Tekturna (Aliskiren)

Description

Tekturna is a medication that lowers high blood pressure in adults and in children aged 6 and older who weigh at least 50 kg (110 pounds). Tekturna contains aliskiren, the only medicine in a drug class called direct renin inhibitors. It blocks renin, an enzyme involved in narrowing blood vessels and increasing blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure may help reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Directions

Take Tekturna once daily, at the same time and in the same way with respect to meals each day. You may take it with food or on an empty stomach, but do not switch back and forth, as high-fat meals can reduce how much medicine the body absorbs.

The usual starting dose is 150 mg daily. A healthcare provider may increase it to 300 mg if needed. Higher doses do not lower blood pressure more and can cause more diarrhea.

Tekturna may take up to two weeks to provide most of its blood-pressure-lowering effect, so do not judge results after only a few days. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Keep taking it as prescribed, even if you feel well, and do not stop without speaking with your healthcare provider. Store tablets at room temperature, about 25°C (77°F).

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Tekturna is aliskiren. Inactive ingredients may include crospovidone, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, colloidal anhydrous silica, hypromellose, macrogol, talc, black iron oxide, red iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.

Cautions

• Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
  • Any existing health conditions
  • Any allergies
  • A list of all medications currently being taken
• Stop Tekturna and tell your healthcare provider immediately if you become pregnant or think you might be. Taking Tekturna during the second and third trimester can harm an unborn baby.
• Do not breastfeed while taking Tekturna, since it may cause low blood pressure, high potassium, and kidney problems in a nursing infant.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you already take an ACE inhibitor or an ARB. Combining them increases the risk of kidney damage, high potassium, and low blood pressure.
• Dehydration should be corrected before you start treatment. Vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, a low-salt diet, or diuretic use can all cause volume depletion, which may increase the risk of a sharp drop in blood pressure with the first dose.
• Get up slowly from sitting or lying down, and sit back down if you feel lightheaded or faint.
• Keep all blood test appointments, as your healthcare provider may need to monitor creatinine and potassium levels.
• Those taking salt substitutes or potassium supplements may see an increase in potassium levels, especially while taking aliskiren.
• Avoid taking Tekturna with cyclosporine or itraconazole, both of which can increase aliskiren levels in the body.
• Consult a healthcare provider before taking ibuprofen, naproxen, or other anti-inflammatory painkillers, as they may decrease the effects of this medication and affect the kidneys.
• Report a rash that blisters or peels, particularly around the mouth or eyes, since severe skin reactions have been reported.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Diabetes, alongside treatment with an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker
• A known hypersensitivity to aliskiren or to any other ingredient in the tablet
• Age under 2 years

Side Effects

Common side effects of Tekturna include:

• Diarrhea, which becomes more likely at the 300 mg dose
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Cough
• Rash
• Dizziness
• Raised uric acid levels

Call emergency services for swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or for any difficulty breathing or swallowing. Get medical help for a rash that blisters or peels or that involves the mouth, eyes, or genitals, which can indicate a serious skin reaction. Contact your healthcare provider about any episodes of fainting, dizziness, passing much less urine than usual, swelling in the legs, muscle weakness, and an irregular heartbeat. Consult a healthcare provider if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or ongoing nausea, which may be linked to liver problems.

References

Tekturna Prescribing Information. Orlando, FL: Noden Pharma USA Inc.; 2020.

Tekturna Drug Label Information. Lansdale, PA: LXO US Inc.; 2024.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....