How It Works
Valsartan works by blocking the action of a hormone in the body called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II binds to specific receptors in the body that cause the blood vessels to narrow. This forces the heart to work harder to pump blood, which raises blood pressure. Angiotensin II also triggers the release of another hormone, aldosterone, which encourages the kidneys to retain sodium and water, further increasing blood pressure.
By blocking angiotensin II, Valsartan allows blood vessels to relax and widen. This improves blood flow and circulation, making it easier for the heart to pump blood and reducing blood pressure.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Brands | Diovan |
| Drug Class | Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) |
| Generic Status | Generic for Diovan |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Dosing
Valsartan comes in several dosage strengths, including 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, and 320 mg tablets. It is also available in a liquid solution for people who cannot swallow tablets, though dosing measurements differ between the tablet and liquid forms.
Dosing for valsartan varies depending on what you’re taking it for:
- High blood pressure (hypertension): The recommended starting dose is 80 mg taken by mouth once daily. If needed, your healthcare provider may adjust the dose up to a maximum of 320 mg once daily.
- Heart failure: The recommended starting dose is 40 mg taken by mouth twice daily. If tolerated, your healthcare provider may adjust the dose up to 160 mg twice daily
- Post-heart attack care: The recommended starting dose is 20 mg twice daily. If tolerated, your healthcare provider may adjust the dose up to 160 mg twice daily.
Note: Dosing information is educational only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your individual health needs. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for exact dosing.
Uses
FDA-Approved Uses
Valsartan is FDA-approved for:
- Lowering high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Reducing the risk of hospitalization for heart failure
- Reducing the risk of death after a heart attack
Off-Label Uses
You may see the valsartan prescribed for uses that are not “FDA-approved.” This is a very common and legal practice called “off-label” prescribing, where a doctor uses their clinical judgment to prescribe a drug for a different (but well-researched) purpose.
Health providers may prescribe valsartan off-label to help manage chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Get Savings Updates for Valsartan
Join our mailing list for exclusive deals and more.
Side Effects
Like all medications, valsartan can cause side effects. Some common side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects may be serious and require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- High potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
- Cough
- Kidney issues
- Back pain
- Abdominal pain
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur. Stop using valsartan and call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; racing heart; severe rash or itching; fever.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension): While valsartan is prescribed to lower blood pressure, it can cause it to drop too low. The risk is higher in people who are dehydrated or taking diuretics (water pills). Symptoms include lightheadedness, fainting, tiredness, or confusion.
- Kidney damage: In some cases, valsartan can affect kidney function. Symptoms include a reduced need to urinate; swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs; confusion; nausea; weakness; shortness of breath; and seizures.
- High potassium level (hyperkalemia): Valsartan can cause blood potassium levels to rise dangerously high. Symptoms include muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, and nausea.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.
Pharmacist Tips
Take With or Without Food
You can take valsartan with or without food. However, if you find it upsets your stomach, taking it with food may help.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can increase the risk of low blood pressure and kidney issues on valsartan. Ensure you stay well-hydrated, especially if you have diarrhea.
Keep Up With Bloodwork
Your healthcare provider may want to monitor your potassium level and kidney function while you’re taking valsartan.
Monitor Blood Pressure at Home
Bring a log to your appointments to help your provider decide if your dose of valsartan is working for you.
Pregnancy Warning
Valsartan is not safe to use during pregnancy. It can cause serious harm or death to the unborn baby. If you become pregnant (or plan to), contact your provider immediately.
Avoid Potassium Supplements
Because valsartan can increase potassium levels, do not use salt substitutes (which often contain potassium chloride) or potassium supplements unless specifically advised by your doctor.
Diet Considerations
Your healthcare provider may recommend limiting foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, while taking valsartan. It’s also recommended to follow a healthy, low-sodium diet to support heart health.
Liquid Solution
If you are prescribed the liquid form of valsartan, store it in the refrigerator (35°F to 46°F, or 2°C to 8°C) for up to 75 days, or at room temperature (below 86°F, or 30°C) for up to 30 days. Always use the included cup or syringe to measure your dose, not a household spoon.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of valsartan, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not double up on doses of valsartan.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications and substances can interact with valsartan, potentially altering how it works or increasing the risk of side effects. For example:
- Other blood pressure medications: Combining valsartan with Aliskiren (Tekturna), ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril), or other ARBs can increase the risk of kidney damage and low blood pressure.
