Uses
What is valsartan used for?
Valsartan is commonly used for the following conditions.
- To lower high blood pressure (hypertension)
- To lower the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in people with heart failure
- To lower the risk of death in people whose heart is not pumping blood as well as it should after a heart attack
Valsartan may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does valsartan work (mechanism of action)?
Valsartan blocks receptors in your body that normally bind to a hormone called angiotensin II. When angiotensin II binds to these receptors, it causes your blood vessels to constrict and body to release a hormone that tells your kidneys to keep sodium. Blocking these receptors help your blood vessels relax so that blood can move through them more easily. These effects can help your heart work better, lower blood pressure, and may reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
How is valsartan supplied (dosage forms)?
Valsartan is available as Diovan and generic valsartan in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 40 mg oral tablets
- 80 mg oral tablets
- 160 mg oral tablets
- 320 mg oral tablets
How should I store valsartan?
Valsartan should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed container.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of valsartan?
The most common side effects of valsartan are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Stomach pain
- Decreased blood pressure (see below)
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- High potassium level (see below)
- Cough
There may be other side effects of valsartan that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of valsartan?
While less common, the most serious side effects of valsartan are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Decreased Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Valsartan may cause low blood pressure, especially in people with low levels of fluids or salt. This can happen especially in people taking a medicine that causes you to pee more often (diuretic). If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Confusion
- Feeling weak or tired
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking valsartan. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
High Potassium Level (Hyperkalemia). Valsartan can cause a high potassium level (hyperkalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a high potassium level.
- Muscle weakness or unusual tiredness
- Slow heartbeat or feeling of skipped heartbeats
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Severe Allergic Reactions. Valsartan may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using valsartan and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use valsartan?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use valsartan.
- Diovan
- Valsartan
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific valsartan products they stock.
Drug Interactions. Valsartan should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking valsartan, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about valsartan before using it?
Do not take valsartan unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share valsartan with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep valsartan out of the reach of children.
Valsartan can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how valsartan affects you.
Your pharmacist can make a liquid form of this medicine. If you take this form, keep it refrigerated, between 35 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C), for up to 75 days. It can also be stored at room temperature, below 86 F (30 C), for up to 30 days. Before each use, shake the liquid medicine. Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using valsartan?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if valsartan is right for you.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Electrolyte imbalance, such as high or low levels of sodium or potassium
- Persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea
Pregnancy. Valsartan can cause death or serious harm to an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking valsartan right away and contact your healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if valsartan passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop valsartan.
Interactions
Does valsartan interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between valsartan and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect valsartan. The risk of dizziness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking valsartan.
Does valsartan interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking valsartan.
- Aliskiren (Tekturna), which is a medicine for high blood pressure
- A supplement or salt-substitute containing potassium
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
- An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
- Any medicine for high blood pressure
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much valsartan?
If you or someone else has used too much valsartan, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of valsartan?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Valsartan (Diovan)?
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