What is Valsartan: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Valsartan is a blood pressure medication that belongs to a group called ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers). It works by relaxing your blood vessels, which helps lower your blood pressure and makes it easier for your heart to pump blood throughout your body.

This medication has been helping millions of people manage their high blood pressure for over two decades. Your doctor might prescribe valsartan if you have hypertension or heart failure, as it's proven effective at protecting your heart and blood vessels from long-term damage.

What is Valsartan?

Valsartan is a prescription medication that blocks certain receptors in your body to help lower blood pressure. Think of it as a gentle brake system for your blood vessels – it prevents them from tightening up too much.

This medication is part of the ARB family, which stands for angiotensin receptor blockers. These medicines are considered gentler than some other blood pressure medications because they typically cause fewer side effects like coughing or swelling.

Valsartan is available in tablet form and comes in different strengths ranging from 40mg to 320mg. Your doctor will determine the right dose based on your specific condition and how your body responds to the medication.

What is Valsartan Used For?

Valsartan is primarily prescribed to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure. It's also used to help protect your kidneys if you have diabetes and to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

For high blood pressure, valsartan helps your arteries stay relaxed and open, which reduces the pressure against your artery walls. This takes some of the workload off your heart and helps prevent complications like stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems.

If you have heart failure, valsartan can help your heart pump more efficiently by reducing the resistance it faces when pushing blood through your body. This can improve your symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue while helping you feel more energetic.

Some doctors also prescribe valsartan after a heart attack to help protect your heart muscle and prevent future cardiovascular events. Additionally, it may be used to slow kidney damage in people with type 2 diabetes.

How Does Valsartan Work?

Valsartan works by blocking a hormone called angiotensin II from binding to receptors in your blood vessels. This hormone normally causes your blood vessels to tighten and narrow, which increases blood pressure.

When valsartan blocks these receptors, your blood vessels can relax and widen, allowing blood to flow more easily. This reduces the pressure in your arteries and makes your heart's job easier.

Valsartan is considered a moderate-strength blood pressure medication. It's not the strongest option available, but it's very effective for most people and tends to be well-tolerated with fewer side effects than some alternatives.

The medication also helps your kidneys remove excess salt and water from your body, which further helps reduce blood pressure. This dual action makes valsartan particularly effective for people with both high blood pressure and heart failure.

How Should I Take Valsartan?

Take valsartan exactly as your doctor prescribes, usually once daily at the same time each day. You can take it with or without food, but try to be consistent with your choice to maintain steady levels in your body.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water – don't crush, chew, or break it. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk to your pharmacist about whether the tablet can be split or if there are alternative options.

It's best to take valsartan at a time when you can be consistent daily. Many people find taking it in the morning works well, but some prefer evening dosing. The most important thing is taking it at the same time every day.

You don't need to avoid any specific foods while taking valsartan, but it's wise to limit excessive salt intake since you're treating high blood pressure. Drinking plenty of water is generally good, but avoid dramatically increasing your fluid intake without discussing it with your doctor.

How Long Should I Take Valsartan For?

Most people need to take valsartan long-term to keep their blood pressure controlled and protect their heart and blood vessels. High blood pressure is typically a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management.

You'll likely start seeing blood pressure improvements within 2-4 weeks of starting valsartan, with maximum effects usually occurring after 4-6 weeks. However, even if you feel fine, it's important to continue taking the medication as prescribed.

Your doctor will monitor your response to valsartan through regular blood pressure checks and blood tests. They may adjust your dose or add other medications if needed to reach your target blood pressure goals.

Never stop taking valsartan suddenly without talking to your doctor first. Stopping abruptly can cause your blood pressure to spike, which could be dangerous. If you need to discontinue the medication, your doctor will guide you through a safe transition plan.

What Are the Side Effects of Valsartan?

Most people tolerate valsartan well, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The good news is that serious side effects are uncommon, and many people experience no side effects at all.

Here are the most common side effects you might experience, though remember that most are mild and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
• Headache
• Fatigue or feeling tired
• Diarrhea or stomach upset
• Back pain
• Cough (less common than with ACE inhibitors)

These common side effects usually fade within a few weeks as your body gets used to the medication. If they persist or bother you, talk to your doctor about possible adjustments.

Less common but more serious side effects require immediate medical attention. While these are rare, it's important to be aware of them:

• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Unusual muscle weakness
• Signs of kidney problems (changes in urination, swelling in legs or feet)

If you experience any of these serious symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care. Remember, these severe reactions are very uncommon, but it's always better to be safe.

Who Should Not Take Valsartan?

Valsartan isn't suitable for everyone, and your doctor will carefully consider your medical history before prescribing it. Certain conditions and situations make this medication potentially unsafe or less effective.

You should not take valsartan if you're allergic to it or any similar ARB medications. Signs of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

Pregnancy is another important consideration – valsartan can harm an unborn baby, especially during the second and third trimesters. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss safer alternatives with your doctor.

People with certain medical conditions need special monitoring or may not be able to take valsartan safely:

• Severe kidney disease or kidney artery narrowing
• Severe liver disease
• Very low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Dehydration or severe fluid loss
• High potassium levels in blood
• Diabetes (if also taking aliskiren)

Your doctor will run blood tests before starting valsartan and monitor you regularly to ensure the medication is working safely for your specific situation.

Valsartan Brand Names

The most common brand name for valsartan is Diovan, which was the original brand when the medication first became available. You might also see it combined with other medications under different brand names.

Diovan HCT combines valsartan with hydrochlorothiazide (a water pill), while Exforge combines it with amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker). These combination medications can be convenient if you need multiple blood pressure medications.

Generic valsartan is widely available and works exactly the same as brand-name versions. Your pharmacist might substitute generic valsartan for Diovan unless your doctor specifically requests the brand name.

Always check with your pharmacist if your pills look different from what you're used to – this could simply mean you received a different manufacturer's version, but it's worth confirming to avoid confusion.

Valsartan Alternatives

If valsartan doesn't work well for you or causes side effects, several alternative medications can effectively treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Your doctor can help you find the right fit for your specific situation.

Other ARB medications work similarly to valsartan and might be better tolerated. These include losartan, telmisartan, candesartan, and irbesartan. Each has slightly different properties that might make one more suitable for you than another.

ACE inhibitors like lisinopril, enalapril, and captopril work differently but achieve similar results. They're often tried first, but some people develop a persistent cough with ACE inhibitors, making ARBs like valsartan a better choice.

Other medication classes your doctor might consider include calcium channel blockers (like amlodipine), beta-blockers (like metoprolol), and diuretics (water pills). The best choice depends on your other health conditions, age, and how your body responds to different medications.

Is Valsartan Better Than Lisinopril?

Both valsartan and lisinopril are excellent medications for high blood pressure and heart failure, but they work in slightly different ways. Neither is universally "better" – the best choice depends on your individual situation and how your body responds.

Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that's often tried first because it's been around longer and has extensive research supporting its use. However, about 10-15% of people develop a persistent dry cough with ACE inhibitors, which is where valsartan becomes a great alternative.

Valsartan tends to cause fewer side effects overall, especially the annoying cough that some people get with lisinopril. It's also less likely to cause swelling (angioedema), though this is rare with both medications.

Both medications are equally effective at lowering blood pressure and protecting your heart and kidneys. Your doctor will consider factors like your other medications, kidney function, and any side effects you've experienced with other blood pressure medications when making their recommendation.