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. Read the package leaflet before use.