It is common to see a patient on multiple cardiovascular medications—but when sacubitril and valsartan (Entresto) appears on their list, it should catch your attention. This heart failure medication plays a critical role in managing patients with reduced ejection fraction, but do you know how it affects their dental care? Should you modify treatment, adjust anesthetic choices, or monitor for specific side effects? Understanding the nuances of heart failure medications is essential—not just for patient safety but for delivering high-quality care with confidence. Explore below what you need to know about Entresto during Heart Failure Awareness Week.
Generic Name: Sacubitril and Valsartan
Brand Name(s): Entresto
Pronunciation: sak UE bi tril and val SAR tan
About this drug:
Sacubitril and Valsartan (Entresto) is used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure.
Dentistry-related tidbits:
Monitor blood pressure as the risk of hypotension may increase when administering the following local anesthetics to a patient taking Entresto: articaine, bupivacaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine, and ropivacaine.
Monitor blood pressure when administering Epinephrine to a patient taking Entresto as this combination may decrease Entresto’s antihypertensive efficacy.
Combining steroids with this medication may cause hypertension.
Combining narcotics, benzodiazepines, or the muscle relaxant Tizanidine with Entresto may increase the risk of severe hypotension and syncope.
Combining NSAIDs, including Aspirin or Aspirin-containing products, with Entresto may increase the risk of renal problems, hyperkalemia, and hypertension. Prescribe Acetaminophen or Acetaminophen-based medications if needed for pain.
Combining the lincosamide antibiotic Clindamycin and antivirals (e.g. Acyclovir, Valacyclovir) with Entresto may increase the risk of renal problems.
Combining the anticonvulsant Pregabalin with Entresto may increase the risk of angioedema. Before prescribing any medication, we recommend using the Rx Check tool to prevent potential drug interactions or adverse effects.
Fun facts:
Entresto is a neprilysin inhibitor-angiotensin receptor blocker used to relax blood vessels and reduce fluid retention.
This medication’s FDA Black Box Warning prohibits taking this medication during pregnancy as it may cause injury and death to an unborn child.
Patients should not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements unless directed by their doctor.
Excessive caffeine consumption should be avoided as this combination may decrease the antihypertensive efficacy.
Join us in ending smile denial™️ by signing up for the Digital Drug Handbook™️ today!
Comments