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Valsartan is a prescription medicine used for high blood pressure, heart failure and certain patients after a heart attack. It relaxes blood vessels and reduces strain on the heart. Browse valsartan tablets by comparing the strength, dosage form, manufacturer, pack size and prescription status before ordering.
Valsartan is a medicine for the heart and blood vessels. Diovan is a well-known brand name, while generic valsartan is available from different manufacturers. Tablets commonly come in several strengths, and an oral liquid may be available for suitable patients.
Valsartan helps control a health condition but does not cure it. Blood pressure can rise without clear symptoms, so treatment should continue as directed even when a person feels well.
The valsartan drug class is angiotensin II receptor blockers, commonly called ARBs. Angiotensin II is a natural substance that tightens blood vessels and encourages the body to retain salt and water.
Valsartan blocks the AT1 receptor used by angiotensin II. This allows blood vessels to relax and lowers the amount of work placed on the heart. People often ask is valsartan an ACE inhibitor. It is not. ACE inhibitors reduce the production of angiotensin II, while ARBs block its action at a receptor. Both affect the same body system but have different medicine profiles.
Common valsartan uses include treating high blood pressure and heart failure. It may also be prescribed after a heart attack for clinically stable patients with heart failure or reduced left ventricular function.
Valsartan for high blood pressure helps lower pressure inside the blood vessels. Long-term blood pressure control can reduce cardiovascular risk when combined with suitable lifestyle measures and regular monitoring.
Valsartan for heart failure can reduce strain on the heart and may lower the chance of hospital admission in suitable patients. After a heart attack, it may support patients whose main pumping chamber is not working normally. The approved uses differ between countries, age groups and products. Treatment selection depends on blood pressure, heart function, kidney health, potassium levels and other medicines.
Valsartan prevents angiotensin II from tightening blood vessels. Wider blood vessels allow blood to flow with less resistance. This can lower blood pressure and make it easier for the heart to pump.
The medicine also reduces some signals that cause salt and water retention. These effects help explain its role in high blood pressure and heart failure. Valsartan does not remove fluid as directly as a diuretic and is not a blood thinner or beta blocker.
Common tablet strengths include valsartan 40 mg, valsartan 80 mg, valsartan 160 mg and valsartan 320 mg. A higher number does not automatically mean a better treatment.
The correct strength depends on the condition and schedule. Valsartan 40 mg may be used in lower starting schedules for heart failure. Valsartan 80 mg or 160 mg may start adult blood pressure treatment. Valsartan 320 mg is a higher daily strength used only when appropriate.
Different tablets and combination medicines are not always interchangeable. Check whether the product contains valsartan alone or another ingredient such as amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide or sacubitril.
There is no single valsartan dosage for every patient. Current tablet labels provide the following adult examples.
High blood pressure may start at 80 mg or 160 mg once daily and use a range up to 320 mg daily.
Heart failure may start at 40 mg twice daily and increase gradually toward 160 mg twice daily when tolerated.
Treatment after a heart attack may start at 20 mg twice daily and increase in stages.
These are label examples and not personal instructions. A prescriber considers the diagnosis, blood pressure, kidney function, potassium, age, hydration and other medicines before changing the dose.
Valsartan can generally be taken with or without food. Use the same method each day and take it at a consistent time. Do not stop treatment simply because blood pressure readings improve.
Common valsartan side effects may include dizziness, headache, tiredness, low blood pressure, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort. Heart failure treatment can also be associated with raised potassium or changes in kidney function.
Dizziness may be more noticeable after standing quickly, during hot weather or after fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhoea. Rise slowly and contact the care team if faintness continues.
Seek prompt advice for reduced urination, unusual weakness, an irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness or worsening swelling. Emergency help is needed for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, breathing difficulty or another serious allergic reaction.
Valsartan can protect the heart and blood vessels, but it may also change kidney function in some patients. Risk can increase during dehydration, severe heart failure, narrowing of the kidney arteries or use of interacting medicines.
Blood tests may check creatinine and potassium before treatment and after dose changes. A change in a test does not always mean permanent kidney damage, but it should be reviewed rather than ignored.
Important medicines and products to discuss include the following.
Potassium supplements and potassium salt substitutes
Potassium-sparing diuretics
Other ARBs, ACE inhibitors or aliskiren
Anti-inflammatory pain medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen
Lithium
Other medicines that lower blood pressure
Combining these treatments may increase low blood pressure, high potassium or kidney problems. Aliskiren should not be combined with valsartan in people with diabetes.
Alcohol can increase dizziness and low blood pressure. Dehydration can also make side effects more likely. Provide the prescriber with a complete list of medicines, supplements and salt substitutes.
Valsartan must not be used during pregnancy because it can seriously harm an unborn baby. Contact the prescriber immediately if pregnancy occurs. People planning pregnancy should discuss a safer alternative before conception.
Valsartan may also be unsuitable after a serious allergy to it or when certain interacting medicines are being used. Kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, high potassium, dehydration, narrowing of the kidney arteries and breastfeeding require medical review.
Valsartan and sacubitril are combined in an ARNI medicine used mainly for heart failure. That product already contains valsartan. It must not be taken with a separate valsartan tablet unless a specialist has given explicit instructions.
The valsartan amount in the combination is labelled differently from standard valsartan tablets because its form and exposure differ. Products should never be swapped milligram for milligram without professional guidance.
Valsartan vs losartan is a common ARB comparison. Both block the AT1 receptor and are used for high blood pressure. Their approved uses, strengths, schedules and evidence for specific heart conditions differ.
Neither is always stronger or better. The right choice depends on the condition, blood pressure response, kidney function, potassium, side effects, other medicines and product availability. They are not dose equivalent.
Keep valsartan in its original packaging at the temperature shown on the label. Protect it from excess heat, moisture and strong light. Keep it away from children and do not use expired tablets. Oral liquid may have different storage and discard instructions.
Valsartan mainly lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. It does not usually slow the heart in the same direct way as a beta blocker.