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Common pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) should be avoided while taking valsartan. Taking them together can worsen kidney function and reduce the effectiveness of valsartan.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics (water pills), potassium supplements & salt substitutes: These can lead to dangerously high potassium levels when combined with valsartan.
- Lithium: Valsartan may increase the amount of lithium in the body to toxic levels.
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
FAQs
Does valsartan cause a dry cough like lisinopril does?
While a cough is listed as a potential side effect of valsartan, it is generally less common than with ACE inhibitors like lisinopril. ACE inhibitors can be more likely to cause a persistent dry cough, which is why some people may switch to an ARB like valsartan.
Can I take valsartan with ibuprofen or naproxen?
It is generally recommended to avoid taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen while on valsartan, unless your prescriber specifically says it is safe. The combination can worsen kidney function and may make valsartan less effective at lowering your blood pressure.
Why should I not use salt substitutes while taking valsartan?
Many salt substitutes use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride. Since valsartan can cause your body to retain potassium, using these substitutes can lead to hyperkalemia (dangerously high potassium levels), which can cause heart rhythm problems.
Is valsartan safe to take during pregnancy?
No. Valsartan can cause serious injury or death to the developing fetus. It is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. If you become pregnant, stop taking valsartan and contact your doctor immediately.
Can I drink alcohol while taking valsartan?
It’s unknown if alcohol interacts with valsartan. However, alcohol can lower blood pressure on its own, so combining it with valsartan may increase the risk of dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
Is it better to take valsartan in the morning or at night?
You can take valsartan at whatever time works best for your schedule, as long as you take it at the same time every day. The important thing is to take your dose consistently.
What is the difference between Diovan (valsartan) and Entresto?
Diovan contains only valsartan, while Entresto is a combination medication that contains two active ingredients: valsartan and sacubitril. Also, Entresto is primarily used for treating certain types of heart failure, while Diovan additionally treats high blood pressure and lowers the risk of death after a heart attack.
Can I take valsartan if I am allergic to sulfa drugs?
Valsartan (Diovan) does not contain sulfonamide and is generally considered safe for people with sulfa allergies. However, valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT) contains hydrochlorothiazide, which is a sulfonamide derivative. If you have a sulfa allergy, tell your healthcare provider so they can confirm valsartan is safe for you.
Does valsartan raise potassium levels in the blood?
Yes, it can. High potassium levels is a rare but serious side effect of valsartan. Your doctor may monitor your potassium levels via blood tests.
How long does it take for valsartan to lower blood pressure?
You may see a drop in blood pressure within a week of starting valsartan, but it typically takes about 2 to 4 weeks to see the full benefit.
Is valsartan used for heart failure?
Yes. Valsartan is FDA-approved to reduce the risk of hospitalization in people with heart failure.
Can valsartan cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not a known side effect of valsartan. If you experience thinning hair or hair loss while taking valsartan, consult your healthcare provider.
Comparable Medications
Valsartan, Losartan (Cozaar), Telmisartan (Micardis), Olmesartan (Benicar), Entresto (Sacubitril + Valsartan), Lisinopril (Zestril), or Ramipril (Altace)?
There are several medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of valsartan. Here are a few possible alternatives below.
Losartan
From $22.99
An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke in people with high blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy, and slow kidney decline in people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Telmisartan
From $24.99
An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risk in older people who cannot take ACE inhibitors.
Olmesartan
From $29.99
An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure.
Sacubitril / Valsartan Tablets
From $79.99
A combination neprilysin inhibitor and angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat heart failure.
Lisinopril
From $22.99
An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
Ramipril Capsules
From $24.99
An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure, prevent heart failure, and reduce cardiovascular risk in older people.
We Have Valsartan in Stock. Get Yours Today!
Important: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prescribing decisions are made by independent, licensed providers. TelyRx operates technology-enabled pharmacies and a telehealth platform that connects patients with board-certified licensed providers. Prescriptions, when provider-approved and issued, are filled and shipped by TelyRx-affiliated pharmacies. We do not employ physicians or make prescribing decisions. Learn more about our editorial standards here.