Valsartan may cause increased levels of which substance in the blood?

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) primarily used to treat hypertension and heart failure. One of the important parameters monitored when a patient is on valsartan therapy is blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. This increase can occur due to the drug's potential effect on renal function, especially in patients who may have existing renal impairment or are at risk for it.

Valsartan can cause changes in kidney perfusion, particularly in those with compromised renal function, leading to an increase in nitrogenous waste products like BUN in the blood. Monitoring BUN is crucial for assessing whether the patient's kidneys are functioning properly, as elevated levels may indicate reduced renal function or dehydration.

While valsartan does interact with the cardiovascular system and can influence electrolyte balance and renal function, it does not significantly alter glucose, cholesterol, or cortisol levels in a direct, clinically relevant way. Thus, in the context of valsartan therapy, the most notable laboratory finding to monitor for potential increases would be BUN.