Valsartan

Valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.

Usage

You can take valsartan with or without food. However, taking it with food might reduce the chance of stomach upset.

If your medication causes dizziness or fatigue, taking it in the morning might help to avoid these effects disrupting your sleep.

Side effects

  • Dizziness

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Stomach pain

  • Nausea

  • Cough

  • Back and joint pain

  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)

  • Increased risk of viral infections

Pharmacology

Mechanism of action

Valsartan produces direct antagonism of the angiotensin II (AT2) receptors, unlike the ACE inhibitors. It displaces angiotensin II from the AT1 receptor and produces its blood pressure-lowering effects by antagonizing AT1-induced vasoconstriction, aldosterone release, catecholamine release, arginine vasopressin release, water intake, and hypertrophic responses. This action results in more efficient blockade of the cardiovascular effects of angiotensin II and fewer side effects than the ACE inhibitors.

Half-Life Elimination

~6 hours; ~35% longer in elderly patients

Drugs: Valsartan