Tekturna (aliskiren) is an anti-hypertensive (blood pressure lowering) medicine. It works by decreasing substances in the body that narrow blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
Tekturna is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension).
Tekturna may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not use Tekturna if you are pregnant. Aliskiren can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you have diabetes, you should not use Tekturna together with certain heart or blood pressure medicines (such as Accupril, Benicar, Capoten, Cozaar, Diovan, Lotensin, Mavik, Prinivil, Vasotec, and many others).
If you take Tekturna with meals, avoid high-fat foods. They can make it harder for your body to absorb aliskiren.
Conditions that may cause very low blood pressure include: vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, heart disease, dialysis, a low-salt diet, or taking diuretics (water pills). Follow your doctor"s instructions about the type and amount of liquids you should drink while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have a prolonged illness that causes diarrhea or vomiting.
Before taking this mediicne
You should not take Tekturna if you are allergic to aliskiren.
If you have diabetes, you should not use Tekturna together with certain heart or blood pressure medicines, such as:
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azilsartan (Edarbi, Edarbyclor), candesartan (Atacand), eprosartan (Teveten), irbesartan (Avapro, Avalide), losartan (Cozaar, Hyzaar), olmesartan (Azar, Benicar), valsartan (Diovan, Exforge, Tribenzor), telmisartan (Micardis); or
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benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten, Capozide), enalapril (Vasotec, Vasoretic), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestoretic, Zestril), moexipril (Uniretic, Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril, Accuretic), ramipril (Altace), or trandolapril (Mavik, Tarka).
You may also need to avoid taking these medicines with Tekturna if you have kidney disease.
To make sure you can safely take Tekturna, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
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kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
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heart disease;
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if you are on a low-salt diet; or
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if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an ACE inhibitor heart or blood pressure medicine (benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolapril).
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Tekturna if you are pregnant. Stop using and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Aliskiren can cause injury or death to the unborn baby if you take the medicine during your second or third trimester. Use effective birth control.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether aliskiren passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
How should I take Tekturna?
Take Tekturna exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take Tekturna with or without food, but take it the same way every time.
You may have very low blood pressure while taking this medicine. Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you feel light-headed.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
It may take up to 2 weeks before your blood pressure improves. Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. You may need to use blood pressure medicine for the rest of your life.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
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 Tekturna?
Avoid taking this medicine with a high-fat meal, which can make it harder for your body to absorb aliskiren.
Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking Tekturna, unless your doctor has told you to.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can further lower your blood pressure and may increase some of the side effects of Tekturna.
Tekturna side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Tekturna: hives; vomiting, severe stomach pain; dizziness, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
If you have an allergic reaction to Tekturna you should not take it again.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
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little or no urinating; or
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high potassium (slow heart rate, weak pulse, muscle weakness, tingly feeling).
Common Tekturna side effects may include:
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dizziness, tired feeling;
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cough;
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diarrhea;
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headache;
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back pain; or
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flu symptoms (fever, chills, body aches).
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.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Tekturna?
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Tekturna, especially:
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atorvastatin (Lipitor);
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antifungal medicine;
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any heart or blood pressure medicines;
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cyclosporine;
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a diuretic or "water pill";
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a potassium supplement such as K-Dur, Klor-Con;
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salt substitutes that contain potassium; or
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NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with aliskiren, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
