Tekturna

Tekturna is a drug used to treat high blood pressure. It is the first medication of its kind and is part of a class of drugs called renin inhibitors. This medication works by preventing the renin enzyme from converting other enzymes into a substance that narrows blood vessels. Tekturna comes in tablet form and is taken once a day. Possible side effects include rash, diarrhea, and coughing.

 

What Is Tekturna?

Tekturna® (aliskiren hemifumarate) is a prescription medication approved to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It can be used alone or in combination with other high blood pressure medications. Tekturna is the first medication in its class.
 
(Click Tekturna Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Tekturna?

Tekturna is made by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
 

How Does Tekturna Work?

Tekturna is classified as a renin inhibitor.
 It is the first medication of its kind. Renin is an enzyme produced in the kidneys that acts throughout the body. It works to convert angiotensinogen to angiotensin I. A different enzyme (angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE) then converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a powerful substance that increases blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels and indirectly stimulating the kidneys to retain salt.
 
Various blood pressure medications work during different steps in this process (such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, known as ARBs). However, Tekturna is different; it acts at the beginning of the process, preventing renin from converting angiotensinogen to angiotensin I (the first step in the process).
 

Effects of Tekturna

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers -- for example, 120/80. The top number is the systolic blood pressure, and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. Studies have shown that Tekturna lowers systolic and diastolic blood pressure when used alone or in combination with other blood pressure medications. In studies where the drug was used alone for the treatment of mild to moderate high blood pressure, it lowered systolic blood pressure by up to 11.2 mmHg on average and lowered diastolic blood pressure by up to 7.5 mmHg on average, compared to a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients).
 
Studies have also shown that a combination of Tekturna with hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic) or with valsartan (an ARB blood pressure medication) can further reduce blood pressure, compared with any of the medications used alone.
 

When and How to Take Tekturna

General considerations for when and how to take Tekturna include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth once daily.
     
  • You should take Tekturna consistently, either with or without food (fatty meals may decrease the absorption of Tekturna). In other words, either always take the drug with food or never take it with food.
     
  • Make sure to take Tekturna at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Tekturna will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information for Tekturna

The dose of Tekturna your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to Tekturna
  • Other medications you are taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Tekturna Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Tekturna

As with any medicine, Tekturna can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Tekturna include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Tekturna Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Tekturna

Tekturna can potentially interact with a few other medicines (see Tekturna Drug Interactions).
 

Tekturna: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Tekturna if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • High blood potassium (hyperkalemia)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Tekturna Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Tekturna?

It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose with Tekturna. However, it is predicted that people who take too much will develop low blood pressure (hypotension).
 
If you happen to take too much Tekturna, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Tekturna Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Tekturna Be Stored?

Tekturna tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep Tekturna and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Tekturna?

If you forget to take a dose of Tekturna, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths of Tekturna

Tekturna tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Tekturna 150 mg
  • Tekturna 300 mg.
     

Generic Tekturna

At this time, Tekturna is not available in generic form (see Generic Tekturna).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;