Valsartan
Is It Right for You?
A complete guide to Valsartan — what it treats, how it works, dosages, side effects, and when a clinician may prescribe it following an online consultation.
What Is Valsartan?
Valsartan is a medicine used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart failure, and to protect the heart after a heart attack. It belongs to a group called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).
It is taken as a tablet, usually once a day, and is available generically and in combination products with a diuretic or a calcium-channel blocker such as amlodipine. ARBs are often used when an ACE inhibitor is not tolerated.
Valsartan is a prescription-only medication in the UK. A licensed clinician can review your blood pressure, kidney function, and medical history through a telehealth consultation and prescribe it where appropriate.
What Conditions Is Valsartan Used For?
Valsartan is prescribed for:
lowering raised blood pressure to reduce the long-term risk of stroke and heart attack.
helping the heart work more effectively and easing symptoms in chronic heart failure.
protecting the heart and improving outcomes in some people following a heart attack.
Valsartan must not be taken during pregnancy, as it can seriously harm an unborn baby. Tell your clinician straight away if you become pregnant or are planning pregnancy so it can be stopped and switched.
How Does Valsartan Work?
Valsartan blocks the action of a hormone called angiotensin II, which normally narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
By blocking angiotensin II at its receptors, valsartan allows blood vessels to relax and widen. This lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload on the heart.
These effects also help in heart failure and after a heart attack by easing the strain on the heart and supporting more efficient pumping over time.
Dosages & Administration
The correct dose depends on the type and severity of infection, age, weight, and kidney function. Always follow your clinician's instructions. The table below is for general reference only.
Administration Tips
Take it at the same time each day, with or without food. Swallow the tablet with water and try not to miss doses.
Do not stop it suddenly without advice, even if you feel well; your blood pressure may be controlled precisely because you are taking it.
Side Effects of Valsartan
Valsartan is generally well tolerated and, unlike ACE inhibitors, is less likely to cause a dry cough.
- Dizziness or light-headedness, especially when standing
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Raised potassium levels (on blood tests)
- Effects on kidney function (monitored by blood tests)
- Fainting or severe dizziness
- Signs of high potassium (muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat)
- Signs of kidney problems (much less urine, swelling)
- Swelling of the face, lips, or throat (angioedema)
- Severe allergic reaction
Illness with vomiting, diarrhoea, or dehydration can cause blood pressure and kidney function to drop while on valsartan. Seek advice if you become unwell, and do not ignore reduced urine output or marked swelling.
Drug Interactions
Always disclose all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements to your clinician or pharmacist before starting valsartan.
Combining medicines that act on this same system increases the risk of kidney problems, low blood pressure, and high potassium.
These can add to valsartan's tendency to raise potassium, which needs monitoring.
Regular use can reduce valsartan's effect and increase the risk of kidney problems, especially if dehydrated.
Valsartan can raise lithium levels, so lithium needs careful monitoring if both are used.
Important Warnings
Valsartan can seriously harm an unborn baby and must not be used in pregnancy. Use reliable contraception if needed and tell your clinician immediately if you become pregnant.
Your kidney function and potassium are usually checked before and during treatment, particularly after starting or changing the dose.
Valsartan can lower blood pressure, sometimes causing dizziness, especially when standing or with the first doses. Rise slowly and take care if affected.
Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea can affect your blood pressure and kidneys. Seek advice if you are significantly unwell while taking valsartan.
Speak to a Clinician About Treatment
Getting advice no longer means sitting in a waiting room. Through The GP Service, you can consult with a licensed clinician in minutes — from home, on your lunch break, or wherever works for you. If treatment is clinically appropriate, your clinician can issue a prescription during the consultation. A consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
The treatment you need, when you need it.
Valsartan FAQs
Yes. A licensed clinician can review your blood pressure, kidney function, and medical history through a telehealth consultation and prescribe valsartan where appropriate, arranging any necessary monitoring.
Valsartan is an ARB and works on the same system as ACE inhibitors but is less likely to cause the dry cough some people get with ACE inhibitors.
Yes. Kidney function and potassium are usually checked before and during treatment, especially after starting or changing the dose.
Occasional use may be acceptable, but regular NSAID painkillers can reduce valsartan's effect and affect the kidneys. Check with your clinician or pharmacist.
Valsartan can seriously harm a developing baby, so it must not be used in pregnancy. Tell your clinician at once if you become pregnant so it can be switched.
High blood pressure is usually a long-term condition, so valsartan is often taken indefinitely. Your clinician will review your treatment over time.