Valsartan belongs to a class of medications called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), just like Losartan. ARBs block the substances that constrict the blood vessels and hence more blood and oxygen can reach the heart.
Valsartan is therefore commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, to improve survival in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after a heart attack, especially when medications such as Lisinopril (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) cannot be used.
Valsartan can be taken by mouth as tablets. Suggested adult oral doses for different uses are listed below:
For high blood pressure
Start with 80 mg once a day, and increase to 160 mg once daily if necessary. The maximum daily dose is 320 mg once daily.
For improving survival after a heart attack
Start with 20 mg twice daily, and increase up to 160 mg twice daily if necessary.
For heart failure
Start with 40 mg twice daily, and increase up to 160 mg twice daily if necessary.
Common side effects of Valsartan include diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, high potassium levels, low blood pressure, and kidney impairment. If you have intravascular volume depletion, for example, those taking high-dose other blood pressure-lowering drugs, you may also experience postural hypotension, that is your blood pressure falls when you stand up from sitting or lying down.
Common dosing schedule:
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Valsartan may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Valsartan is a prescription-only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Valsartan in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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