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High-dose exposure to valsartan with suicidal intention
B Kumbasar1, F Atlibatur Akbas, K Serez
13rd Internal Medicine Clinic, Haseki Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
Summary
Valsartan, an angiotensin receptor inhibitor, demonstrated safety and tolerability even at a high suicidal dose. The patient experienced muscle cramps but recovered with supportive care, showing valsartan
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Valsartan is a selective angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat hypertension.
- Clinical trials have established valsartan's safety and tolerability profile.
Observation:
- A case study involved a 25-year-old female who intentionally ingested a high dose of valsartan (2.24 g).
- The patient was admitted to the hospital fully conscious with no initial deterioration in clinical condition.
Findings:
- Despite the massive overdose, the patient's blood pressure remained stable, never falling below 90/60 mmHg.
- The primary adverse effect observed was painful muscle cramps, which resolved spontaneously within 2 days with supportive therapy.
- Valsartan's safety and tolerability were confirmed even at this supra-therapeutic dose.
Implications:
- This case provides real-world data on valsartan's safety margin beyond typical clinical trial parameters.
- It highlights the drug's relative safety in acute high-dose exposure scenarios.
- Findings contribute to understanding the toxicological profile of angiotensin receptor inhibitors.