Valsartan (Diovan): Uses, Warnings and More

What is valsartan?

Valsartan is an active ingredient used in medicines for blood pressure and certain heart conditions. It belongs to a group of medicines that block the effects of angiotensin II, a substance involved in blood vessel narrowing and aldosterone release.

In the source content, the U.S. brand names listed are Diovan and Prexxartan.

How valsartan works

Valsartan inhibits the effect of angiotensin II on blood pressure, renal blood flow, and aldosterone secretion. In practical terms, this helps explain why it is used in cardiovascular conditions where lowering blood pressure or reducing strain on the heart may be important.

Uses and therapeutic indications

According to the source content, valsartan is used for:

• High blood pressure in adults.
• Arterial hypertension in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years.
• Recent acute myocardial infarction in clinically stable patients with symptomatic heart failure or asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction after a recent AMI.
• Symptomatic heart failure in adults when ACE inhibitors cannot be used, or as an added treatment to ACE inhibitors when beta-blockers cannot be used.

Dosage forms mentioned in the source

The source lists the following formulations:

• Oral solution: 4 mg/1 mL
• Tablets: 40 mg, 80 mg, 160 mg, 320 mg

Exact dosing depends on the condition being treated, age, body weight, liver function, and other clinical factors. The official prescribing information should always be checked for the correct regimen.

Administration

Valsartan is taken by mouth. The source states that it can be administered independently of meals and should be taken with water.

Important dosing information from the source

Note: This table is only a summary of the source content. It is not a substitute for the official leaflet or a clinician’s instructions.

Contraindications listed in the source

• Hypersensitivity.
• Severe liver failure.
• Biliary cirrhosis.
• Cholestasis.
• Second and third trimester of pregnancy.
• Concomitant use with aliskiren in patients with diabetes mellitus or renal insufficiency (TFG <60 ml/min/1.73 m²).

Warnings and precautions

The source highlights several situations that require caution or monitoring:

• Kidney failure.
• Liver failure.
• Severe heart failure.
• Dialysis.
• Aortic or mitral stenosis, or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy.
• Bilateral renal artery stenosis, or stenosis of the renal artery of a single functioning kidney.
• Risk of symptomatic hypotension when sodium or volume is reduced.
• Not recommended after a recent kidney transplant.
• Not recommended in primary hyperaldosteronism.
• Risk of hyperkalaemia, especially with potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, or salt substitutes containing potassium.
• Monitoring of serum potassium and kidney function is advised.
• Dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is not recommended in the combinations described in the source.
• Not recommended in children with renal insufficiency or those undergoing dialysis.
• Risk of angioedema, including swelling of the face, lips, pharynx, or tongue.

Liver and kidney considerations

Liver failure

Valsartan is contraindicated in severe liver failure, biliary cirrhosis, and cholestasis. The source also states that in mild to moderate liver failure without cholestasis, caution is needed and the dose should not exceed 80 mg. In children with mild to moderate liver failure, the source also says not to exceed 80 mg.

Renal insufficiency

The source advises caution in renal insufficiency and in patients undergoing dialysis. It also states that valsartan is not recommended in children with renal insufficiency or those on dialysis, and that kidney function and potassium levels should be monitored.

Drug interactions mentioned in the source

• Lithium: valsartan may increase lithium toxicity.
• Other antihypertensives: blood pressure-lowering effects may be increased.
• NSAIDs: the antihypertensive effect may be reduced, and kidney function impairment risk may increase, especially if hydration is not adequate.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The source states that valsartan is not recommended in the first trimester and is contraindicated in the second and third trimesters. It also describes fetotoxic and neonatal risks.

For breastfeeding, the source says there is not enough information and recommends not administering it during lactation, especially when newborns or premature infants are involved.

Effects on driving and using machines

No studies were found in the source regarding driving ability. However, it notes that dizziness or fatigue may occur, so caution is sensible when driving or operating machinery.

Possible adverse reactions listed in the source

• Dizziness.
• Postural dizziness.
• Hypotension.
• Orthostatic hypotension.
• Renal failure and deterioration.

What to check in the official leaflet

If you are reviewing a valsartan medicine, it is useful to confirm the following in the official FDA medication guide or package insert:

• The exact brand and formulation.
• The prescribed dose and schedule.
• Whether the tablet or oral solution is being used.
• Any kidney, liver, pregnancy, or breastfeeding warnings.
• Potential interactions with other medicines, including NSAIDs, lithium, and potassium-containing products.

FAQ

Sources and reference links

The following reference resources were included in the original content:

• FDA Medication Guide
• UNII: 80M03YXJ7I
• ChemIDplus
• DrugPortal
• PubChem CID: 60846
• NCI Thesaurus: C47781