Valsartan® Tablets for Hypertension and Heart Failure

What Valsartan® Is and How It Works

Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB). It helps relax blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. It treats hypertension, improves symptoms in heart failure, and supports recovery after a heart attack. This valsartan medication is taken by mouth as film‑coated tablets. Common strengths include valsartan 160 mg, 80 mg, 320 mg, and 40 mg.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We partner only with vetted, licensed international pharmacies to supply authentic brands and a wide range of generics at fair prices.

Blocking angiotensin II reduces vasoconstriction and aldosterone secretion. That lowers afterload and preload, which eases strain on the heart. Many people use valsartan for hypertension when an ARB is preferred, or after previous intolerance to an ACE inhibitor.

Valsartan uses include primary treatment of high blood pressure and adjunct treatment in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. It is also used post‑myocardial infarction to reduce cardiovascular risk. Treatment often continues long term. This valsartan blood pressure medication can be taken with or without food.

Drug classification: ARB (angiotensin II receptor antagonist). For related reading on the condition, see High Blood Pressure.

Dosage and Usage

• Hypertension: typical starting dose is 80 mg once daily. Some may start at 40 mg once daily. Maintenance dose ranges from 80 to 320 mg once daily based on response.
• Heart failure: common initiation is 40 mg twice daily, titrated to 160 mg twice daily as tolerated.
• Post‑MI: start as early as 12 hours when stable at 20 mg twice daily, then titrate to 160 mg twice daily as tolerated.
• Swallow tablets whole with water. Take at the same time each day. May be taken with or without food.
• Do not double up if a dose is missed. Take the next dose at the usual time.
• Monitor blood pressure, kidney function, and potassium during titration and periodically.
• Do not use during pregnancy. Stop as soon as pregnancy is detected due to fetal toxicity risk.
• Avoid combining with aliskiren in diabetes. Avoid dual renin‑angiotensin system blockade unless specifically directed and monitored.

• Store tablets at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Short excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are acceptable.
• Keep in original container, tightly closed, and protect from moisture.
• Store out of reach of children and pets.
• When you travel, carry your medication in a labeled container in your carry‑on.
• Bring a copy of your prescription. Pack enough for your trip plus a few extra days.
• Avoid leaving tablets in a hot car or bathroom.

Benefits and Savings

Valsartan for blood pressure reduces cardiovascular risk and helps protect the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels. It rarely causes a persistent cough, an advantage over some ACE inhibitors. Once‑daily dosing for hypertension improves convenience. Multiple strengths support precise titration, including valsartan 80 mg, 160 mg, 320 mg, and 40 mg tablets.

Ordering from YouDrugstore often means 60–80% savings compared with typical US prices. Many customers compare valsartan price and valsartan cost across strengths to plan a multi‑month order. Larger supplies can lower per‑month costs, and bulk promotions may apply. People paying a cash price valsartan often find Canadian pricing helpful.

Looking for extra deals? Check our promotions page for any current valsartan coupon.

Side Effects and Safety

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially at start or after a dose increase
• Headache or fatigue
• Low blood pressure, particularly in volume‑depleted patients
• Elevated potassium (hyperkalemia)
• Diarrhea, nausea, or abdominal pain
• Back pain or joint pain

Serious but less common risks include kidney function changes, angioedema (facial or throat swelling), and rare liver enzyme elevations. Do not use during pregnancy due to a boxed warning for fetal toxicity. Use caution with potassium supplements, salt substitutes, potassium‑sparing diuretics, NSAIDs, and lithium. Report swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat urgently.

Onset Time

Blood pressure lowering usually appears within 1–2 weeks. The full antihypertensive effect is often reached by about 4 weeks at a stable dose. In heart failure, symptom improvements such as reduced dyspnea or edema may develop gradually over several weeks to months as doses are optimized.

If a dose change occurs, allow time for a steady effect before further adjustments. Regular monitoring supports safe titration.

Compare With Alternatives

Losartan is another ARB. Some transitions involve a losartan to valsartan conversion when more potent ARB therapy is needed or for formulary reasons. Both lower blood pressure and protect organs, with similar side‑effect profiles. Dose strengths and once‑daily options differ.

Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker. It can be paired with valsartan for added control. Fixed‑dose combinations exist for amlodipine and valsartan, which can simplify regimens. Edema is more common with amlodipine, but ARBs may help offset that.

Brand‑name valsartan is marketed as Diovan®. For a thiazide‑containing option, see Valsartan Hct, which combines valsartan with hydrochlorothiazide. Strengths include valsartan hctz 160 12.5, valsartan hctz 160 25 mg, and valsartan hctz 320 25 mg.

Combination Therapy

• Thiazide diuretic (e.g., HCTZ) with valsartan for additive blood pressure reduction.
• Calcium channel blocker (e.g., amlodipine and valsartan together) for complementary effects.
• Beta‑blocker in heart failure or post‑MI when indicated.
• Avoid routine combination with ACE inhibitors or aliskiren due to kidney and potassium risks.
• Adjust diuretics if symptomatic hypotension occurs after starting or increasing valsartan.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with primary hypertension or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Post‑MI patients with left ventricular dysfunction may benefit as well. Not suitable in pregnancy, in severe hypersensitivity to valsartan, or in those with a history of angioedema to ARBs. Use caution in bilateral renal artery stenosis and advanced kidney disease.

Hyperkalemia risk rises with potassium‑sparing diuretics, high‑potassium diets, salt substitutes, or renal impairment. NSAIDs may blunt the blood pressure effect and affect renal function. Lithium levels may increase with ARBs. Liver impairment can affect exposure; lower doses may be warranted. Pediatric use varies by age and indication. Clinicians individualize dosing.

To save on therapy, consider a 90‑day supply when appropriate. Multi‑month orders can reduce the per‑month cost, especially for common strengths like valsartan tablets 80 mg or 160 mg. Set reorder reminders so refills arrive before running out. Patients comparing generic for valsartan options often find stable supply and consistent pricing helpful. Discuss any lisinopril to valsartan conversion with a prescriber to avoid gaps in treatment.

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information: Valsartan tablets

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Valsartan

Novartis Diovan brand information

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This information is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed healthcare professional. Discuss diagnosis, treatment, and dosing with a qualified prescriber.