (creatinine 1.7 mg/dL for women and 2 mg/dL for men, and/or estimated CrCl less than 30 mL/min), history of dialysis, nephrotic syndrome, or renovascular hypertension were excluded from clinical studies of aliskiren.
Angioedema of the face, extremities, lips, tongue, glottis, and larynx has been reported and may occur during treatment.
Increases in serum potassium occurred infrequently (0.9%), but were more frequent (5.5%) among patients with diabetes on aliskiren and ACE inhibitor therapy.
Rarely, excessive fall in BP may occur.
Closely observe infants for hypotension, oliguria, and hyperkalemia.
No data available on the use in patients with unilateral or bilateral artery stenosis or stenosis of the artery to a solitary kidney.
Possible hypotension.
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