What is Valsartan?
Valsartan is a daily treatment for high blood pressure. It can help lower your blood pressure in as quickly as two hours.[1] You’ll be recommended Valsartan if your blood pressure hasn’t responded to lifestyle changes alone, and normally if you’ve tried another type of medication called an ACE inhibitor, but had side effects.
Who is Valsartan for?
Valsartan might be better for you if you have high blood pressure and:
- are under 55
- are not of African or Caribbean descent
- also have kidney disease or diabetes
- have tried taking an ACE inhibitor, like lisinopril, but had side effects
But in some cases, you might be recommended Valsartan if the above don’t apply to you.
How does Valsartan work?
Valsartan blocks the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that narrows blood vessels. This causes your blood vessels to relax and widen, reducing the force at which blood flows, making it easier for your heart to pump blood. As a result, your blood pressure lowers.[2]
Will I get side effects using Valsartan?
There’s a chance you might get side effects when using Valsartan. Some of the common side effects you might experience include:
- Dizziness
- Feeling faint
- Decreased kidney function
The side effects are generally mild and temporary. There are some things you can do to help prevent them, such as standing up slowly after sitting or lying down, to avoid feeling faint.
What is Valsartan used for?
Valsartan is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure and lessens the strain on your heart, effectively managing both conditions.
What drug class is Valsartan in?
Valsartan belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). These medicines work by relaxing your blood vessels, so blood can flow more easily.
What doses of Valsartan are there?
Valsartan comes in four doses: 40 mg, 80 mg, 160mg, and 320 mg.
The starting dose is 80 mg daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 320 mg daily.
Treated trusted source:
- Abraham, I., et al. (2011). Real-world effectiveness of valsartan on hypertension and total cardiovascular risk: Review and implications of a translational research program. Vascular Health and Risk Management, 7, 209.
- Hermida, R.C., et al. 2003. Administration time-dependent effects of valsartan on ambulatory blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Hypertension, 42(3), pp.283–290.
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