Sacubitril/valsartan

Sacubitril/Valsartan is a medication used primarily for the treatment of heart failure. It is a combination of two active ingredients: sacubitril, a neprilysin inhibitor, and valsartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker. The combination of these two drugs works synergistically to reduce the strain on the failing heart.

Etymology

The name "Sacubitril" is derived from the Latin words "sacculus" meaning "small bag" and "bitter", referring to the bitter taste of the compound. "Valsartan" is derived from the Latin "valere" meaning "to be strong" and "sartan" which is a common suffix for angiotensin receptor blockers.

Pharmacology

Sacubitril is a prodrug that is activated to sacubitrilat in the body. Sacubitrilat inhibits neprilysin, an enzyme that degrades natriuretic peptides, thereby increasing the levels of these peptides and promoting vasodilation and natriuresis. Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker that inhibits the vasoconstrictor and aldosterone-secreting effects of angiotensin II by blocking its binding to the angiotensin II receptor in many tissues, such as vascular smooth muscle and the adrenal gland.

Clinical Use

Sacubitril/Valsartan is used for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. It has been shown to reduce the rate of cardiovascular death and hospitalization related to heart failure when compared to enalapril, a standard treatment for heart failure.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan include hypotension, hyperkalemia, and renal impairment. It may also cause angioedema, particularly in patients with a history of angioedema related to previous ACE inhibitor therapy.

Related Terms

• Heart failure
• Neprilysin
• Angiotensin receptor blocker
• Enalapril
• ACE inhibitor

Sacubitril/valsartan Resources
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