Valsartan

Valsartan is the generic form of Diovan and is used to manage high blood pressure. Generic medicines are often slightly less expensive than branded ones, but they contain the same active ingredient and function in the same manner.

Another difference is that Diovan is offered in tablet form, whereas the generic version, Valsartan, is also available as capsules. If you prefer something other than tablets, Valsartan capsules might be a suitable choice. They often work a bit quicker than tablets because they dissolve faster in your body. Additionally, they have higher bioavailability, which means more of the medication enters your bloodstream. Plus, capsules don't have an unpleasant taste or smell.

Valsartan is a type of medicine called an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It helps to manage your blood pressure by relaxing your blood vessels.

Valsartan capsules are used to treat a range of conditions, such as:

Valsartan is part of a group of medicines known as ARBs. These work by blocking the effects of a hormone called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II makes blood vessels tighten and triggers the release of another hormone, aldosterone, which causes the body to hold onto salt and water.

ARBs work by blocking the effects of angiotensin II, which helps to relax and widen your blood vessels. This makes it easier for blood to flow and helps reduce blood pressure.

ARBs can help protect the heart by enhancing its function. They reduce the heart's workload, boost the amount of blood it pumps, and stop the heart muscle from thickening.

Valsartan capsules are available in three strengths: 40mg, 80mg, and 160mg. The 40mg capsules have a light grey cap and body, marked with 'M40'. The 80mg capsules feature a light grey cap and a flesh-coloured body, with 'M80' printed on them. The 160mg capsules come with a dark grey cap and a flesh-coloured body, marked with 'M160'. Inside each capsule, you'll find a white to off-white granular powder.

Valsartan, irbesartan, telmisartan, and other medicines ending in 'sartan' are part of a group of drugs known as ARBs, and they all work in quite similar ways. Valsartan has been shown to be just as effective in lowering blood pressure as other ARBs, such as losartan.

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They have similar side effects as well.

Valsartan works just as well as other high blood pressure medications, such as ramipril and other ACE inhibitors.

If you've had to stop taking ACE inhibitors due to side effects like a persistent cough, Valsartan might be a better choice for you. It's often prescribed as an alternative for those who can't tolerate ACE inhibitors.

Valsartan can be combined with other medicines to form fixed-dose combinations for managing high blood pressure, including:

You should avoid taking valsartan with NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, unless it's really needed. Combining valsartan with NSAIDs can reduce how well valsartan lowers your blood pressure. Using them together over a long period can also impact your kidneys. Therefore, it's advised to keep an eye on kidney function and stay well-hydrated while using ARBs and NSAIDs.

Be sure to speak with your clinician before using valsartan alongside ibuprofen.

All medications, including Valsartan, can have side effects. However, not everyone will experience them. Some common side effects of Valsartan are dizziness, low blood pressure (which might lead to dizziness and fainting when you stand up), and reduced kidney function.

There are also some less common side effects, including angioedema (swelling), sudden fainting, a spinning sensation (vertigo), feeling sick, shortness of breath, trouble breathing when lying down, swelling in the feet or legs (which could indicate heart failure), headache, stomach pain, diarrhoea, tiredness, weakness, and cough.

Valsartan can lead to higher potassium levels in your body. Because of this, it's best to steer clear of foods high in potassium, as well as potassium supplements and salt substitutes containing potassium. Foods rich in potassium that you should avoid while taking Valsartan include bananas, oranges, apricots, grapefruit, spinach, broccoli, potatoes, mushrooms, peas, courgettes, Noni juice, and more. It's a good idea to consult your clinician about which foods to avoid.

Be on the lookout for signs of high potassium levels, like muscle spasms and irregular heart rhythms. If you notice these symptoms, make sure to inform your clinician.

Valsartan operates in a different way to ACE inhibitors, which means it's less likely to cause a cough as a side effect. In clinical trials, fewer people reported a dry cough when taking valsartan compared to those on ACE inhibitors, with 2.6% experiencing it versus 7.9%.

For those who have previously experienced a cough with ACE inhibitors, the occurrence of cough was significantly lower with valsartan (19.5%) compared to lisinopril (68.9%), which is an ACE inhibitor.

Since ARBs like valsartan typically don't cause a cough, they're often given as an alternative to ACE inhibitors.

Valsartan might cause you to feel tired or weak, though not everyone experiences this. These side effects are considered uncommon and may affect up to 1 in 100 people taking Valsartan. If you notice these symptoms, inform your clinician. They can evaluate your condition and determine if any adjustments to your treatment are necessary.