Valsartan
NHS information about the medicine valsartan, including what it's used for, who can use it, how to use it and side effects.
What valsartan is for
Valsartan is mainly used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension).
It's a type of medicine called an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB).
It’s also used to help treat heart failure.
How to take valsartan
Valsartan can come as tablets, capsules, or a liquid that you swallow.
How much you need to take and for how long depends on why you're taking it, but you'll usually need to take it long-term.
Most people need to take valsartan once or twice a day. Your dose may need to be changed after you've been taking it for several weeks.
Do not stop taking valsartan unless your doctor tells you to.
When taking valsartan:
- take it at any time of day, but try to take it at the same time every day
- take it with water, with or without food
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Your doctor will arrange for you to have blood tests and blood pressure checks while you’re taking valsartan, to check how it’s affecting your blood pressure and kidneys.
If you get ill with vomiting, diarrhoea or high temp when taking bumetanide, there's a risk you'll get dehydrated.
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor for advice, or follow the advice they've already given you.
If you miss a dose of valsartan
If you forget to take a dose of valsartan, take the next dose as normal.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.
If you take too much valsartan
Taking too much valsartan can be dangerous.
Side effects of valsartan
Like all medicines, valsartan can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.
Common side effects
Common side effects of valsartan can include:
- dizziness
- headache
- tummy pain
- feeling tired
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
Valsartan should not affect your ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery. However, if you feel dizzy or tired while taking it, wait until you no longer have these side effects.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of valsartan.
For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website.
Who can and cannot take valsartan
Most adults aged 18 years or over can take valsartan. Valsartan may also be suitable for children aged 6 to 17 years old.
Valsartan is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:
- you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from other ARB medicines
- you have severe heart failure
- you have problems with your liver or kidneys
- you've had a condition called angioedema in the past, which is where parts of your body swell suddenly
Before taking valsartan, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and valsartan
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding. Valsartan is not usually used while breastfeeding. Your doctor may offer a different treatment while you're breastfeeding.
Pregnancy and valsartan
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Valsartan is not usually used during pregnancy. Your doctor may offer you different treatment while you're pregnant.
Taking valsartan with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines and supplements that may not mix well with valsartan.
This includes:
- other medicines used to treat high blood pressure, including ACE inhibitors like lisinopril
- some medicines that remove excess fluid from your body through your pee (diuretics), such as spironolactone
- supplements and salt substitutes (used to flavour food) that contain potassium
- some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen
- lithium (used to treat some mental health problems)
This is not the full list of medicines that may not mix well with valsartan. Before taking it, tell your doctor if you’re taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with valsartan
You can generally eat as normal while taking valsartan, but tell your doctor if you regularly eat salt alternatives containing potassium (such as LoSalt) while taking valsartan.
Try to not drink too much alcohol while taking losartan because it can cause side effects such as dizziness, feeling light-headed and dehydration.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice - if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicines Service
