Sacubitril + Valsartan

Generic Details

Generic Name

Sacubitril-valsartan

Other Names

  • Entresto

Drug Class

  • Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI)

Chemical Formula

C24H29N5O3.C24H29NO4

Molecular Weight

692.8 g/mol (sacubitril) + 447.5 g/mol (valsartan)

Mechanism of Action

  • Sacubitril inhibits neprilysin, an enzyme that breaks down beneficial peptides, while valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) which blocks the vasoconstrictor effects of angiotensin II.

Indications

  • Heart failure (reduced ejection fraction)

Common Dosage Forms

  • Tablet

Typical Dosage

  • The recommended starting dose is sacubitril/valsartan 49/51 mg twice daily, which can be titrated up to the target maintenance dose of 97/103 mg twice daily.

Pediatric Dosage

  • Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Dosage

  • Dose adjustment may be necessary due to age-related decrease in renal function.

Side Effects

  • Hypotension
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Cough
  • Dizziness
  • Renal impairment

Contraindications

  • History of angioedema with ACE inhibitors or ARBs
  • Use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes

Pregnancy Category

  • D

Lactation Safety

  • Not recommended

Drug Interactions

  • Potassium-sparing diuretics
  • NSAIDs
  • Lithium

Overdose Symptoms

  • Hypotension
  • Bradycardia
  • Hyperkalemia

Antidote for Overdose

  • Intravenous fluids, vasopressors, hemodialysis

Storage Conditions

  • Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F)

Pharmacokinetics

  • Absorption: Rapid and almost complete absorption
  • Distribution: Highly protein-bound
  • Metabolism: Hepatic (sacubitril) and hepatic (valsartan)
  • Excretion: Primarily renal

Precautions

  • Monitor renal function and potassium levels regularly

Warnings

  • Risk of angioedema
  • Hypotension
  • Renal impairment
  • Hyperkalemia

Others

  • It is important to discontinue ACE inhibitors or ARBs at least 36 hours before starting sacubitril/valsartan to reduce the risk of angioedema.