TEKTURNA 300mg tablets medication leaflet

C09XA02 • aliskiren • Cardiovascular system | Other agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system | Renin-inhibitors

Aliskiren is a medication used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). It belongs to the class of direct renin inhibitors and is the first drug in this category approved for clinical use. By lowering blood pressure, aliskiren helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

The mechanism of action of aliskiren involves inhibiting the activity of renin, an enzyme produced by the kidneys that plays a key role in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). By blocking renin, aliskiren reduces the formation of angiotensin I and, consequently, angiotensin II, a compound that causes blood vessel constriction and increases blood pressure. This promotes blood vessel relaxation and lowers blood pressure.

Aliskiren is taken orally, usually once daily, with or without food. It is important for patients to follow the prescribed dosage and avoid taking it with high-fat meals, as these can reduce the drug's absorption. Aliskiren can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive medications, depending on the severity of hypertension and the patient’s response to treatment.

While effective, aliskiren may cause side effects. The most common include diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. In rare cases, more serious reactions such as angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, or throat), hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels in the blood), or impaired kidney function may occur. It is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) concurrently.