A Study Of Valsartan Used To Treat Hypertension For Up To 13 Months In Hypertensive Children Ages 6 - 16 Years Of Age

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Multi-Center Study Followed By 12 Months Open-Label Treatment To Evaluate The Dose Response And Safety Of Valsartan In Pediatric Hypertensive Patients

Drugs used to treat high blood pressure in adults should also be effective in treating high blood pressure in children and adolescents. This study will test the safety and efficacy of valsartan in treating high blood pressure in hypertensive children 6-16 years of age whose parent(s)/guardian(s) grant permission to participate.

Inclusion Criteria:

• CHILDREN HAVE SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE AT A LEVEL =>95th PERCENTILE FOR AGE/GENDER/HEIGHT
• CONSENT FROM PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) MUST BE GRANTED

Exclusion Criteria:

• BLOOD PESSURE IS =>5% HIGHER THAN 99th PERCENTILE FOR AGE
• SERIOUS, CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS UPON PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, AND LABORATORY AND OTHER ASSESSMENTS

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria will also apply.