What is valsartan?
Valsartan is an AT1 receptor blocker (Sartan) for the treatment of high blood pressure, heart failure and heart attack. It is one of the most sought-after Sartans with an extensive study situation.
Valsartan is available as a mono preparation and in various combinations: with HCT, with Amlodipine (Exforge®, Dafiro®) or as a triple combination. Known brand names are Diovan® and Valsartan-1 A Pharma®.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Valsartan
Valsartan blocks the AT1 receptor for angiotensin II:
Active mechanism:
- Selective blockade of the AT1 receptor
- Prevents the action of angiotensin II on the vessels
- vascular expansion and blood pressure reduction
- Reduced aldosterone release
Clinical effect:
- Blood pressure reduction by 10-15 mmHg systolic
- Organ protection for heart and kidneys
- No influence on bradykinin degradation (no cough)
Study situation: Valsartan is well-trained by major studies (VALUE, Val-HeFT, VALIANT) for the treatment of high blood pressure, heart failure and heart attack.
Who is it suitable for?
Valsartan is suitable for:
- Adults with high blood pressure
- Heart failure
- condition after heart attack with heart failure
- Patients with ACE inhibitor incompatibility
Especially suitable:
- If necessary for combination therapy (many combination preparations available)
- After heart attack with restricted heart function
Not suitable:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Heavy liver failure
- Gallenzirrhose, Gallenstauung
Available Dosages
High blood pressure:
- start dose: 80 mg once a day
- usual dose: 80-160 mg once a day
- Maximum dose: 320 mg daily
Sufficiency:
- start dose: 40 mg twice a day
- Target dose: 160 mg twice a day
Available starches:
- 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, 320 mg
Combination preparations:
- Valsartan + HCT
- Valsartan + Amlodipine (Exforge®, Dafiro®)
- Valsartan + Amlodipin + HCT (Exforge HCT®)
How to Take
Intake:
- Once a day (blood high pressure) or twice a day (heart failure)
- Independent meals
- Take with water
- Always at the same time
Dosis adjustment:
- Slow increase every 2-4 weeks
- Regular blood pressure and laboratory controls
- With heart failure: tighter monitoring
Important notes:
- Do not drop abruptly
- Drink enough
- avoid potassium salts and calcium-rich dietary supplements
Contraindications
**Valsartan must not be taken at:* *
- hypersensitivity to Valsartan
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Heavy liver insufficiency, gallenzirrhosis
- Simultaneous application with aliens in diabetes
Preview at:
- Kidney failure
- Kidney artery stenosis
- Hyperkaliemia
- dehydration or salt deficiency
- Aortenstenose
pregnant: Contraindicated. Sartans can cause severe malformations and kidney damage in the unborn.
Possible Side Effects
Acid (1-10%):
- Squeeze
- Orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drop when standing up)
- Increased potassium values
- Kidney function changes
** Occasionally (0,1-1%):* *
- Headaches
- fatigue
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- coughs (rare, much less than ACE inhibitors)
Selten:
- Angioedema
- Skin rash
- liver value increases
- muscle pain
Generally well tolerated: Sartans are among the best compatible blood pressure medications. The side-effect rate is often barely higher than in placebo.
Interactions
Contracted:
- Aliskiren in diabetes or kidney failure
- Sacubitril (except as a solid combination preparation Entresto®)
Preview at:
- Potassium-saving diuretics → Hyperkaliemia
- NSAR → reduced effect, kidney damage
- Lithium → raised mirrors
- Ciclosporin → increased potassium levels
Note to Entresto®: Sacubitril/Valsartan (Entresto®) is a combination preparation for heart failure. It must not be combined with other ACE inhibitors or sartans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is valsartan right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.